Jobs In 2026: Why 84% Indians Feel Unprepared

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A LinkedIn survey finds India's job market is changing fast, with artificial intelligence reshaping hiring and career paths ahead of 2026

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About 84% of Indian professionals feel unprepared to switch jobs, even as 72% say they are actively seeking new roles in 2026

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Candidates report rising stress as AI-led hiring grows complex, with multiple stages and automated filters dominating recruitment processes

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While 87% are comfortable using AI at work, 77% say recruitment now has too many rounds and feels increasingly impersonal

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Nearly 48% of job seekers struggle to stand out, citing slow recruiter responses and lack of feedback during applications

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AI is also seen as support, with 94% planning to use it in job searches and 66% saying it boosts interview confidence

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Despite AI adoption, 76% of professionals say finding a new job has become harder compared to the previous year

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LinkedIn data shows competition doubling since 2022, with far more applicants chasing every open role in India

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Career shifts are rising as 32% of Gen X explore new roles, while 32% of Gen Z look beyond their current industries

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LinkedIn highlights fast-growing roles like AI Engineer and Prompt Engineer, alongside rising demand in cybersecurity and sales

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