India’s AI push promises more creative work, but workers must reinvent
India is throwing a lot of weight behind artificial intelligence, hoping to turn the country into a sort of manufacturing hub for the tech while nudging work habits in a new direction. Policymakers, tech firms and venture capitalists are all chipping in, funding AI research labs, startup incubators and skilling programs, in the belief that this push could lift workers into higher-value roles, even though many still feel uneasy about automation. The idea seems simple enough: let AI take care of the routine processing, and let people focus on design, strategy and problem-solving.
In practice, though, the shift isn’t automatic. Companies from fintech to media are already flagging a gap between how fast AI is being rolled out and how ready their staff are to actually use it. That mismatch means employees now have to see relevance as more than just picking up a new tool; it calls for a broader cultural move toward ongoing learning and real-world application.
The insight that follows shows why this change feels especially urgent right now.
AI is freeing up time for creativity, bold thinking and work that truly matters. Yet, as industries evolve, employees must proactively reinvent themselves to stay ahead. Success in this new era hinges on building AI literacy, understanding real-world applications and upskilling in emerging areas such as prompt engineering, AI quality assurance and data analytics Moreover, data from labour market analytics firm Lightcast shows that the market is already rewarding the combination of technical and human skills needed to succeed in the AI-powered workforce.
Roles requiring high-end AI skills pay nearly $18,000 more than similar positions without them. Since 2022, non-tech sectors have seen an 800% rise in generative AI roles, Lightcast's data revealed. At Cypher 2025, Malai Lakshmanan, Head of Engineering at LinkedIn India, shared his insights on preparing for an AI-driven future, emphasising the need for human-centric skills, leadership and a culture of continuous learning.
"AI is not science fiction anymore, unless you were living under a rock. AI is everywhere, and it's actually starting to reshape the way we work and how we live.
AI is already changing Indian offices, but the promise of more creative work will only happen if people can keep up. Workers will probably need to pick up prompt engineering, AI quality checks and data analytics - and that’s more than a quick video tutorial. The article notes AI could free up time for “bold thinking and work that truly matters,” so the upside looks good, even if the road ahead is still fuzzy.
Lightcast’s labour-market data shows demand for those skills is moving, although we can’t say exactly how fast. That means both firms and employees should put AI literacy and hands-on practice ahead of the assumption that the tech will just boost output on its own. Without a real push to upskill, the chance of becoming irrelevant rises, especially in jobs where automation can take over routine chores.
Bottom line: the AI moment in India could open space for more inventive work, but it also calls for a proactive makeover. Whether the workforce rises to the challenge will hinge on how quickly and thoroughly these new skills are taken up.
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Common Questions Answered
How is India positioning itself in the global AI landscape according to the article?
The article states that India is betting big on AI by branding the country as a manufacturing hub for the technology. Policymakers, tech firms, and venture capitalists are funneling resources into AI research labs, startup incubators, and large‑scale skilling programs to attract global AI investment.
What specific skills does the article say Indian workers need to develop to stay relevant in an AI‑driven economy?
According to the piece, workers must build AI literacy and master emerging roles such as prompt engineering, AI quality assurance, and data analytics. These competencies are presented as essential for shifting from routine processing to higher‑value, creative tasks.
How does Lightcast’s labour‑market analytics data support the article’s claim about shifting job demand in India?
Lightcast’s data, cited in the article, shows that the labour market is already rewarding professionals who combine AI knowledge with creative problem‑solving. The analytics highlight a growing demand for roles focused on prompt engineering, AI quality assurance, and data analytics, confirming the predicted shift toward higher‑value work.
What does the article suggest about the relationship between AI automation and ‘automation anxiety’ among Indian workers?
The article acknowledges that while AI can free up time for creativity and bold thinking, many workers still experience automation anxiety. It stresses that staying ahead requires proactive reinvention, upskilling, and a clear understanding of real‑world AI applications to alleviate those concerns.