Pune: Professionals across India are entering 2026 with strong career ambitions, even as uncertainty around rapidly evolving skills continues to grow, according to new research released alongside LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2026 report.
The findings show that 72% of Indian professionals are actively looking for a new role this year, while many feel unprepared for the pace of technological change and increasing competition.
Against this backdrop, LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2026 list highlights key roles gaining momentum across major cities, with Pune emerging as a strong centre for high-growth opportunities.
LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2026: AI Engineer Emerges as Fastest-Growing Role in Pune
According to LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2026 data, AI Engineer is the fastest-growing job role in Pune, underscoring the city’s expanding position as a hub for technology-led innovation and enterprise transformation.
The ranking reflects strong demand for professionals with advanced artificial intelligence capabilities as organisations across sectors accelerate digital adoption.
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Beyond AI Engineer, the LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2026 list for Pune also features General Manager – Business Development, Underwriter, Marketing Consultant, and Legal Executive, indicating robust hiring activity across business development, financial services, marketing, legal, and leadership functions.
The diversity of roles signals that growth in Pune’s job market is not limited to technology alone but spans multiple industries and functions.
Commenting on the trends, Nirajita Banerjee, LinkedIn Career Expert and Senior Managing Editor, LinkedIn India News, said that Pune’s employment landscape reflects a blend of established industries and emerging innovation.
She noted that employers are increasingly prioritising adaptability, with professionals who combine AI literacy with core domain expertise, demonstrate impact through projects, and remain open to broader responsibilities finding stronger career prospects.
Hiring momentum, she added, is extending beyond technology into manufacturing, finance, and advisory sectors.
Indian Professionals Comfortable Using AI, But Unsure About Hiring Impact
The LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2026 research also reveals a nuanced view of AI adoption among Indian professionals.
While 94% report being comfortable using AI during their job search, nearly half (48%) say they do not fully understand how to stand out when AI is used in hiring processes.
Additionally, 54% believe AI can act as a barrier to getting noticed by recruiters.
Despite these concerns, optimism remains high. Around 65% of professionals believe AI can enhance recruiter communication and help bridge gaps between recruiters and candidates, pointing to growing acceptance of AI-enabled hiring tools alongside lingering uncertainty about their impact.
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LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2026 Insights Backed by LinkedIn’s AI-Powered Job Search Tools
In line with the LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2026 findings, LinkedIn continues to expand its AI-powered job search and role-matching capabilities.
These tools allow members to search for roles using natural language and discover opportunities they may not have otherwise considered.
The AI-powered job search experience is being rolled out globally across multiple languages, with millions of members already using it daily.
LinkedIn’s job match feature further enables professionals to assess how closely their skills and qualifications align with specific roles, helping them prioritise applications where they are more likely to be considered.
LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2026: Pune’s Top 10
- AI Engineer
- General Manager – Business Development
- Underwriter
- Marketing Consultant
- Legal Executive
- Financial Planning Analyst
- Vice President – Supply Chain
- Account Manager
- Research Instructor
- Sales Director
