Industry News | 6/19/2025
99% of Indian Companies Plan to Hire for Generative AI Roles by 2025
A recent report indicates that 99% of Indian companies are preparing to hire for generative AI positions by 2025, highlighting a significant shift in the job market. This surge in demand is coupled with a substantial skills gap, prompting a reevaluation of hiring practices and workforce training initiatives across the country.
99% of Indian Companies Plan to Hire for Generative AI Roles by 2025
A recent report reveals that an overwhelming 99% of Indian companies are gearing up to recruit for generative AI-related roles by 2025. This trend signifies a major transformation in the Indian job market, driven by the need to integrate artificial intelligence into various sectors. Despite this push, a notable skills gap persists, creating challenges for employers and job seekers alike.
Demand vs. Supply of AI Talent
The demand for professionals skilled in AI is starkly contrasted by the available talent. According to a report from Quess Corp, there is a 51% gap between the demand and supply of AI talent in India, with the workforce projected to grow to 416,000 professionals by 2025. In emerging fields such as generative AI engineering, the situation is even more acute, with only one qualified candidate available for every ten open positions.
To address this talent shortage, 99% of employers are shifting towards skills-based hiring, as highlighted in a Coursera report. Notably, 79% of employers expressed a preference for candidates with a GenAI micro-credential, even if they have less experience, indicating a shift from traditional qualifications to specific, verifiable skills.
Evolving Job Roles and Salary Trends
The demand for generative AI expertise is reshaping job roles and leading to significant salary increases. Key positions in demand include Data Scientists, Machine Learning Engineers, AI Developers, and AI Researchers, with a growing need for AI Product Managers. Skills in Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Natural Language Processing (NLP), computer vision, and cloud technologies are particularly sought after. Entry-level AI professionals can expect salaries ranging from ₹8–12 LPA, while those with 5–8 years of experience may earn between ₹25–35 LPA. The Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector is the largest contributor to this demand, followed by IT Services and Healthcare.
National Efforts to Bridge the Skill Gap
Addressing the skill deficit has become a national priority, with collaborative efforts from the government, private sector, and educational institutions. The Indian government has launched the IndiaAI Mission, allocating over ₹10,000 crore to enhance computing infrastructure and support AI startups. Additionally, Microsoft aims to train 10 million Indians in AI by 2030. Companies are also focusing on upskilling their existing workforce, with 97% open to using micro-credentials for training.
Partnerships between businesses and academic institutions are being encouraged to develop specialized GenAI programs, internships, and workshops. This multifaceted approach is essential to prepare the workforce for an AI-driven future.
Long-Term Implications
The implications of this hiring trend are significant, positioning India as a potential global leader in AI. Successful integration of generative AI is expected to transform 38 million jobs by 2030, enhancing productivity by 2.61%. Reports suggest that generative AI could automate 24% of tasks across industries and augment another 42%, allowing workers to focus on more strategic activities. However, achieving this potential relies heavily on effective reskilling and upskilling of the workforce, alongside fostering essential soft skills such as critical thinking and adaptability.
The race to fill generative AI roles by 2025 is not just a recruitment trend; it represents a critical economic and industrial transformation that will shape India's future in the global technology landscape.