For a long time, India has been relying on two letters and one degree to guarantee a secure future: IT and engineering. These were the most secure bets for stability, status and regular paychecks. Placements, coding jobs and global opportunities dominated campus discussions, from crowded cities to small-town lanes. In 2026, that certainty looks different.
As per a report by India Today, India's Best Jobs 2026 rankings indicate that hiring is on the rise in healthcare, infrastructure, leadership and niche consumer-centric jobs. This is an indication of an overarching shift in how businesses define value and long-term viability.
Healthcare leads the hiring surge
The healthcare industry is now at the forefront of hiring, with dermatology leading the charge with a whopping 182 per cent year-over-year increase in hiring, coupled with the highest average salary paid to these professionals on a monthly basis. Surgeons and medical officers also make an appearance on the list.
According to the report by India Today, this is likely because of the rise of private healthcare facilities, including speciality clinics, in Metro cities and Tier-2 towns. As the middle class grows in India, they are willing to spend on luxury products, including healthcare. As a result, experienced medical professionals remain in demand.
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Infrastructure and real estate gain ground
Civil engineers, senior architects, quantity surveyors and real estate professionals are also among the fastest-growing jobs this year. The report states that this is likely because of rapid urbanisation, with new developments cropping up everywhere, including highways, metro rails, residential complexes and commercial buildings.
Today's hiring cycles are not just about getting the job done; they are about experience, accuracy and accountability. These jobs are directly linked to large-scale development initiatives, which make them even more difficult to replace.
Internships become a key entry point
Alongside full-time hiring, structured internships are gaining importance across these sectors. Hospitals, infrastructure firms, consulting companies and even consumer-facing startups are investing in internship programmes that focus on hands-on exposure rather than routine tasks. For students and early-career professionals, internships are increasingly serving as a bridge to specialised roles, allowing them to build domain knowledge and demonstrate real-world problem-solving ability before entering the job market formally.
Leadership roles move to the forefront
Senior leadership positions, including CFOs, Heads of Sales, Heads of Marketing, and Principal positions, are witnessing growth in hiring by over 100 per cent. As organisations move from survival to growth, the ability to manage teams, manage costs and manage through uncertainty has now become an important skill set to possess.
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Tech remains relevant, but no longer dominant
Roles like Python Developers remain strong, though no longer in the top spots, now sharing space with other sectors, including healthcare, construction, education and services, rather than dominating them.
Roles including interior designers, social media managers, travel consultants and realtors are now gaining momentum with increased spending on homes, brands, and experiences.
The career landscape in India, by 2026, is witnessing an increase in opportunities. Deep skill sets, domain knowledge and long-term relevance are now governing the next set of aspirations.
