A Tale of Two Job Markets
The latest data paints a picture of a divided labour market. On one hand, a report from financial services group Nomura, analyzing employment trends from 2022 to August 2026, found that India saw 83,100 AI-related hires compared to 31,921 layoffs linked
to the technology. This suggests a net positive impact, with roughly 2.6 new AI jobs for every role lost. The demand is surging, with one estimate from TeamLease Digital noting 45,000 open AI jobs in India. However, this growth comes with a significant catch. The new roles are not replacements for the ones disappearing. Most job losses are concentrated in support and back-office functions being replaced by chatbots, while the new hiring is for specialized IT and AI-focused graduates. This creates a challenging environment, particularly for entry-level workers whose traditional roles are being automated.
The Anxiety Within AI Teams
Paradoxically, even those working at the heart of the AI revolution are feeling the pressure. A July 2026 survey of over 1,500 professionals by the anonymous platform Blind revealed a surprising level of anxiety. It found that 66% of employees in AI and Machine Learning roles expect layoffs or significant headcount reductions in their teams within the next six months. This placed them among the most concerned groups, challenging the assumption that building AI systems provides job security. The finding points to a volatile and rapidly evolving field where even the creators are not immune to structural shifts and intense competition, and where productivity gains may lead to leaner teams.
The New Skill Set in Demand
For jobseekers, the message is clear: the skills that matter are changing. Companies are shifting from degree-based hiring to skills-based assessments. While foundational programming knowledge, especially in Python, is still important, the expectation has risen. Employers are looking for professionals who can build functional data pipelines, not just write basic scripts. Demand for roles like Machine Learning Engineer, Generative AI Developer, and MLOps Engineer is booming, with significant talent shortages reported. NASSCOM reports highlight that a 'learning attitude' is now considered one of the most essential skills by HR leaders. Beyond technical skills, there is an increased emphasis on human-centric abilities like adaptability, communication, critical thinking, and the ability to work alongside AI systems effectively.
Navigating the AI-Powered Job Hunt
The job application process itself has been transformed by AI. The majority of large Indian employers now use AI-powered Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that filter out most resumes before a human ever sees them. To succeed, jobseekers must adapt their strategy. This involves tailoring resumes with specific keywords from the job description to pass these automated checks. Generic, mass applications are becoming ineffective. At the same time, because many candidates now use AI to generate applications, standing out requires more than a well-written resume. Building professional networks and seeking referrals is becoming a more critical strategy to bypass the initial AI screening entirely. Experts advise jobseekers to focus on showcasing measurable achievements and a portfolio of projects, as employers increasingly use live projects and hackathons to evaluate candidates.
A Strategy for the Future
Thriving in this mixed market requires a proactive approach to career planning. The era of getting a degree and settling into a stable, lifelong role is fading. Lifelong learning and continuous upskilling are now essential. Jobseekers should focus on developing a hybrid skill set that combines technical AI knowledge with uniquely human strengths like creativity, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence. Exploring government and private initiatives for AI training, like the IndiaAI FutureSkills program, can provide a structured path. The future of work is widely seen not as AI replacing humans, but as humans working in collaboration with AI. The professionals who will succeed are those who learn to leverage AI as a tool to augment their own capabilities, focusing on higher-order tasks that require judgment and context—skills that automation cannot yet replicate.
