India’s AI talent demand set to double by 2027

The demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) talent in India is projected to surge significantly, with an estimated rise from 600,000-650,000 professionals to 1.25 million by 2027, according to a report released on Tuesday. However, to meet this demand, there is a critical need to enhance the quality of AI professionals. The report, titled Advancing India’s AI Skills: Interventions and Programmes Needed, was jointly released by Deloitte India and Nasscom.

It highlights the urgent necessity to develop a highly skilled AI workforce, which is essential for driving the growth of India’s digital economy. Despite the increasing adoption of AI across various industries, the shortage of qualified professionals could potentially hamper innovation and growth. The report further indicates that two out of three Indians plan to acquire at least one digital skill, with AI and Machine Learning topping the list of desired skills.

By 2027, the AI market in India is expected to grow by 25-35 per cent, potentially creating a significant demand-supply gap in the talent pool. To bridge this gap, the report underscores the importance of upskilling the existing workforce and nurturing new talent through robust collaboration among the government, academia, and industry.

The report also advocates for stronger partnerships between industry and academia to develop a skill pipeline. This includes integrating foundational AI coursework into academic programs and establishing industry-relevant training initiatives like courses, workshops, hackathons, and internships.