Indian corporates to hire 1.2 crore employees in 2026

Indian firms to hire 1–1.2 crore in 2026, with EY, Tata Motors, Godrej, Diageo, and Motilal Oswal driving growth through tech and diversity

India’s job market is set for a major boost in 2026, with leading corporates gearing up to recruit nearly 1.2 crore employees across diverse sectors. According to a report by staffing firm TeamLease, companies are expected to add between 10 to 12 million new jobs this year, marking a sharp rise from the 8 to 10 million hires recorded in 2025. The surge reflects strong demand in technology, inclusivity, and campus recruitment, with industry giants such as EY, Tata Motors, Godrej, and Motilal Oswal leading the charge.

Global consulting firm EY India has announced plans to onboard around 14,000 to 15,000 professionals by June 2026. Arti Dua, the company’s Chief Human Resources Officer, emphasized that campus hiring remains central to their talent strategy. Similarly, Diageo India is expanding its digital technology and supply chain divisions while strengthening gender diversity initiatives to increase women’s participation in its workforce.

Automobile major Tata Motors is also preparing for significant recruitment in emerging technologies. The company’s HR officer, Sitaram Kandi, highlighted that future hiring will focus on battery innovation, hydrogen fuel cells, and software-driven vehicles, with engineering and R&D roles receiving priority.

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Godrej Consumer Products is intensifying its inclusivity agenda, aiming to raise representation of women, differently-abled individuals, and the LGBTIQA+ community from 31% to 33% by FY 2027. The company’s vision is to create a workplace that reflects society’s diversity and provides equal opportunities across all segments.

Meanwhile, Motilal Oswal Financial Services is planning a large-scale recruitment drive in data science, artificial intelligence, and technology. Group CHRO Niren Srivastava noted that empowering women in leadership and leveraging technology to expand opportunities are key priorities for the firm.

With these initiatives, Indian corporates are expected to usher in a new era of employment growth in 2026, driven by innovation, inclusivity, and a strong focus on future-ready skills

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