The latest JobSpeak report released by job portal Naukri has revealed that recruitment for AI-related roles in the IT sector increased by 16% over the past month, while overall IT hiring declined by 3% during the same period. The trend highlights a significant shift in hiring priorities as companies increasingly focus on AI-driven technologies and digital transformation initiatives.

The report is based on an analysis of job listings from more than 150,000 companies across sectors.

According to the findings, demand is rising sharply for professionals with expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Generative AI, Data Science and related emerging technologies. Employers are increasingly seeking candidates who possess practical experience with AI tools, automation platforms and advanced analytics solutions.

The growing preference for AI-skilled professionals suggests that technology companies are redirecting investments toward future-focused capabilities rather than conventional IT functions.

Info Edge Chief Executive Officer Hitesh Oberoi said the widening gap between AI hiring and overall IT recruitment reflects where technology firms are concentrating their resources.

“The divergence between AI and overall IT hiring shows where technology companies continue to invest. AI is rapidly becoming a core capability area, particularly as demand shifts toward more senior and specialised talent,” Oberoi said.

The report also noted that AI and Machine Learning hiring increased by 25% across 14 sectors, indicating that demand is no longer limited to technology companies alone.

Among the strongest-performing industries were insurance and consumer goods, where organisations have accelerated the adoption of AI-powered solutions to improve customer engagement, operational efficiency and decision-making processes.

The findings come at a time when concerns are growing over the impact of automation and AI on traditional technology jobs.

Last month, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest software exporter, indicated that hiring across the IT sector could slow in the coming years as companies adopt AI technologies at scale. The company has been actively integrating AI agents into its operations and has spoken about building a workforce model where human employees and AI systems work together more extensively.

TCS had earlier reduced more than 12,000 positions, while its overall employee count declined by over 23,000 during the financial year ended March 2026, reflecting broader restructuring efforts underway across the technology industry.

Industry analysts believe the latest hiring data signals a structural transformation rather than a temporary trend. As businesses continue investing in AI-driven products and services, professionals with specialised expertise in machine learning models, data engineering, generative AI applications and automation technologies are expected to remain in high demand.

At the same time, the report suggests that job seekers may increasingly need to upskill in AI-related domains to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving employment market.

With AI adoption accelerating across industries, the technology is emerging as one of the most influential drivers of hiring decisions in India’s digital economy.

As AI hiring grows rapidly across industries, reports suggest nearly 70% of short-term AI courses fail to provide practical skills employers actually seek.

The race to build a career in artificial intelligence is accelerating across India. From students to working professionals, thousands are enrolling in AI certification programs with hopes of securing high-paying jobs in one of the world's fastest-growing sectors. However, industry experts and recent reports are warning that not all AI courses deliver on their promises, despite aggressive marketing and claims of guaranteed placements.

According to industry assessments, AI-related skills are now among the most sought-after competencies in the job market. Employers across technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and consulting sectors are increasingly looking for candidates who can apply AI tools to solve real business problems. This demand has triggered a surge in short-term AI training programs, bootcamps, and certification courses.

However, a joint report by industry bodies and hiring platforms indicates that a significant percentage of these fast-track programs provide limited practical value. While many institutions advertise “100% job guarantees,” experts say such claims often come with conditions and may not reflect actual employment outcomes.

Growing Demand, Growing Concerns

Industry data suggests that AI skills are now listed as a requirement in a growing share of job vacancies across India. Companies are increasingly hiring candidates who can contribute immediately rather than waiting for traditional four-year degree graduates to gain practical experience.

This trend has encouraged the rise of three-to-six-month intensive AI programs. While some are designed in partnership with reputed institutions and technology companies, others focus primarily on issuing certificates without developing job-ready skills.

Reports indicate that employers place greater value on candidates who can demonstrate real-world AI experience through live projects, portfolios, and problem-solving abilities. Simply holding a certificate is often no longer enough to secure employment in competitive AI-related roles.

What Employers Actually Want

Recruiters say the hiring landscape has changed significantly over the past two years. Instead of evaluating candidates solely on academic qualifications, companies increasingly assess practical skills, project experience, and the ability to use AI effectively in workplace scenarios.

Experts recommend that learners build portfolios containing publicly deployed projects, AI applications, data analysis work, or automation solutions. Such evidence of hands-on experience often carries more weight than certificates alone.

Several categories of AI education are currently attracting attention. Premium institutional programs offered through leading universities focus on AI architecture, machine learning, and advanced technical skills. Global certifications from major technology companies provide tool-specific expertise recognized internationally. Meanwhile, non-coding business-focused programs are helping managers and entrepreneurs understand AI implementation strategies.

Beyond Certificates

Career advisors suggest that newcomers should avoid rushing into expensive technical programs without first understanding AI fundamentals. Many recommend starting with introductory AI literacy courses that explain core concepts, business applications, and ethical considerations.

According to workforce experts, courses centered on long-term concepts such as data literacy, problem framing, AI governance, and responsible AI use are likely to remain relevant even as technology evolves rapidly. In contrast, training focused exclusively on specific AI tools may become outdated within months as newer platforms emerge.

Industry representatives also note that professionals with genuine AI expertise continue to command salary premiums. Mid-level specialists working in areas such as Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and MLOps are increasingly securing lucrative compensation packages.

At the same time, AI is reshaping the broader employment landscape. Reports suggest routine entry-level tasks in software testing, customer support, and basic coding are experiencing growing automation pressures. Employers are now emphasizing analytical thinking, decision-making abilities, and effective AI prompt creation during recruitment processes.