Claim 1: AI Is a High-Paying Field, With Sky-High Salaries for Everyone
The truth is more nuanced. While AI is one of the highest-paying tech sectors in India for 2026, the astronomical salaries you read about are not universal. Average salaries are certainly attractive, with freshers in technical roles like AI Engineer or Data
Scientist often starting between ₹5-12 LPA. This is significantly higher than many other engineering fields. However, salaries vary widely based on role, location, company type, and specialisation. For example, a fresher with generative AI skills at a product company in Bengaluru might earn ₹10-18 LPA, while a similar role at an IT services firm could be closer to ₹6-9 LPA. The truly massive packages, crossing ₹1 Crore, are typically reserved for senior professionals with over 10 years of experience in high-demand specialisations like Large Language Models (LLMs), often at major tech companies or well-funded startups. So, while the pay is excellent, it's not an automatic golden ticket; expertise and specialisation are key to reaching the highest income levels.
Claim 2: You Need a PhD to Get a Job in AI
This is one of the most persistent myths and, for most roles, it's false. While a PhD is essential for highly specialised research scientist positions that focus on developing new algorithms, it is not a requirement for the vast majority of AI jobs. Most AI engineer, machine learning engineer, and data scientist roles prioritise practical skills and a strong project portfolio over advanced degrees. In today's market, companies are increasingly focused on what you can build and deploy. A strong foundation in Python, key machine learning frameworks, and hands-on project experience are often more valuable than theoretical credentials. Some hiring managers even view a PhD as a potential red flag for an engineering role, as academic programs may not focus on the practical, end-to-end system building skills needed in the industry. The industry has evolved; practical skills now frequently outweigh purely academic qualifications for most engineering positions.
Claim 3: AI Will Automate Itself and Other Jobs Out of Existence
The fear of mass job displacement is widespread, but the reality is a story of transformation, not just elimination. While AI is expected to automate certain tasks and displace some jobs, particularly routine, low-skilled ones, it is also projected to create millions of new roles. According to the World Economic Forum, AI could create 97 million new roles globally while displacing 85 million—a net gain. In India, the conversation is similar. While India's Economic Survey has highlighted risks for low-value-added jobs in the IT sector, it also points to job creation. A NASSCOM report projected that AI is expected to contribute significantly to India's GDP and create new jobs. The roles being created are often different, requiring human-centric skills like AI ethics analysis, MLOps engineering, and AI product management. The real threat isn't being replaced by AI, but rather failing to adapt to a world where working alongside AI is the new standard.
Claim 4: The AI Job Boom Is Only in Big Tech Hubs like Bengaluru
While Bengaluru and Hyderabad remain dominant hubs for AI talent and hiring, the boom is spreading across the country. A 2026 LinkedIn report highlighted that while Bengaluru saw a 52% growth in AI hiring, other cities are catching up fast. Hyderabad followed closely with 51% growth, but surprisingly, emerging cities like Vijayawada showed a 45.5% increase in AI job postings. This geographic dispersal is driven by several factors, including the expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and the adoption of AI by small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which saw a 164% jump in demand for AI-related skills. This expansion provides more opportunities for job seekers outside of the traditional tech metros, potentially offering a lower cost of living without sacrificing career growth. The AI revolution is no longer a two-city story; it's becoming a national phenomenon.
