What is the story about?
The year 2025 has seen major changes in the job market. It is no longer just about basic computer skills or traditional writing. The focus has now shifted to practical skills - what candidates can actually do. Companies across sectors are now focusing on candidates' skills, rather than their alma mater or how many years of experience they have.
According to the 2025 India Talent Trends Report: Compete on Clarity, which surveyed 1,383 hiring leaders, found that one of the biggest challenges companies face is that candidates often lack the necessary skills for the job.
Skills rank as the third biggest hiring challenge after salary expectations and finding a proper company and culture fit. This means that even if a company offers an attractive salary and has a great work environment, it can still struggle to hire people if applicants lack the necessary skills.
Also read: Workplace Controversies of 2025: CEO exits, HR blunders and toxic culture exposés
Additionally, tith the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), new technologies and changing industry priorities, it is important for every person to learn new skills and update the existing ones.
Skills trending in 2025
According to Forbes, 80 percent of companies using AI and machine learning (ML) have seen better efficiency and improved customer experiences. With more people using online platforms and changing how they shop or interact, digital marketing has also become very important.
Jobs trending in 2025
Some jobs that were once very common are now seeing reduced demand due to automation, AI, and changing business needs. Jobs such as data entry clerks or routine administrative roles are losing relevance as now automated software and AI can now handle repetitive tasks like entering data, scheduling or processing invoices.
While these jobs witnessed a slow trend, some new-age jobs that gained big momentum in 2025 are:
These new age roles are growing fast as businesses adopting technology, digital tools, and sustainable practices rapidly. With companies focusing on AI and machine learning, and rising online threats, the demand for skilled professionals in these areas continues to rise.
What jobs will be hot in 2026?
In 2026, jobs that are driven by technology will have the best career opportunities. This includes roles in data science and analytics, AI and machine learning, cloud and enterprise architecture, business intelligence, and risk management.
Also read: A look at key changes and trends in India’s insurance sector in 2025
The job market is also moving toward roles that mix basic digital skills with hands-on technical work. This creates a new worker type called a ‘blue-collar tech’ worker – someone who uses technology to do practical, on-the-ground work.
Certain industries that are expected to see the biggest job growth in 2026 are renewable energy and eco-friendly construction, quick delivery and logistics services, and high-tech factories.
Salary trends in 2025 and expected in 2026
According to Aon India, the average salary increase across India was 8.9% in 2025, and it is expected to rise slightly to 9.0% in 2026, TOI reported. Industries such as Automotive/Vehicle Manufacturing saw a 9.8% hike in 2025, with a slight dip to 9.6% expected next year. Banking and Chemicals reported 8.5% increases, set to rise to 8.6% and 8.8% respectively in 2026.
E-commerce is expected to grow from 8.9% to 9.2%, while Engineering Design Services and Life Sciences remain strong at 9.6–9.7%. Engineering and Manufacturing may see a slight slowdown, dropping from 9.4% to 9.2%.
FMCG and Fast-Moving Consumer Durables are expected to see modest growth from 9.0% to 9.1%, while Global Capability Centres will remain steady at 9.4–9.5%. NBFCs are projected to offer one of the highest pay increases, from 9.8% to 10.0%.
According to the 2025 India Talent Trends Report: Compete on Clarity, which surveyed 1,383 hiring leaders, found that one of the biggest challenges companies face is that candidates often lack the necessary skills for the job.
Skills rank as the third biggest hiring challenge after salary expectations and finding a proper company and culture fit. This means that even if a company offers an attractive salary and has a great work environment, it can still struggle to hire people if applicants lack the necessary skills.
Also read: Workplace Controversies of 2025: CEO exits, HR blunders and toxic culture exposés
Additionally, tith the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), new technologies and changing industry priorities, it is important for every person to learn new skills and update the existing ones.
Skills trending in 2025
- Communication skills: Many people work remotely or across different countries, making good communication skills the most indepensible of the list. It's not just about proper talking or writing, it's about making sure your message is clear and comprehensible.
- Technical skills: Candidates must be aware of how to use modern technology, stay up to date with evolving trends and industry standards.
- Data analysis and interpretation: As companies deal with a lot of data, it is extremely important for candidates to understand and analyse data to make better and informed decisions.
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning: AI is changing how businesses work, so being proficient in AI and ML helps create smarter systems and improve efficiency.
- UI/UX design: Good design makes websites and apps easy and enjoyable to use. Companies need designers who can create user-friendly experiences.
- Cybersecurity- Online threats are rising so cybersecurity skills help protect companies and customer data from hackers.
According to Forbes, 80 percent of companies using AI and machine learning (ML) have seen better efficiency and improved customer experiences. With more people using online platforms and changing how they shop or interact, digital marketing has also become very important.
Jobs trending in 2025
Some jobs that were once very common are now seeing reduced demand due to automation, AI, and changing business needs. Jobs such as data entry clerks or routine administrative roles are losing relevance as now automated software and AI can now handle repetitive tasks like entering data, scheduling or processing invoices.
While these jobs witnessed a slow trend, some new-age jobs that gained big momentum in 2025 are:
- AI Engineers
- Data Scientists
- Machine Learning Specialists
- Cybersecurity Analysts
- UI/UX Designers
- Electric Vehicle Technicians
These new age roles are growing fast as businesses adopting technology, digital tools, and sustainable practices rapidly. With companies focusing on AI and machine learning, and rising online threats, the demand for skilled professionals in these areas continues to rise.
What jobs will be hot in 2026?
In 2026, jobs that are driven by technology will have the best career opportunities. This includes roles in data science and analytics, AI and machine learning, cloud and enterprise architecture, business intelligence, and risk management.
Also read: A look at key changes and trends in India’s insurance sector in 2025
The job market is also moving toward roles that mix basic digital skills with hands-on technical work. This creates a new worker type called a ‘blue-collar tech’ worker – someone who uses technology to do practical, on-the-ground work.
Certain industries that are expected to see the biggest job growth in 2026 are renewable energy and eco-friendly construction, quick delivery and logistics services, and high-tech factories.
Salary trends in 2025 and expected in 2026
According to Aon India, the average salary increase across India was 8.9% in 2025, and it is expected to rise slightly to 9.0% in 2026, TOI reported. Industries such as Automotive/Vehicle Manufacturing saw a 9.8% hike in 2025, with a slight dip to 9.6% expected next year. Banking and Chemicals reported 8.5% increases, set to rise to 8.6% and 8.8% respectively in 2026.
E-commerce is expected to grow from 8.9% to 9.2%, while Engineering Design Services and Life Sciences remain strong at 9.6–9.7%. Engineering and Manufacturing may see a slight slowdown, dropping from 9.4% to 9.2%.
FMCG and Fast-Moving Consumer Durables are expected to see modest growth from 9.0% to 9.1%, while Global Capability Centres will remain steady at 9.4–9.5%. NBFCs are projected to offer one of the highest pay increases, from 9.8% to 10.0%.
