The landscape of India's job market is undergoing a significant transformation, with male professionals becoming more deliberate about where they choose to build their futures. A major new study has mapped these shifting preferences, revealing the top destinations for career-driven men in the coming year.
India Skills Report 2026: A Surge in Employability
According to the India Skills Report 2026, released by the global talent firm Wheebox, there has been a remarkable and noticeable shift in both the employability levels and geographic preferences of India's male workforce. The report, which provides a critical snapshot of job readiness, shows a clear and positive trajectory for men's skills over recent years.
The data reveals a compelling story of improvement. Back in 2019, only 34.26% of men who took the Global Employability Test were deemed employable. This figure remained stagnant through the challenging years of 2020 and 2021. However, a turning point came in 2022, with employability jumping sharply to 47.28%.
This upward trend solidified in the following years, reaching 51.80% in 2024 and 53.46% in 2025. While the report notes a slight dip to 51.5% in 2026, indicating persistent skill gaps that need addressing, the overall climb from the mid-30s to consistently above 50% points to vastly improved access to education, targeted training, and job-relevant skill development for men across the nation.
The Top 10 Destination States for Male Professionals
Beyond measuring skill levels, the report's crucial insight lies in identifying where male professionals see the most promising opportunities. Based on a comprehensive analysis of employability data and professional movement trends, the India Skills Report 2026 lists the following as the top 10 preferred states for work:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Karnataka
- Punjab
- Delhi
- Himachal Pradesh
- Telangana
- Bihar
- Tamil Nadu
This list reflects a diverse mix of economic powerhouses and emerging hubs. While states like Maharashtra and Karnataka continue to attract talent with their vast industrial bases and tech ecosystems, the rise of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to the top spots signals a significant change. These states are now perceived as offering robust job markets, growing industries, and improved infrastructure.
What Drives the Preference?
The popularity of these states is not accidental; it mirrors broader economic and social patterns. Regions that have invested in expanding key industries, enhancing connectivity through better transport and digital networks, and fostering supportive work environments are naturally drawing more male professionals.
Conversely, states that have been slower in driving industrial growth or systematic skill development may find it challenging to retain homegrown talent or attract professionals from elsewhere. The report underscores that men's employability and their choice of workplace are deeply interconnected with access to quality education, practical, industry-aligned skills, and tangible career pathways.
For job seekers and career planners, this data is invaluable. Understanding where opportunities are concentrating helps in making informed decisions about potential relocation, targeted upskilling, and strategic long-term career planning. As India's workforce continues to evolve at a rapid pace, these ten states have firmly established themselves as the key employment hubs for men in 2026. They represent more than just locations on a map; they are indicators of where professional growth, economic opportunity, and workforce development are powerfully converging.
