New Delhi [India]: Around 30% of Indian employers are planning to adopt skills-based hiring practices by eliminating degree requirements, significantly outpacing the global average of 19%, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Jobs Report 2025.
This shift in India reflects a growing emphasis on technological innovation and diversity in hiring practices, aligning with broader global labour market trends, the report states.
Key trends shaping India’s job market by 2030 include digital access, geopolitical tensions, and climate mitigation efforts, as outlined in the report. Companies in India are investing heavily in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, autonomous systems, and energy innovations.
Indian employers are leading in the adoption of advanced technologies compared to their global counterparts, with 35% of companies expecting semiconductors and computing technologies to transform operations, and 21% predicting significant impacts from quantum and encryption technologies.
The WEF report forecasts a surge in demand for roles such as:
- Big Data Specialists
- AI and Machine Learning Specialists
- Security Management Specialists
These are expected to be the fastest-growing job roles in the country.
Indian companies are also prioritizing diversity in talent acquisition, with 67% of employers focusing on expanding their talent pools, compared to a global average of 47%.
Globally, the report identifies digitalization, climate change mitigation, and the rising cost of living as key factors driving labor market transformations. In Europe, challenges such as talent shortages and skills gaps remain pressing, with 54% of employers anticipating a decline in talent availability—substantially higher than the global average.