Indian Professionals Unprepared for 2026 Job Market Amid AI Surge: LinkedIn Report

• 84% of Indian professionals feel unprepared for new jobs by 2026, despite 72% actively seeking roles, as per a LinkedIn report.
• AI's growing influence, evolving skill demands, and a highly competitive market contribute to this unpreparedness.
• While 87% are comfortable using AI at work, 77% find AI-driven hiring processes too complex and 66% impersonal.
• AI is also a confidence booster, with 94% planning to use it for job searches and 66% for interview preparation.
• Competition has intensified, with applicants per role doubling since early 2022; recruiters also struggle to find qualified talent.

Why It Matters: Indian professionals face a challenging job market by 2026, driven by AI and competition, necessitating skill adaptation.