AI boom cuts India's IT workforce target by 25 lakh in next 5 years!

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AI boom cuts India's IT workforce target by 25 lakh in next 5 years!

 The Indian IT sector, which employs 5.4 million people, may fall short of its earlier projection to double its workforce by 2030,

• India's IT workforce to hit 7.5 million in five years, down from 10 million projected earlier
 
 • Bengaluru to account for 43.5 percent of tech hiring demand, followed by Hyderabad (13.4 percent) and Pune
 
 • Emerging technologies to contribute over USD 150 billion to India's economy by 2030
 
 
 The Indian IT sector, which employs 5.4 million people, may fall short of its earlier projection to double its workforce by 2030, according to a revised report by Quess IT Staffing. While the firm had earlier estimated the workforce to reach 10 million, advancements in technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation have tempered this figure to an estimated 7.5 million by 2030. In its latest "Technology Skills Report 2024," Quess IT Staffing paints a complex picture of India's IT employment landscape. Emerging technologies such as quantum computing, AI, machine learning (ML),
cybersecurity, cloud computing, data science, and blockchain are expected to create over 1 million new job roles. Yet, the automation of repetitive tasks by AI is reshaping workforce dynamics, driving the sector towards quality over quantity in hiring.
 
The integration of AI is redefining industries, enhancing efficiency, and spurring innovation. In sectors like healthcare, retail, automotive, and manufacturing, AI and ML are pivotal in diagnostics, fraud detection, and quality control. However, this technological leap is expected to automate many routine tasks, thereby altering the skill sets required for IT professionals. Quess IT Staffing said, "India's technology workforce is undergoing a transformative shift. The synergy of traditional skills like ERP with breakthrough technologies such as AI and ML presents unparalleled opportunities." Yet, the opportunity comes with challenges. Job displacement remains a significant concern, as AI-powered tools streamline processes like hiring and project management.
 
To counteract this, the report emphasizes strategic investments in upskilling to keep the workforce relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape. India's tech hubs are expected to play a pivotal role in driving demand for specialized skills. Bengaluru, the country's IT capital, is projected to account for 43.5 percent of tech hiring demand, followed by Hyderabad (13.4%) and Pune. This geographic concentration reflects the robust presence of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) and their expansion trajectory.
 
GCCs, employing 1.9 million people currently, are anticipated to grow to 2.5–2.8 million by 2030, driven by a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6-8 percent. These centers will be integral to India's evolving tech landscape, supporting innovation and economic growth. Emerging technologies are expected to contribute over USD 150 billion to India's economy by 2030, reinforcing its position as a global technology leader. AI-powered recruitment tools, for example, are revolutionizing hiring processes, improving candidate matching, and enhancing recruitment experiences by automating resume scans and initial assessments. However, the report underscores a critical transformation in the IT workforce. While AI creates opportunities for roles in cybersecurity, data science, and ML, it simultaneously necessitates the evolution of traditional roles.
 
Professionals are increasingly expected to focus on strategic and complex initiatives as routine tasks become automated. A Call for Adaptation As the IT sector recalibrates its growth trajectory, Quess IT Staffing’s report calls for urgent and continuous upskilling. Workers must embrace emerging technologies to align with industry demands, ensuring India remains a global tech powerhouse. While the road to 2030 now envisions a more streamlined workforce, the emphasis on high-quality, specialized talent underscores India’s commitment to sustaining its global IT leadership. The question remains: Can India's IT workforce evolve fast enough to navigate the AI revolution? 
 
 
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