AI Engineer is the fastest growing job role in Pune: LinkedIn reveals Jobs on the Rise 2026

January 21, 2026 maharashtralokmanch

Pune : 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 Pune, AI Engineer emerges as the fastest-growing job role, reflecting the city’s expanding role as a hub for technology and enterprise innovation. Beyond this, the list features roles such as General Manager Business Development (#2), Underwriter (#3), Marketing Consultant (#4) and Legal Executive (#5), highlighting growth across business development, financial services, marketing, legal and leadership roles in the city’s evolving job market.

Nirajita Banerjee, LinkedIn Career Expert and Sr. Managing Editor, LinkedIn India News says, “Pune’s job market is shaped by its blend of established industry and emerging innovation, creating openings for versatile professionals. With roles evolving across sectors and functions, employers are prioritizing adaptability. Professionals who combine AI literacy with their core expertise, demonstrate impact through tangible projects, and remain open to varied responsibilities are securing better prospects as hiring expands beyond technology into manufacturing, finance, and advisory sectors.”

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.

Pune’s Top 10 Jobs on the Rise