BENGALURU – Corporate India is set to reward its workforce with an average salary increment of 9.1% in 2026, according to the latest “Future of Pay” reports from major global consultancies including EY India and Aon. This marks a steady rise from the 8.9% average seen in 2025, signaling a resilient domestic economy despite global headwinds.
The 2026 appraisal season is characterized by a “skills-first” approach, where companies are moving away from blanket hikes to reward specialized capabilities in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital transformation.

