AI Hiring Demand in India Climbs 30% as Employers Prioritise AI-Ready Skills

India's demand for AI-related talent has increased by approximately 30% compared with last year, according to a survey by hiring and interview platform InCruiter.

The findings are based on interviews conducted through InCruiter's platform over the past two years. The survey indicates that employers are increasingly looking beyond candidates who can build AI systems and are placing greater importance on professionals who can apply AI to practical business challenges.

This shift is influencing the types of AI-related positions companies are seeking. Demand is emerging across areas including generative AI, AI consulting, AI engineering and AI-enabled business functions.

AI Skills Are Expanding Beyond Traditional Tech Roles

AI-related hiring is no longer limited to conventional technology and software positions. Companies are increasingly seeking professionals for roles such as Prompt Engineers, AI Consultants, Generative AI Specialists, AI Product Managers and AI Automation Specialists.

The focus is also moving towards how effectively professionals can work with AI and apply it to business requirements. This means employees may increasingly benefit from combining AI capabilities with their existing professional expertise rather than completely changing their careers.

A New Combination of Skills

Professionals who combine their existing skills with AI capabilities may have an advantage in the changing workplace. This includes software engineers using AI tools, marketers applying AI for insights and content, and business professionals using AI to automate routine workflows.

The survey describes this development as an AI-augmented workforce, where employees and AI work alongside each other rather than directly competing.

What It Means for Students and Jobseekers

The changing demand also has implications for students and training providers. Technical knowledge alone may not be sufficient as employers increasingly seek people who can use AI tools, automate processes, interpret AI-generated insights and apply them to specific business needs.

The survey notes that India's large technology and services workforce provides an advantage, while continuous reskilling will remain important as roles continue to evolve.