Indian Professionals Eye 2026 Job Switch, Feel Unprepared Amid AI Hiring Boom: LinkedIn

• Majority of Indian professionals plan to switch jobs in 2026 but feel unprepared for the AI-driven hiring process and rising competition.
• A LinkedIn report reveals 84% of professionals feel unready for job search due to AI, shifting skill needs, and a competitive market.
• Applicants per open role in India have more than doubled since early 2022; 74% of recruiters find it harder to find qualified talent.
• LinkedIn's Nirajita Banerjee highlights AI's foundational role in careers, emphasizing its potential to bridge skill gaps and identify suitable roles.
• Top in-demand roles include Prompt Engineer, AI Engineer, and Software Engineer, with healthy demand also in sales, cybersecurity, and advisory functions.

Why It Matters: Indian professionals face an AI-driven job market, planning switches but needing better preparation and skills.