An Anxious Workforce
Recent data paints a complex picture of the Indian worker's relationship with AI. A July 2026 survey by the anonymous professional network Blind sent ripples through the industry, revealing that 66% of India-based AI and machine learning professionals
expect layoffs within the next six months. This surprising statistic places the very creators of AI systems nearly on par with sales and marketing staff (68%) in their anxiety about job security. It challenges the popular assumption that an AI-focused career is a guaranteed safe haven. The sentiment reflects a broader market in flux, where even those with in-demand skills feel vulnerable as companies shift from AI research to aggressive, and sometimes ruthless, implementation.
Understanding the 'Mixed Market'
Despite the anxiety, the overall picture is not one of pure job destruction. A recent report from Nomura highlights that AI-related hiring in India has actually outpaced layoffs, with 83,100 new roles created against approximately 32,000 job cuts. This defines the 'mixed market': a simultaneous decline of some roles and a boom in others. Routine, entry-level positions, especially in support functions being replaced by chatbots, are weakening. At the same time, demand is surging for professionals who can build, manage, and strategise around AI. This creates a two-tiered labour market where experienced workers and those with specific AI skills find opportunity, while those without face increasing pressure.
From Passive Career Ladder to Active Planning
The era of a linear career path—a single degree leading to a lifetime of stable employment—is officially over. The dynamics of a mixed market demand a shift in mindset from being a passive recipient of a job to an active planner of one's career. The core idea is no longer just to find a role but to continuously build a portfolio of skills that remains relevant. This means understanding that technology will constantly reshape job descriptions. According to a Nasscom and Indeed study, 86% of employers have already seen AI impact job roles and responsibilities. Proactive career planning involves anticipating these changes and positioning oneself not as someone who might be replaced by AI, but as someone who knows how to work with it.
The New Currency: Upskilling and Reskilling
In this new landscape, skills are the most valuable currency. The demand for technical AI talent is soaring, with a significant gap between the number of available roles and qualified candidates. Core technical skills in demand include Python, SQL, machine learning frameworks, and cloud computing. However, the need for upskilling isn't limited to tech roles. Non-technical professionals who can use AI tools for data analysis, workflow automation, and strategic thinking are also gaining a significant edge. Furthermore, 'human' skills like critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and resilience are becoming more valuable as machines handle repetitive tasks. The future-proof professional will possess a hybrid skillset, combining deep domain knowledge with AI literacy.
Building Your Career Resilience
Navigating the mixed market requires building career resilience. This starts with embracing lifelong learning as a core professional responsibility. Professionals should actively seek out courses, certifications, and hands-on projects to stay current. This doesn't have to be a solo journey; government and industry bodies like NASSCOM offer initiatives to help citizens gain relevant skills. It also involves a change in perspective: view your career as a dynamic portfolio of skills and experiences to be managed and diversified, rather than a fixed title. This could include taking on new projects, developing cross-functional expertise, and staying curious about emerging technologies. By taking ownership of your skill development, you can turn the uncertainty of the AI era into an opportunity for growth.
