India’s Tech Sector to Create Up to 120,000 AI Job Roles by 2026
India’s technology sector is poised for significant growth in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with an estimated 120,000 new job roles set to emerge over the next two years. This growth will be primarily driven by tech services, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), pure-play AI firms, analytics, startups, and tech product companies. As AI adoption accelerates across industries, demand for AI professionals is on the rise, despite a broader slowdown in tech hiring over the past year.
Key Highlights:
- The demand for AI roles, particularly in Generative AI and Analytics, is expected to surge as companies transition from Proof of Concept (PoC) to large-scale AI deployment.
- AI roles will include positions such as AI Researchers, Application Specialists, AI Product Managers, and AI Consultants.
- Current AI workforce in India stands at approximately 400,000, with a projected need for 600,000, aiming to hit 1 million by 2026.
Industry Insight: Gaurav Vasu, Founder and CEO of UnearthInsight, shared, “We estimate around 120,000 to 150,000 new roles in AI (Generative AI) and Analytics over the next two years as AI applications expand across sectors, boosting demand for various AI experts.”
High-Compensation Roles: The premium nature of AI jobs is evident, with around 80% of these roles attracting above-average salaries due to the shortage of skilled professionals. AI engineering talent is commanding a premium of 40% to 80% over traditional tech roles.
Required Skill Sets: Aspiring AI professionals are expected to possess:
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, Java, or C++.
- Expertise in machine learning algorithms, data science, and statistics.
- Familiarity with generative models, like GPT, AI security, cloud platforms, and big data tools.
Companies are primarily focusing on lateral hires for mid-to-senior positions, although entry-level roles are also emerging as more fresh graduates upskill through certifications and boot camps.
