India is on track to emerge as a global powerhouse in artificial intelligence (AI), but a widening skills gap threatens to slow its progress. A new report by Bain & Company warns that the country’s AI sector could face a talent shortfall of over one million skilled professionals by 2027.

According to the study, India’s AI job market is expected to grow significantly, with job openings projected to exceed 2.3 million by 2027. However, the available AI talent pool is estimated to reach only 1.2 million, creating a critical gap that needs urgent attention.

“India has a unique opportunity to position itself as a global AI talent hub. However, by 2027, the job openings in AI are expected to be 1.52x of the talent availability. The challenge – and opportunity – lies in reskilling and upskilling a significant portion of the existing talent base on emerging technology tools and skillsets,” said Saikat Banerjee, Partner at Bain & Company and leader in its AI, Insights, and Solutions practice in India.

The report underscores the rapid growth in AI-related job opportunities, which have surged by 21% annually since 2019. Salaries in the sector have also steadily risen, increasing by 11% per year. Despite the lucrative opportunities, the talent supply has not kept pace with demand, raising concerns about the industry’s ability to sustain its momentum.

Also Read :- The Oberoi Group appoints Keshav Dubal as Head of IT

Globally, businesses struggle with AI adoption due to a lack of in-house expertise. Executives across industries have cited the skills gap as a major roadblock to implementing generative AI and other advanced AI technologies.

To tackle this challenge, companies must rethink traditional hiring strategies and focus on long-term workforce development. “The AI talent crisis is real, but solvable. Organizations need to go beyond conventional hiring and invest in continuous upskilling to build an innovation-driven ecosystem,” Banerjee added.

As India moves towards becoming a global AI hub, the next few years will be crucial in determining whether the country can effectively equip its workforce with the necessary skills to drive innovation and growth in the sector.

Be a part of Elets Collaborative Initiatives. Join Us for Upcoming Events and explore business opportunities. Like us on Facebook , connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter.

"Exciting news! Elets technomedia is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest insights!" Click here!