“Against the backdrop of a resilient macroeconomic environment and sector-specific growth dynamics, salary increment budgets across India Inc. are expected to remain stable in 2026,” as per the Deloitte India Talent Outlook 2026. Findings indicated that companies are projecting 9.1% average pay hikes in 2026, against 9% the past year. The overall objective balances “need to retain critical talent with a strong push towards productivity and cost discipline”, it added. Among industries, the financial services and manufacturing sectors are maintaining relatively higher pay increments to support growth and consequent hiring needs. Further, the learning operating model has shifted to a digital mode with virtual learning now nearly 70% of training delivery.

Source: Mint April 06, 2026 15:08 UTC