India is witnessing significant adoption and investment in artificial intelligence (AI). According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Job Report 2025, increased digital access, geopolitical tensions, and climate-mitigation efforts are the primary trends believed to shape the future of jobs in India by 2030. 

The report stated that, like their global peers, Indian companies are heavily investing in AI, robotics, autonomous systems, and energy technologies. This reflects global trends and highlights India’s ambition to lead in certain cutting-edge areas, such as semiconductors and quantum encryption. About 35% of surveyed employers in India are expected to adopt semiconductor technologies, while 21% anticipate adopting quantum encryption, surpassing global averages in these domains.  

Key Roles with Growth 

AI-related roles are rapidly growing in India, driven by the demand for technical and data-driven expertise. Key roles with the highest growth rate include Big Data Specialists, AI and Machine Learning Specialists, and Security Management Specialists, per the report. These positions strongly focus on leveraging advanced technologies to optimise operations and fuel business growth. 

To meet the demand for AI-related skills, Indian companies are adopting innovative talent strategies. A notable 67% of employers are actively working to tap into diverse talent pools, significantly higher than the global average of 47%. Additionally, 30% of Indian companies are implementing skills-based hiring by removing degree requirements, compared to just 19% globally. These measures aim to create a more inclusive and capable workforce aligned with technological advancements. 

Significance of Corporate Sponsorship 

India is also at the forefront of the global demand for Generative AI training. “However, the drivers of demand differ. In the United States, demand is primarily driven by individual users, whereas in India, corporate sponsorship plays a significant role in boosting GenAI training uptake”, the report said. This reflects a strategic effort by businesses to integrate AI technologies into their operations by ensuring their employees acquire relevant skills. 

Impact of Demographic Shifts on Global Labour Supply 

The world is currently experiencing two fundamental demographic shifts: an ageing and declining working-age population, primarily in higher-income economies, due to lower birth rates and longer life expectancy, and a growing working-age population in many lower-income economies as younger populations enter the labour force. In higher-income countries, ageing populations are increasing dependence ratios, potentially putting further strain on a smaller pool of working-age people and raising concerns about long-term labour supply. In contrast, lower-income economies can benefit from a demographic dividend. 

“These demographic shifts have a direct impact on global labour supply: currently balanced between lower-income (49 per cent) and higher-income (51 per cent) working-age populations, this distribution is expected to shift by 2050, with lower-income countries projected to hold 59 per cent of the global working-age population. Geographies with a demographic dividend, such as India and sub-Saharan African nations, will supply nearly two-thirds of new workforce entrants in the coming years”, the report observed. 

Impact of AI on Skills and Workforce Transformation 

The increasing integration of AI is expected to enhance human capabilities and transform job roles in India. AI plays a dual role—augmenting tasks to improve productivity while simultaneously requiring workforce adaptation to new skills. Employers recognise the potential disruption AI may cause to traditional job roles and prioritise strategies to ensure a smooth transition. 

Opportunities and Challenges 

As AI adoption accelerates, reskilling and upskilling the workforce remain critical priorities for Indian companies. About 81% of employers plan to implement strategies to help their employees adapt to AI technologies. These include hiring talent with specific AI skills and transitioning employees from declining roles to those aligned with AI-driven growth. This focus on workforce transformation aims to harness the full potential of AI while addressing challenges like job displacement. 

Future of Job Report 2025