Startups to hire 15% more people in FY26
Indian startups are gearing up to hire 8% to 15% more people in FY26, mainly because AI and tech roles are hotter than ever.
Recruiters said startup hiring demand has begun to improve compared with last year, and startups are still pushing ahead and creating new opportunities.
Experienced folks dominate hiring
During the 2021-22 peak hiring phase, salary increases were 20-40%. Startups have been favoring experienced hires, with many roles filled by candidates with prior experience.
Retail, e-commerce, and tech startups are still big on freshers: many of their hires come straight out of college. Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are also growing fast.
Skills over degrees
Recruiters said early-stage startups are continuing to hire cautiously.
But here's the catch: real-world projects and internships matter more than just having a degree.
If you're into AI and ML engineering, data science, or DevOps, you're especially in demand since there aren't enough skilled candidates around.