Mumbai : Professionals in India are entering the new year with high ambition for change, as new research from LinkedIn shows 72% are looking for a new role in 2026. However, more than one-thirds also feel unprepared for how fast technology is changing the skills required to do jobs (38%) and how they can stand out amid rising competition today (37%).

To help professionals navigate this uncertainty, LinkedIn has released its Jobs on the Rise 2026 list. In Mumbai, AI Engineer ranks as the fastest-growing job role, highlighting rising demand for AI talent in the financial capital of India. Beyond technology, the list also includes roles such as Conference Producer (#2), Director of Photography (#4), Brand Consultant (#5), Strategic Advisor (#6) and Veterinarian (#10), pointing to growth across creative, consulting, leadership and specialised professional fields in the city’s job market.

Nirajita Banerjee, LinkedIn Career Expert and Sr. Managing Editor, LinkedIn India News says, “Mumbai’s job market is rewarding versatility in a way we haven’t seen in years. With roles evolving across projects and industries, employers are prioritising adaptability. Professionals who pair AI literacy with their core strengths, demonstrate outcomes through projects, and remain flexible about roles are better positioned as hiring demand expands beyond technology into creative and consulting fields.”

Indian professionals are comfortable using AI, but unsure about its use in hiring

LinkedIn’s research shows that 94% of professionals in India are comfortable using AI in their job search, but nearly half (48%) don’t understand how to stand out when AI is used in hiring. 54% of them say AI can be an obstacle in getting noticed by recruiters. Despite these concerns, 65% believe AI can improve communication from recruiters and help address gaps in recruiter-candidate interactions.

How LinkedIn’s AI tools are improving job search and role matching

LinkedIn also offers a wide range of AI tools, including AI-powered job search, which lets members search for jobs in their own words and discover roles they might never have thought to look for. The tool is now rolling out globally in English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese. Over 1.3M members globally already use it every day, and over 25M weekly searches are powered by the new job search experience. Once you discover relevant roles, you can use LinkedIn’s job match feature to see which roles align with your skills and qualifications, so you can focus on applying to opportunities where you’re a fit and more likely to be considered for the role.

Mumbai’s Top 10 Jobs on the Rise

  1. AI Engineer
  2. Conference Producer
  3. Director of Artificial Intelligence
  4. Director of Photography
  5. Brand Consultant
  6. Strategic Advisor
  7. Research Instructor
  8. Advertising Manager
  9. Quantitative Researcher
  10. Veterinarian