Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part F (2025)

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into human resource management is transforming traditional recruitment practices across the globe, and India is no exception. AI-driven recruitment systems, including resume parsing, automated shortlisting, chatbots, and algorithmic interview assessments, promise efficiency, consistency, and cost-effectiveness. However, the effectiveness of these technological interventions is not solely determined by organizational adoption; candidate perceptions play a pivotal role in shaping engagement, trust, and acceptance of AI in hiring processes. Despite the increasing reliance on AI in recruitment, empirical research focusing on the Indian context remains limited, leaving a significant gap in understanding how job seekers perceive these AI-driven systems.
This study seeks to explore candidate attitudes toward AI-based recruitment in India, examining dimensions such as perceived fairness, transparency, bias, trust, and overall satisfaction with AI-enabled hiring procedures. Drawing upon survey data collected from over 400 respondents across diverse sectors, including information technology, start-ups, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), the research employs descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and inferential techniques to uncover patterns in candidate perceptions. The findings aim to identify both positive and negative sentiments associated with AI in recruitment, highlighting factors that influence candidate acceptance and resistance.
By offering insights into how Indian candidates respond to AI in recruitment, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on technology-mediated human resource management. Furthermore, it provides actionable recommendations for HR practitioners and organizational leaders seeking to optimize AI deployment in recruitment while ensuring candidate-centric practices. The results are expected to inform policy-making, enhance employer branding, and foster a balance between technological efficiency and human sensitivity in the hiring process. In doing so, this research addresses a critical gap in literature, combining global trends with localized, empirical evidence from India, ultimately offering a nuanced understanding of the interplay between AI technology and candidate experience in contemporary recruitment.