A Surprising Divide in the Tech Hub
For years, the conventional wisdom was that a career in artificial intelligence was the safest bet in a rapidly changing job market. A July 2026 survey of Indian professionals turns that assumption on its head. According to a poll by the anonymous network
Blind, a staggering 66% of employees in AI and Machine Learning (AI/ML) roles expect layoffs or significant team cuts within the next six months. This level of anxiety is second only to sales and marketing professionals. In stark contrast, generalist software engineers, long predicted to be vulnerable to AI-powered coding assistants, report the highest levels of confidence. The survey found only 24% of engineers believe layoffs are 'very likely,' the lowest of any function surveyed. This data paints a picture of a workforce where those building the AI tools feel more exposed than those whose jobs AI was expected to automate.
The Confidence of the Coder
So, why do engineers feel so secure? The answer lies in how AI is reshaping their roles. Rather than replacing them, AI is acting as a powerful co-pilot, amplifying their productivity and allowing them to focus on higher-value work like system architecture and creative problem-solving. Companies are not just maintaining their engineering workforce; they are actively seeking skilled individuals who can integrate AI into existing products and workflows. The demand for AI-related engineering roles is booming. Research suggests that jobs most exposed to AI are not disappearing but are being 'professionalised,' requiring more human expertise and judgment, which in turn leads to higher wages and greater demand for those roles. Engineers are on the front line of this evolution, using AI to become more effective, not obsolete.
The Anxiety of the Architect
The anxiety among AI/ML specialists seems counterintuitive but reflects the volatile nature of working on the technological frontier. The field is defined by rapid innovation, where today’s cutting-edge project can become tomorrow’s obsolete technology. This high-stakes environment can lead to frequent restructuring and project cancellations as companies chase the next big breakthrough. The current AI boom has also led to massive investments and hiring sprees, and many specialists may fear that a market correction is inevitable, leading to layoffs in teams that don't deliver immediate returns. Their concerns mirror those in other forward-facing but less stable roles like sales and marketing, suggesting a shared unease about future business priorities in a fast-changing economy.
The Echo of Fear in the Wider Workforce
Beyond the tech corridor, the anxiety is more widespread and aligns with more traditional fears about automation. According to a Randstad survey, about half of all Indian employees worry about AI replacing their jobs, a higher rate than in many Western countries. This concern is particularly acute in sectors with large numbers of operational and back-office roles, such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO), which are seen as highly susceptible to automation. Other research from IIM-Ahmedabad found that 68% of Indian white-collar workers feared their roles could be made redundant by automation within five years. For millions, the AI revolution isn't a tool for empowerment but a direct threat to their livelihood, representing a significant source of national economic anxiety.
The National Race to Reskill
This growing divide between confidence and anxiety underscores a critical national challenge: the race to upskill. Across India, there is a massive push from both companies and individuals to acquire AI-relevant skills. However, reports indicate a significant 'confidence-capability gap,' where many professionals believe they are AI-ready, but recruiters struggle to find candidates with the practical, hands-on experience required. A recent Microsoft report adds another layer, noting that while employees are rapidly learning new AI skills, many organisations have been slow to redesign jobs and workflows to actually take advantage of them. This disconnect means that even as the workforce prepares for an AI-powered future, the corporate structures needed to support that transition are still playing catch-up.
