India has sustained its position with the strongest hiring outlook globally for the third quarter of 2026, as per a report by ManpowerGroup. Employers in India report a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 48%, indicating a positive trend despite a more cautious recruitment approach due to evolving business conditions. While 60% of employers plan to increase hiring, 29% aim to maintain current staffing levels.
Sandeep Gulati, Managing Director of ManpowerGroup India and Middle East, noted that India’s hiring outlook for Q3 2026 remains robust, reflecting employer confidence in the country’s growth trajectory. The current moderation in hiring reflects a shift towards a more selective recruitment strategy rather than a decrease in business confidence. Strong activity in manufacturing, services, and the expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) continue to drive hiring demand.
Despite the positive outlook, hiring sentiment weakened in eight out of nine sectors surveyed on a quarter-on-quarter basis. Sectors like trade and logistics, public sector, health, and social services experienced a decline in hiring expectations. However, the utilities and natural resources sector showed optimism with a NEO of 61%, the highest globally.
The finance and insurance sector also demonstrated strong performance with a 14-point increase in hiring expectations compared to the same period last year. Regionally, eastern India reported the strongest hiring outlook at 52%, while southern India saw a notable year-on-year improvement. Employers are increasingly valuing human skills, with communication, collaboration, problem-solving, time management, and work ethic being the most sought-after capabilities.
