India is quickly becoming a hub for AI technology, with tech giants like Google and Microsoft looking to the country for experts in the field. However, a recent report has revealed that India currently has less than 2,000 senior engineers who can build AI core products.
According to data from specialist staffing firm Xpheno, the total active accessible Indian talent with the minimum required skills, experience, and exposure to core AI is just under 21,000. This includes individuals who can develop AI-based apps, tools, and platforms.
In response to the growing demand for AI expertise, IT services companies in India have been ramping up their AI skilling programs. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has trained 350,000 employees in AI skills, while Infosys claims that eight out of 10 employees are AI-ready. Accenture is upskilling 250,000 employees in AI, and HCLTech has trained 50,000 employees in the field.
Microsoft India has also announced plans to skill 2 million people in AI by 2025, and Nasscom has reported that 650,000-700,000 individuals have been trained on AI.
However, experts caution that AI skilling is not limited to engineering alone. Jagdish Mitra, a tech veteran and board member of the National Skill Development Corporation, emphasized the importance of process-specific, application-specific, and industry-specific skilling in AI.
As India continues to position itself as a global leader in AI technology, the focus on developing a diverse and skilled workforce will be crucial in driving innovation and growth in the sector.