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As per the report, resume screening remains the most common use of AI in recruitment, with 72 per cent of organisations using AI for this purpose.
Employers are placing growing emphasis on behavioural competencies, learning agility, adaptability and collaboration. (File/Representative image)
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way companies recruit and assess talent, with 86 per cent of organisations saying AI or Agentic AI is transforming their recruitment processes, according to Deloitte India’s Campus Workforce Trends 2026 report.
The shift is particularly significant for students and early-career professionals, as AI is increasingly being used across multiple stages of hiring — from screening resumes and conducting assessments to engaging candidates and evaluating their suitability for roles.
Resume screening remains the most common use of AI in recruitment, with 72 per cent of organisations using AI for this purpose. AI-based assessments are used by 48 per cent of organisations, while 37 per cent use AI for candidate engagement and 33 per cent rely on predictive hiring tools.
AI-led video interviewing is also emerging as another screening method, indicating that technology is playing an increasingly central role in how employers identify and assess candidates. 35 per cent of organisations say AI adoption is creating new entry-level roles or new skill requirements. This is a significant increase from 21 per cent in FY25.
Demand for AI-aligned campus roles is particularly strong in technology-driven sectors. IT and ITeS organisations lead with 73 per cent, followed by professional services at 53 per cent and financial services at 46 per cent.
Demand rises for skills
The report also highlights a growing skills premium in the campus job market. AI and data capabilities — including AI development, cybersecurity, data science and Industry 4.0 — attract a salary premium of around 20–25 per cent.
Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills can command an additional 10–15 per cent premium. Skills in areas such as bioinformatics, biopharmaceuticals, legal technology, digital health, sustainable finance, consumer analytics, industrial cybersecurity and smart factories are emerging as specialised career pathways.
MBA offers more salary than engineering
While skills are becoming increasingly important, the institute a student graduates from continues to have a major impact on compensation.
The survey found that median MBA compensation at the top 10 institutes stood at Rs 27.4 lakh, compared with Rs 8.4 lakh at Tier 3 institutes. Among BTech graduates, the corresponding figures were Rs 18.7 lakh and Rs 5.75 lakh.
This represents roughly a 3.3-fold difference in median compensation between the two institute categories.
However, the report suggests that compensation is increasingly being determined by more than just degree and college pedigree. Institute tier, role and specialisation, and demonstrable critical skills are emerging as three key factors shaping pay.
Soft skills could determine who gets the job
Technical expertise alone may not guarantee a job offer either. Employers are placing growing emphasis on behavioural competencies, learning agility, adaptability and collaboration.
Behavioural competencies emerged as the strongest predictor of pre-placement offer (PPO) conversion, with 75 per cent of employers identifying them as important. Learning agility followed at 72 per cent, ahead of several technical and assessment-based factors.
Internships are also becoming a stronger route into full-time employment, with PPO conversion rates improving across the degree categories covered by the report.
The survey also found that 59 per cent of organisations provide regular online learning modules, 55 per cent offer relocation assistance and 53 per cent provide annual health and wellness benefits. Around 42 per cent now offer remote or hybrid working arrangements to early-career employees.
Quick Answers
Ask News18By 2026, AI is increasingly transforming recruitment processes, with 86% of organisations adopting it in hiring. AI is being used across multiple stages of hiring, including resume screening (by 72% of organisations), AI-based assessments (by 48%), candidate engagement (by 37%), and predictive hiring tools (by 33%). AI-led video interviewing is also emerging as a screening method. This adoption is creating new entry-level roles or new skill requirements in 35% of organisations.
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August 28, 2026, 09:14 IST
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