Has India’s AI talent pool surpassed 4 lakh in 2025?
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Synopsis
India's AI talent pool has surpassed 4 lakh in 2025, signaling a booming demand for skilled professionals. However, a substantial demand-supply gap poses challenges that need urgent attention. This report highlights the pressing need for strategic partnerships and upskilling initiatives to prepare for an AI-driven future.
Key Takeaways
- India's AI talent pool exceeds 4 lakh professionals.
- Significant 51 percent demand-supply gap exists.
- AI hiring has grown 8 times since 2017.
- High salaries for AI specialists, with entry-level at Rs 8-12 LPA.
- BFSI sector accounts for 24 percent of AI demand.
New Delhi, May 16 (NationPress) A recent report reveals that India’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) talent pool has now exceeded 4 lakh in 2025, as reported on Friday.
The findings from Quess Corp, a leading staffing and workforce solutions organization, indicate that the total number of AI professionals in India has reached 416,000.
Despite this growth, there exists a concerning 51 percent demand-supply gap, highlighting the urgent necessity to develop capabilities that are ready for the future.
Since 2017, the hiring landscape for AI has seen an 8-fold increase, transitioning from generalist positions to roles that are aligned with specific capabilities, according to the report.
Job descriptions now increasingly focus on stack fluency, production readiness, and proficiency in particular tools, showcasing the shift in enterprises from experimentation to large-scale deployment.
“The rise of AI represents not merely a talent transition but a generational opportunity. Between March 2024 and March 2025, the demand for AI and data talent in India skyrocketed by nearly 45 percent,” stated Kapil Joshi, CEO of Quess IT Staffing.
“In emerging sectors like GenAI engineering, there is just one qualified candidate for every ten available positions—this gap signifies not just a hiring dilemma, but a strategic challenge. India possesses the scale, expertise, and potential to spearhead the global AI revolution. However, to capitalize on this moment, businesses, educators, and policymakers must act swiftly,” Joshi added.
The report also highlighted a significant increase in the salaries of AI specialists.
Entry-level professionals earn between Rs 8-12 LPA, while experts in NLP and GenAI with 5-8 years of experience command Rs 25–35 LPA. Senior professionals earn over Rs 45 LPA in product firms and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
The BFSI sector makes up 24 percent of the total AI demand in India, followed by IT Services and Healthcare.
High-demand roles include data scientists, ML engineers, AI developers, and AI researchers. There is also an uptick in demand for AI product managers and business analysts who can translate models into tangible business outcomes.
While Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Hyderabad are at the forefront of India’s GenAI hiring, emerging Tier-2 cities now account for 14-16 percent of total AI demand. Cities such as Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Coimbatore contribute significantly to this Tier-2 growth, underscoring the emergence of distributed AI talent hubs beyond major metros.
GCCs are responsible for 23 percent of India’s AI hiring, playing a crucial role in developing a workforce ready for GenAI.
The report emphasizes the necessity for strategic partnerships between academia and industry, customized upskilling programs, and proactive policy measures to prepare India’s workforce for an AI-driven future.
Point of View
The report underscores the urgent need for India to address the widening gap between AI talent supply and demand. As the country positions itself as a key player in the global AI landscape, it is imperative for stakeholders to collaborate and invest in workforce development to ensure India remains competitive and innovative in this rapidly evolving field.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current size of India's AI talent pool?
India's AI talent pool has surpassed 4 lakh, reaching 416,000 professionals in 2025.
What is the demand-supply gap in AI talent?
There is a 51 percent demand-supply gap, indicating the urgent need for skilled AI professionals.
Which sectors have the highest demand for AI talent?
The BFSI sector leads with 24 percent of AI demand, followed by IT Services and Healthcare.
What is the salary range for AI professionals in India?
Entry-level salaries range from Rs 8-12 LPA, while experienced specialists can earn up to Rs 45 LPA.
What roles are in demand within the AI sector?
High-demand roles include data scientists, ML engineers, AI developers, and AI researchers, among others.
