India’s AI Workforce To Cross 12.5 Lakh By 2027: Labour Ministry

New Delhi, Dec 19 (KNN) India’s artificial intelligence (AI) talent base is projected to more than double to over 12.5 lakh professionals by 2027, growing at a 15 percent compounded annual growth rate (CAGR), according to a NASSCOM report titled ‘Advancing India’s AI Skills’.

This information was provided by the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

The Minister said AI is expected to generate employment opportunities across multiple domains. So far, 8.65 lakh candidates have enrolled or been trained in various emerging technology courses, including 3.20 lakh candidates in AI and Big Data Analytics.

Upskilling Through FutureSkills PRIME

To enhance employability in emerging technologies, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched the FutureSkills PRIME programme for re-skilling and up-skilling IT professionals in 10 new and emerging technologies.

Under the initiative, over 18.56 lakh candidates have registered on the FutureSkills PRIME portal, of which more than 3.37 lakh candidates have successfully completed their courses.

Support for AI Startups and Manufacturing

MeitY is also implementing the Scheme for Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence in partnership with NASSCOM. Under the scheme, startups are being supported to develop AI-based tools and applications relevant to the manufacturing sector, several of which have already been deployed by manufacturing companies.

AI Exposure for School Students

In addition, the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), under MeitY, has launched ‘YUVAi: Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI’, a national programme aimed at equipping school students from Classes 8 to 12 with AI technology and social skills.

The programme enables students to learn and apply AI in eight thematic areas, including agriculture (krishi), health (aarogya), education (shiksha), environment (paryavaran), transport (parivahan), rural development (grameen vikas), smart cities and justice (vidhi aur nyaay).

Employment Support Through NCS Portal

The Ministry of Labour and Employment is also operating the National Career Service (NCS) Portal, a digital platform offering career-related services such as job listings from government and private sectors, job fairs, career counselling, vocational guidance, and information on skill development and training programmes.

(KNN Bureau)