Artificial intelligence (AI) strongly influences the IT job market in India. A recent predicts that AI will create about 27.30 lakh new jobs in India by 2028. While AI will automate some repetitive tasks in the IT sector, it will also open up new job opportunities that require specialised skills.
For example, roles like data scientists, AI programmers, and big data analysts will be in high demand. People employed in these roles will use AI to analyse data and draw conclusions.
Additionally, AI will require about 9% of workers to shift to completely new job roles that do not exist today, while 37% will need to learn new skills to keep up with changing job requirements. Thus, IT professionals like you must continuously upgrade their skills to stay relevant. In this article, let’s understand in detail how AI is changing the IT job market in India.
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The bright side of AI on tech employment
Studies predict AI could contribute up to USD 957 billion (Rs. 83 lakh crores) to India’s economy by 2035. This economic boost is likely to generate massive employment opportunities in India. Let’s understand the bright side of AI in detail:
1. Creation of new job roles in IT due to AI
AI is creating new job roles, especially at managerial and technical levels. Nowadays, companies want professionals who can develop and manage AI systems rather than just perform repetitive tasks.
A recent study showed that 83% of the executives of large organisations believe AI has created new job roles, and 67% of such new jobs were created at the level of manager or above. Most of these roles require expertise in:
- AI programming
- Data Science
- Data Analytics
As an IT professional, if you focus on machine learning and cybersecurity, you will have better career opportunities. Therefore, rather than fearing job loss, IT workers should upgrade their skills in AI-related fields.
2. Sectoral growth
Job creation due to AI is happening in multiple industries, such as:
- IT-BPM (Business Process Management)
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Logistics
In the IT sector, businesses now need skilled professionals to develop AI applications and maintain automated systems. As more and more industries adopt AI, the demand for AI trainers and ethical AI auditors is also rising.
Thus, in such a job market, you should learn Python, TensorFlow, cloud platforms, and AI security protocols to benefit the most.
Challenges of displacement in IT due to AI
AI enhances productivity and allows IT professionals like you to focus on more productive work. However, AI also creates displacement risks and forces you to re-skill. Let’s understand in detail:
1. Job displacement risks
AI automation is reducing the need for human involvement in repetitive tasks. While AI creates new job roles, it also eliminates many entry-level positions. These positions are mostly related to routine work like:
- Software testing
- Data entry
- Basic coding
A recent report revealed that in India, about 67% of engineers feel that they can lose their jobs due to AI automation.
Furthermore, AI is making it harder for fresh graduates to find jobs without specialised skills. That’s because companies now seek professionals who understand AI and cloud computing rather than just basic IT skills.
Therefore, to remain relevant, you must focus on advanced skills that AI cannot easily replace, such as:
- Creativity
- Problem-solving
- AI model development.
Please note that without upskilling, the risk of job loss will continue to rise. Let’s learn more about it in the next section.
2. Reskilling needs
As AI takes over routine tasks, you must continuously learn new skills to stay employable. The demand for AI-related expertise is increasing which makes upskilling and reskilling important.
According to reports, 4-5 crore workers in India will need retraining by the end of 2025 to be redeployed in new roles. Thus, many companies are investing in employee training programs. Also, online courses have become widely accessible.
As a result, more than 70% of Indian professionals are now actively re-skilling to remain competitive. Some high-paying courses in demand are:
- AI programming
- Data Analytics
- Machine learning
Please note that professionals who fail to adapt may struggle to find relevant jobs not only in the IT sector but also in banks, NBFCs, or manufacturing companies.
Conclusion
AI is changing the IT job market by creating new roles and automating repetitive tasks. Several growing positions are seen in departments such as:
- AI programming
- Data Analytics
- Cybersecurity
- AI auditing
- AI ethics
At the same time, entry-level jobs in software testing and basic coding are shrinking. To stay relevant, IT professionals like you must continuously upgrade their skills, as reports suggest that 4-5 crore Indian workers will need reskilling by 2025.
In response, even companies are investing in AI-focused training programs and over 70% of professionals are actively learning AI-related skills. To gain the most from reskilling, you can purchase the latest books, laptops, or other educational materials from online marketplaces at heavy discounts.