What to Expect in India's Job Market: Insights for 2026-27

As India navigates a shifting job landscape, a recent report reveals that hiring will focus on mid-level roles with salary increases projected at 5-10% for 2026-27. Concerns over attrition are significant, with many organizations expecting turnover rates to rise. The report highlights the need for companies to adapt to evolving workforce expectations, emphasizing flexibility and career progression. With a focus on compliance and restructuring, organizations are preparing for a competitive salary environment. Discover the key insights and trends shaping the future of employment in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 14, 2026, 16:28 IST

Hiring Trends and Salary Expectations

Mumbai: As concerns about employee turnover rise, Indian companies are expected to concentrate their hiring efforts on mid-level positions, with anticipated salary increases remaining modest at around 5-10% for the fiscal year 2026-27, according to a recent report.

The report from Genius HRTech indicates that 49% of surveyed companies are prioritizing mid-level professionals in their hiring strategies.

In terms of overall workforce growth, 28% of organizations plan to significantly boost hiring by over 10-15%, while 43% foresee only slight increases of 0-5%.

Regarding compensation, a competitive salary environment is anticipated, with 34% of respondents expecting raises above 10%, and 46% predicting moderate increases between 5-10%.

The report highlights that regulatory and labor reforms will be pivotal, with 57% of organizations indicating they will restructure compensation frameworks to comply with new Labor Codes.

Salary increments are expected to favor mid-senior level employees, who will receive 48% of the total increases, while junior and senior levels will receive 26% and 22%, respectively.

Attrition remains a significant concern, with 55% of respondents predicting turnover rates between 10-20%, and 15% expecting rates to exceed 20%.

Mid-senior level employees are particularly vulnerable, with 67% of organizations identifying them as the most likely to leave.

Regionally, the South is projected to experience the highest attrition rates, with 55% of respondents indicating this trend.

Changing workforce expectations are influencing attrition, with 50% of respondents citing higher demands for flexibility, purpose, and rapid career advancement, especially among younger employees, including Gen Alpha and Gen Z.

Moreover, 38% of organizations are recognizing the need for ongoing engagement, feedback, and learning as essential factors for retention.

Concerns about job security have a mixed impact, with 43% of organizations viewing them as moderate or limited contributors to attrition compared to compensation and growth opportunities.

R P Yadav, Chairman and Managing Director of Genius HRTech, stated, "The hiring landscape for 2026-27 reflects a shift towards cautious, data-driven strategies, emphasizing mid-level talent, digital skills, and evolving business requirements. The rising attrition rates underscore the necessity for improved planning and retention strategies."

There is also a trend towards agile, demand-driven hiring, balancing permanent and project roles, driven by the need for speed, skill alignment, technological adaptability, and scalability to ensure sustainable growth.

The findings are based on a survey conducted among 2,359 CXO-level leaders and senior professionals across various industries in India.

The report also notes gradual progress in diversity, with 27% of organizations aiming for a balanced 50:50 male-to-female hiring ratio, while 31% expect a 60:40 split. However, a significant number of respondents still report a male-skewed hiring trend.

Regionally, hiring activity is anticipated to be strongest in the North and West zones, each representing 32% of responses, followed by the East and South.