Indian professionals believe AI skills will boost careers

New Delhi Seven in 10 Gen-Z professionals in India believe that artificial intelligence (AI) skills will help them progress in their careers, a report showed on Thursday.

AI-skilled members in India increased by 14 times in June 2023 compared to January 2016. This growth puts India in the top 5 countries for AI talent increase, alongside Singapore, Finland, Ireland, and Canada, according to LinkedIn’s first-ever global 'Future of Work: State of Work @AI' report.

Over the past year, 43 per cent of the Indian workforce has witnessed increased AI usage in their workplaces.

This surge has prompted 60 per cent of all workers and 71 per cent of Gen Z professionals in India to recognise that acquiring AI skills could enhance career prospects.

Further, two in three Indians say they will learn at least one digital skill in 2023, with AI and Machine Learning being among the top skills they want to learn, the report mentioned. "With India's top executives endorsing the potency of interpersonal skills in the age of AI, we're entering an era that values more fulfilling, human-centric work," said Ashutosh Gupta, Country Manager at LinkedIn India.

"To seize the moment, leaders must solidify their commitment to skills-first hiring because prioritising potential over pedigree can expand talent pools, boost upskilling, and build agility in their workforce," he added. In 2022, the growth in hiring AI talent has outpaced overall hiring in APAC. For India, 2023 promises continued growth for AI hiring, with half of India's top executives aiming to upskill or hire for AI talent this year.