India Faces Shortage of Skilled AI Professionals
The Rising Demand for Agentic AI Professionals in India
Understanding Agentic AI
Agentic AI refers to advanced artificial intelligence systems that can autonomously make decisions, adapt to new situations, and perform tasks without needing constant human oversight. As businesses increasingly strive for efficiency and innovative solutions, these intelligent agents are becoming integral to decision-making processes across various industries.
Current Workforce Shortage
India is currently grappling with a notable shortfall of agentic AI experts. Research from prominent consulting and recruitment firms such as BCG, TeamLease, and Adecco indicates that there are fewer than 100,000 professionals with the required expertise in this domain. With the demand for skilled personnel expected to double to around 200,000 by 2026, the talent gap is alarming.
Demand versus Supply
The reality is stark; only about 40% of the demand for agentic AI talent is being satisfied at present. Karthikeyan Kesavan, director of permanent recruitment at Adecco India, highlighted that AI architects are particularly hard to find. The surge in demand is driven by companies seeking to leverage AI for automated and sophisticated solutions.
Career Roles in Agentic AI
A variety of roles exist within the field of agentic AI, all essential for the development, implementation, and upkeep of these intelligent systems:
- Developers: Create the underlying code and algorithms.
- Architects: Design the framework of AI systems.
- Program Engineering Managers: Oversee the integration and delivery of software solutions.
- Testers: Ensure optimal system performance through rigorous testing protocols.
As stated by Ankush Wadhera, a managing director at BCG, the emergence of agentic AI allows for a ‘service as software’ model, shifting from traditional ‘software as a service’ to a more value-driven approach.
Financial Implications of the Talent Shortage
The acute shortage has led to significant salary increases within the field. An agentic AI professional with just 2-5 years of experience commands an average annual salary of around Rs 25 lakh, compared to Rs 8 lakh for an ordinary developer and Rs 13 lakh for a standard AI expert. Salaries for mid-senior level roles can reach between Rs 80 lakh and Rs 2 crore, attesting to the high value placed on these specialized skills.
The Expanding Market for AI Agents
The demand for agentic AI professionals is anticipated to rise sharply, particularly from Global Capability Centers (GCCs), IT firms, and startups. According to research from TeamLease, as few as 10-15% of India’s 650,000 AI professionals possess the specific skills needed for agentic AI, underlining the pressing need for targeted education and training.
Trends in Job Titles and Hiring
With the growth of this sector, new job titles are emerging, including agentic AI architect and AI agent engineer. However, many current professionals in the AI domain generally hold broader roles like AI engineer or AI architect. Yugal Joshi from Everest Group noted that hiring is increasing across major tech firms, consulting companies, and IT service providers. Many organizations plan to pilot or fully implement agentic solutions within the next couple of years.
Market Growth Projections
The agentic AI market is projected to expand impressively, with estimates suggesting it will grow from $5.1 billion in 2024 to approximately $47.1 billion by 2030. High-growth segments such as autonomous vehicles, smart manufacturing, and healthcare will particularly benefit from advances in agentic AI systems.
The Future of Agentic AI in India
Discussions around agentic AI are gaining momentum in India, with businesses eager to ascertain how the talent landscape is shifting. As this area continues to evolve, the need for trained professionals will only increase, prompting initiatives to develop the necessary skill sets within the workforce. The road ahead appears filled with opportunities for innovation and growth in this important field of artificial intelligence.
