Key Points
- 290,256 AI jobs filled in India in 2025, spanning multiple sectors
- 32% year-on-year growth projected for 2026, reaching 3.8 lakh positions
- Hiring increased 5% month-on-month and 15% year-on-year across sectors
- AI skills now essential, not optional, for service industry professionals
- Affordable online courses democratizing AI careers for middle-class youth
- Data analysis, machine learning, and automation top in-demand skills
The year 2025 marked a watershed moment for India’s job market as artificial intelligence transitioned from niche IT specialization to mainstream service industry requirement. According to Foundit Job Search’s latest report, the 290,256 AI-related positions filled last year represent a fundamental shift in how Indian businesses operate, with sectors ranging from healthcare and finance to retail and manufacturing actively recruiting AI talent.
Tarun Sharma, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Foundit, emphasized this transformation, stating, “The year 2025 not only saw an expansion in hiring, confirming that AI is no longer a future prospect but a present-day necessity.” This sentiment reflects a broader market reality where AI proficiency has become as fundamental as digital literacy was a decade ago.
Skills in High Demand and Salary Trends
Companies are aggressively seeking professionals proficient in data analysis, machine learning algorithms, automation frameworks, and AI tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and OpenAI APIs. The report indicates that entry-level AI engineers now command starting salaries of ₹8-12 lakh per annum, while experienced professionals with 5+ years earn ₹25-40 lakh annually. Data scientists, ML engineers, and AI product managers top the recruitment priority list, with remote work options expanding talent pools beyond metro cities.
The demand spans technical and non-technical roles alike. Marketing professionals using AI analytics tools, HR managers employing AI-driven recruitment platforms, and financial analysts leveraging predictive modeling all require AI competencies, democratizing opportunities across educational backgrounds.
2026 Projections and Market Acceleration
Foundit’s analysis predicts a 32% year-on-year increase in AI-driven recruitment for 2026, potentially creating approximately 3.8 lakh new positions. This surge will be fueled by India’s Digital India initiative, government investments in AI research centers, and multinational corporations establishing AI development hubs in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.
The report notes that hiring showed renewed strength by the end of 2025, with steady growth across various sectors, job roles, and cities. The 5% month-on-month and 15% year-on-year hiring increases provide significant relief to job seekers in an otherwise competitive market. Major recruiters include TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL Tech, Accenture, IBM, and emerging AI startups like Fractal Analytics and Mu Sigma.
Democratization of AI Education
Building an AI career has become more accessible than ever through affordable online courses, professional certifications, and skill-based training programs. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Great Learning offer AI/ML courses for ₹5,000-20,000, enabling young people from middle and lower-middle-class backgrounds to enter the field without expensive formal degrees.
The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) has launched reskilling initiatives targeting 2 million IT professionals for AI competency by 2027. Additionally, the Indian government’s Skill India program now includes AI modules in vocational training, further broadening the talent pipeline.
Regional Distribution and Emerging Hubs
While Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune dominate AI hiring with 60% of positions, tier-2 cities like Coimbatore, Jaipur, and Kochi are emerging as new AI hubs. Companies are establishing delivery centers in these locations to access untapped talent pools and reduce operational costs. The work-from-home hybrid model has also enabled professionals from smaller towns to access metro-based opportunities, creating a more inclusive job market.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite positive trends, challenges remain. The industry faces a skill gap, with only 40% of AI job applicants meeting employer requirements. Data quality issues, infrastructure limitations, and ethical AI concerns also pose hurdles. However, with continued investment in education and infrastructure, India is positioned to become a global AI talent powerhouse, potentially capturing 20% of the world’s AI jobs by 2030.
