Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping industries, and engineering is no exception. With India producing 1.5 million engineers annually, the country should be well-positioned to lead in AI development. However, only about 2,000 engineers have the skills to build core AI products. This is a major concern as AI is projected to impact 40% of global jobs in the coming years.
Engineers and the AI Skills Gap
According to recent surveys, 67% of Indian engineers are worried that AI will threaten their jobs. Their fears are well-founded—experts predict that 40% of all engineering jobs could be automated in the next 10 years. This is due to a skills gap in the current workforce, where most engineers possess a strong theoretical foundation but struggle with practical applications. The 2023 India Skills Report found that only 45% of engineers meet the industry’s needs, underscoring the urgency of upskilling.
Upskilling as a Lifeline
The only way forward for India’s engineers is to embrace upskilling. A whopping 87.5% of engineers acknowledge the need for additional training to future-proof their careers. Many are turning their attention to AI-related skills, with 86% expressing interest in generative AI and high-level problem-solving.
While automation is inevitable, new opportunities are emerging alongside AI. Engineers who focus on creativity, ethical AI development, and problem-solving will find themselves well-prepared for the future.
