Currently, India contributes around 16 percent of the total artificial intelligence workforce globally, according to the India Skills Report 2026.

India has more than 6 lakh professionals employed in artificial intelligence-related fields, and this number is expected to increase as companies continue to augment their use of automation tools, data tools, and machine learning tools.

AI is increasingly being adopted in various sectors of the economy, and its application varies from recruitment and customer service to data analysis and product development.

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Shift towards skills over degrees

The report points to a definite shift in the hiring patterns of the industry. It is being observed that the industry is increasingly looking for skills over qualifications, especially in areas like AI, data analytics, cyber security, and cloud computing.

This has given a boost to short-term training programs, especially among engineering graduates and young professionals.

It is also pointed out by the report that more than 90 percent of the employees across India are already using generative AI tools in some capacity. This is helping employees adapt to the changing needs of the job. It is also pointed out by the report that digital tools have enabled young professionals from smaller towns to take up jobs in new technology areas without having to move from their hometowns.

Changing nature of jobs

Additionally, the growth of AI is also transforming the structure of jobs. For instance, more and more tasks in jobs are being automated, and in various industries, more and more jobs have responsibilities associated with data and technology.

For employees, this implies that it is now important for skills to be continually updated. Indeed, more and more professionals are shifting from one job and project to another as opposed to working in specific fields.

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For employers, it is now important for them to invest in adaptability and problem-solving skills, as well as training. According to the report, India is likely to continue benefiting from its large number of skilled employees as they will be in demand globally.