Top companies hiring checklist for 2026: Skills, rather than degrees, that Indian employers test now and recruiters actually use - Is skills-first hiring the new reality in India’s job market?
Top skills in demand include Digital Literacy, Generative AI familiarity, data analytics, communication, and adaptability. Salaries for data analysts and AI-literate professionals in India often start around Rs.6–10 lakh, with top performers in metros earning upwards of ?15–20 lakh, far above average graduate packages. There are also many roles that don’t require a college degree but pay well including Graphic Designer, Social Media Manager, Virtual Assistant, Video Editor, and Data Entry specialist. Learn the basics of the role, responsibility, tools, and build a portfolio to demonstrate the skill set.
Source: Economic Times January 19, 2026 06:22 UTC
