India's job market is expected to grow 2.8 per cent in the first half of 2025-26 amid economic complexity and cost-conscious hiring, a report said on Thursday.

This marks a measured decline from 7.1 per cent in October-March FY25, signalling a deliberate pivot toward demand-sensitive and cost-conscious hiring, according to TeamLease Services's 'Employment Outlook Report'.

The TeamLease Services' report forecasts a 2.8 per cent Net Employment Change (NEC), down from 71 per cent in H2 FY25, as 47 per cent of employers interviewed indicated plans for workforce expansion, 28 per cent opting for stability, while 25 per cent expect to reduce.

The 'Employment Outlook Report' is based on extensive primary and secondary research, drawing insights from over 1,263 employers across 23 industries and 20 cities across the country.