India is set to remain the world’s most optimistic job market in the final quarter of 2026. The ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey gives India a net employment outlook of 54 per cent for October to December. That is 25 percentage points above the global average.

The survey covered 3,055 Indian employers. About 65 per cent plan to increase hiring in the quarter. Around 24 per cent expect no change in workforce levels.

About 11 per cent plan to cut headcount. Hiring sentiment has improved from the previous quarter. The net outlook is up six percentage points quarter on quarter.

It is up 11 points from a year ago. All nine sectors surveyed show positive hiring plans. Finance and insurance lead with a net outlook of 60 per cent.

Hospitality follows at 58 per cent. The information sector stands at 57 per cent. Changing skills needs are driving hiring.

Among employers planning to recruit, 69 per cent cited changing roles and skills as the reason. Business expansion and demand for technology-linked capabilities were other drivers. About 57 per cent of employers said hiring processes are faster than a year ago.