Beyond the Tech Department
For years, the 'AI conversation' in most Indian companies was confined to the Chief Information Officer's office and the technology teams. Today, that is changing at an unprecedented pace. The dialogue has now expanded into marketing, finance, human resources,
and operations. According to a 2026 Naukri report, AI-related skills are appearing in a growing number of non-technology job descriptions, showing a nearly six-fold increase since 2020. This isn't just about hiring AI specialists; it's about existing professionals in every function becoming AI-fluent. A recruiter is now expected to understand AI-driven screening tools, while a finance professional might use AI for advanced analysis. This shift signifies that AI is no longer just a technology to be managed by a select few, but a new layer of capability for the entire organisation.
The New Skill Set in Demand
This widening conversation is redefining the very skills companies are looking for. While technical roles in AI and machine learning are booming, with hiring jumping 20% in September 2026, the bigger story is the blend of skills now required. Employers are struggling to find talent, with 82% reporting difficulty, precisely because the demand is for a new combination of abilities. On one hand, there's a need for 'hard' skills like data literacy, understanding AI models, and prompt engineering. On the other, there's an accelerating demand for uniquely 'human' or soft skills: critical thinking, complex problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. As one report notes, the challenge isn't just knowing what AI is, but being able to apply it to solve real business problems and, crucially, to use judgment to interpret its output.
A Shift from Roles to Capabilities
The integration of AI is forcing a strategic pivot from a focus on static job roles to a more dynamic view of employee capabilities. Companies are increasingly interested in 'capability density' — building teams with specialised skills that create strategic value. This is reflected in hiring data, which shows a significant number of professionals are adding AI skills on top of their existing jobs, rather than moving into core AI roles. One 2026 analysis found that of India's 9.2 lakh AI professionals, over 6.6 lakh were in this category of 'AI-augmented' roles. This indicates that organisations are not just creating new jobs, but redesigning existing ones, with NASSCOM finding that 86% of employers have seen AI impact job responsibilities. The value of an employee is becoming less about their job title and more about the portfolio of skills they bring to the table.
The Upskilling Imperative
Faced with a significant talent gap, Indian companies are responding with a strong focus on training. Rather than relying solely on the market, many are investing heavily in upskilling and reskilling their current workforce. A recent Thoughtworks survey found that Indian organisations are ahead of the global average in this area, with 32% planning to upskill tech staff in AI and 25% planning to train the wider workforce. This is leading to a boom in partnerships with universities and ed-tech platforms to deliver industry-relevant training. The results can be transformative; one report highlighted an average salary increase of 147% for professionals who underwent AI upskilling, demonstrating the tangible value being placed on these new capabilities.
A Career Multiplier, Not a Job Destroyer
While fears of job displacement have dominated headlines, the emerging reality in India appears more nuanced. The data suggests AI is acting more as a career multiplier and a catalyst for growth, particularly for those willing to adapt. Strikingly, a 2026 report found that nearly one in four professionals learning AI skills now comes from a non-technical background. This democratisation of AI knowledge is creating new career pathways into fields like consulting and leadership for those outside traditional engineering roles. It underscores a fundamental truth about the current landscape: the conversation about skills is a two-way street. While companies must provide opportunities, the onus is also on individuals to engage with this change, embrace continuous learning, and proactively build the skills required to stay relevant in an AI-augmented workplace.
