Large and mid-sized companies are actively looking for skillsets in the domain of AI and machine learning, cloud technologies and cybersecurity
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Entry-level jobs in India’s IT sector will surge for applicants with expertise in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, according to research from ServiceNow and other hiring firms.
Despite the gloom of potential layoffs in India’s IT sector in the coming quarters, ServiceNow, a cloud-based digital transformation platform, said India is projected to record 3 million tech workers in the next five years, fuelled by digital transformation at home, the rise of global capability centres (GCCs) and a pipeline of young tech professionals.
It projected the highest net increase in headcount for entry-level jobs — software application developers (176,000 roles), Web developers (89,000 roles), systems software developers (67,000 roles) — as well as mid-level jobs such as data engineers (67,000 roles).
The report predicted good demand in industries such as telecom, media and tech, manufacturing and retail, particularly for software application developers. While the job predictions depend on India churning out AI-oriented, high-skill workforce, the projections still align with what IT companies are actively seeking in the current market.
When asked, CIEL, a hiring firm, said large- and mid-sized companies are actively looking for skillsets in the domain of AI and machine learning, cloud technologies and cybersecurity. This includes, prompt engineering, explainable AI and bias detection, synthetic data creation, multi-cloud and hybrid cloud management, AI-driven threat detection and response, and post-quantum cryptography readiness, among other things.
Raghav Gupta, Founder of Futurense, also advised employees to consider upskilling in areas such as DevOps, data engineering or GenAI tools.
KPIT Technologies, in its last quarterly results, listed AI knowledge, domain knowledge, ability to use AI tools, learnability and critical thinking as the key traits for hiring both campus and lateral hires.
“In terms of programming, any AI will generate a code, create a solution, which is not 100 per cent and not many people quickly realise it. To take it to 100 per cent, you need to understand how the AI has generated code, what is the gap and how to bridge that gap. So, you need the understanding of the programming and how the AI is working,” said Kishore Patil, CEO and Managing Director at KPIT.
Gupta noted that many companies talk about “new skillsets”, but what they’re really pointing to is the shift from task-based roles to problem-solving roles. Companies are looking for people who can work across layers of understanding the business need, designing a solution, and deploying it using the right tools.
other options
“Even within AI, it’s less about knowing the theory and more about understanding how to apply models in real-world systems. Beyond the tech, companies want people who can work in smaller, faster teams. So, product thinking, communication and the ability to work with ambiguity are becoming part of the mix,” he said.
Beyond upskilling, Gupta noted that displaced workers have multiple pathways forward, including product start-ups, global capability centres with more targeted hiring and contract work as a short-term alternative.
Published on August 4, 2025