Data, cybersecurity skills shaping hiring: NIIT report

Digital, data and cybersecurity skills are emerging as foundational capabilities for employability and workforce growth, while industry-recognised certifications and diversity-led skilling are increasingly shaping hiring confidence across organisations, according to NIIT India Skills Gap Report 2026, a nationwide study conducted in partnership with YouGov.

The report, which was released recently, drew responses from 700 recruiters, CXOs, senior leaders and academic heads, spanning industries such as IT/ITeS, BFSI, manufacturing, healthcare, e-commerce, EdTech, government, FMCG, telecom and auto.

Digital, data and cybersecurity drive future hiring demand

Across the hiring ecosystem, digital and data skills consistently rank among the top three most critical capabilities for the next 3-5 years across all cohorts surveyed — students, employees, recruiters, CXOs and academia, according to the report.

As organisations integrate AI into business operations, hiring signals are becoming more precise and outcome-driven. The study reveals that 38% of respondents agree that employers increasingly value certifications and micro-credentials beyond traditional degrees, reflecting a clear move away from degree-only hiring norms.