Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced plans for 10,000 new police recruitments to combat drug problems effectively. He emphasized the police's full autonomy to act against drug trafficking in communities. The state government is enhancing police resources and integrating technology-driven approaches in their operations. Discussions with the Centre aim to strengthen the NDPS Act against drug-related offenses further.
India’s white-collar hiring grew 2% year-on-year in September, with the Naukri JobSpeak Index rising to 3,053 from 3,002 a year earlier. AI/ML hiring led sectoral growth with a 20% jump, followed by auto at 11%. Hyderabad recorded the strongest metro growth, while Mumbai and Delhi-NCR declined 6%.
Hiring for artificial intelligence and machine learning roles experienced a 20 percent increase year-on-year in September. Overall white-collar hiring remained relatively stable, indicating a shift towards specialised skills. Demand for experienced professionals in AI/ML surged, particularly among those with 13-16 years of experience. Declines were reported in traditional sectors like hospitality and education during the same period. Future hiring trends may increasingly favor specialised skills over broad-based sector growth.
India's industrial workforce increased to over 2 crore in 2024-25, driven largely by the manufacturing sector. The registered manufacturing sector saw broad-based growth, with a notable rise in employment and wages. Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana led in manufacturing employment during this period. Gross value added in manufacturing rose significantly, indicating continued expansion in industrial value addition.
Cheating in recruitment assessments has dramatically increased, with 45% of tests flagged for integrity issues. AI-assisted methods have surged in use, transforming traditional cheating tactics into sophisticated techniques. Employers are now challenged to adapt their hiring processes to counteract these advanced cheating methods. Interview fraud is also rising, as candidates misrepresent their skills and identities. Continuous innovation in detection and verification is essential for maintaining recruitment integrity.
IIT graduates from the Class of 2027 are expected to see median compensation remain flat at Rs 16.46 lakh per annum, while top IIM packages are projected to hold at Rs 26 lakh, according to Aon’s Campus Study Report. Tier-1 engineering and management colleges, however, are expected to see increases as employers become more selective and focus on skills and job readiness.
India’s campus hiring market remains resilient, but employers are becoming more selective, with demand concentrated in specialised skills, internships and job-ready graduates, according to Aon’s 2026-27 study. Hiring is expected to rise most for CA/CS graduates and interns, while campus pay is projected to increase modestly and internships remain a key route to full-time roles.
Government jobs 2027: Haryana Police plans to recruit 20,000 personnel next year to address a 26% vacancy rate, DGP Ajay Singhal said. Around 5,500 personnel have already been recruited this year, with another 4,000 expected to join in November. The department also plans to spend Rs 1,300 crore on police modernisation and infrastructure over the next two years, alongside measures to tackle crime, drug smuggling and cybercrime.?
India's festive hiring is shifting towards longer-term roles as employers seek to retain talent beyond peak season. Companies are also beginning recruitment earlier in anticipation of higher demand during the festive period. Nearly half of the employers foresee hiring growth in Tier II and Tier III cities as e-commerce expands. Challenges remain, particularly in finding reliable workers willing to adapt to peak-season demands.
Large food companies and restaurants are expanding their hiring for food safety and compliance roles. This increase is in response to rigorous inspections by regulatory authorities focused on hygiene standards. Companies like PepsiCo and LT Foods are actively seeking qualified personnel to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Restaurant chains are also implementing internal audits and training programs to enhance food safety practices.