India aims to become a global leader in artificial intelligence and is actively working to develop a strong talent pool to achieve that vision. Bain & Company predicts that India's AI sector will create 2.3 million jobs by 2027. This creates an optimistic opportunity to expand the country's skilled workforce and bridge the gap through intensive upskilling efforts.
AI usage is expanding, but skills are limited
While AI adoption is on the rise, there is an urgent need for the workforce to keep up. Around 79% of Indian companies are aware of AI, while the global average is 59%. Generative AI is already being used by 94% of large enterprises to support functions such as customer service and operations. Yet, only about one in three companies report seeing measurable benefits from their efforts.
Demand for AI skills has increased by 21% annually since 2019, but the number of qualified professionals remains inadequate. This gap impacts how companies can effectively deploy AI and the benefits they can expect. Almost 44% of business leaders identify a lack of in-house AI expertise as a significant challenge. Other issues are also slowing adoption, such as unorganized company data and difficulty measuring outcomes.
Generative AI skills are the next competitive edge
Generative AI is more than just a new innovation. It's redefining the way businesses operate today. GenAI is increasingly a driver of productivity, automating processes and providing real-time information. Three out of four business leaders in India already see it as a big problem.
We are beginning to see signs that this can be done. For example, IndiaMART leverages AWS's GenAI technology to translate 5 million product listings into Hindi. This makes it easier for people in your area to find what they need. Apollo Tires has increased its operational efficiency by 9% since it started employing AI. There are many possibilities, but it all depends on how well workers can use this technology. Most professionals today do not have the skills to create, fine-tune, and run GenAI in a responsible manner.
Learning gaps need to be addressed
Indian educational institutions are equipping graduates with a solid understanding of AI. Additionally, there is an emphasis on being able to apply these skills in real-world situations. According to the India Skills Report, 42.6% of graduates are currently pursuing data-driven careers. This indicates a high potential for further skill development. As AI systems advance, continuous learning becomes essential. We need to build broader and more adaptable expertise beyond Python and TensorFlow. Professionals need to understand how to effectively leverage regional languages using large-scale language models (LLMs), prompt engineering, and natural language processing.
Unless people expand their skills beyond their comfort zones, the lag will only deepen. AI literacy is no longer just for people who work with computers. This includes marketers, managers, and designers, all of whom need to know how to use these platforms. Being able to interpret AI output, recognize bias, and accurately represent results is becoming as important as knowing how to use the technology.
To address these gaps, structured learning programs are emerging to meet this demand. There are also online AI and machine learning courses that combine theory with real-world examples for the convenience of learners. Students can learn how to:
- Acquisition and display of data
- Data and algorithm structure
- Leveraging generative AI
There are platforms that can help you learn about AI and find a job. Professionals from Tier II and III cities can now be a part of India's AI growth story as it is more affordable and accessible. Traditional schools have not been able to do this at scale.
Upskilling is a means to growth
Companies that invest in AI training are already reaping the benefits. Generative AI builds chatbots that speak multiple languages to support customers, automate repetitive paperwork, and provide decision-making information in real time. McKinsey claims that technology can increase productivity by 40% in jobs such as software development, content creation, and analytics.
Companies that build their own AI do more than just save money. You can also get fresh ideas. Employees who acquire new skills can collaborate to identify innovative solutions and how to effectively leverage them. This further eliminates vendor dependency. Providing employees with opportunities to learn about AI will also help attract and retain top talent, as more professionals seek employment that fosters their growth.
Upskilling Generative AI can help in many ways, including increasing productivity, enabling new business models, fostering innovative ideas, and making digital technology accessible to everyone in the country, regardless of language or economic background.
The changes brought about by AI will only be effective if it is used responsibly by people who know how to use it. Equipping Indian professionals with the necessary AI and ML skills will build the country's digital future.
