India has retained the world's strongest hiring outlook for the third quarter of 2026, with employers posting a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 48 per cent for the July-September period, according to the latest ManpowerGroup survey released on Tuesday, 9 June 2026. While the headline figure confirms India's pole position globally, the report signals a more measured and selective approach to recruitment as businesses navigate a complex operating environment.

Key Hiring Numbers

Of the employers surveyed, 60 per cent expect to increase headcount during the quarter, while 29 per cent plan to hold staffing levels steady. Around 11 per cent anticipate workforce reductions, and 1 per cent remain undecided on hiring plans. The 48 per cent NEO marks a moderation from the previous quarter but still outpaces every other country tracked in the survey.

What Employers Said

Sandeep Gulati, Managing Director of ManpowerGroup India and Middle East, said: 'India's Q3 2026 hiring outlook remains the strongest globally, reflecting continued employer confidence in the country's growth trajectory despite an increasingly complex business environment.' He added that the quarter-on-quarter moderation reflected 'a more cautious and selective hiring approach rather than a decline in business confidence.' Strong momentum in manufacturing, services, and the continued expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) continues to underpin demand for talent.

Sector-Wise Breakdown

Hiring sentiment weakened across eight of the nine sectors tracked on a quarter-on-quarter basis. The trade and logistics sector recorded the sharpest decline in hiring expectations, followed by the public sector, health and social services, and the information sector. Hospitality was the sole sector to report an improvement over the previous quarter.

The utilities and natural resources sector emerged as the most optimistic, posting a NEO of 61 per cent — the highest globally — and 12 percentage points above its year-ago reading. The finance and insurance sector also stood out on an annual basis, recording a 14-point rise in hiring expectations compared to Q3 2025.

Regional Trends

Eastern India reported the strongest regional hiring outlook at 52 per cent, while southern India recorded the highest year-on-year improvement, with expectations rising by 10 percentage points. The regional divergence points to concentrated growth corridors rather than uniform national expansion.

AI, Skills, and the Future of Hiring

The report highlights a nuanced relationship between artificial intelligence and human capital. Employers are navigating AI-led workforce optimisation, softer demand for entry-level roles, global trade uncertainty, and geopolitical developments affecting supply chains and business costs.

Despite the AI wave, 75 per cent of employers said a human reviewer of resumes remains the most valuable hiring resource — ahead of AI-based recruitment and screening tools. Communication and collaboration topped the list of sought-after skills, followed by problem-solving, time management, and work ethic. Notably, more than 84 per cent of employers said they are willing to pay a premium for AI-related skills, including AI model development, application development, and AI literacy — signalling that human-AI hybrid profiles are rapidly becoming the most prized in the market.

With GCC expansion accelerating and manufacturing activity holding firm, India's talent market is expected to remain a global standout through the second half of 2026, even as employers sharpen their hiring filters.