AI Skills Demand Accelerates for Indian Employers and Global Manufacturers

A joint Indeed–Nasscom report finds that half of Indian employers now prioritize demonstrated AI capabilities over formal degrees. Leading skill demands include cloud and infrastructure integration (38% of employers), generative AI and large‑language models (37%), MLOps and deployment (32%), data analytics and visualisation (32%), AI ethics and governance (29%) and human‑AI collaboration design (28%). The report notes that most professionals acquire these skills on the job, through self‑learning or peer learning rather than traditional classroom settings.

A separate industry survey of manufacturers shows a growing focus on practical AI literacy for frontline workers. While 22.6% of respondents say it is too early to define exact skill needs, the majority emphasise the ability to work alongside AI‑enabled equipment, interpret AI‑generated insights and apply new tools to improve daily operations. Yet over 40% of manufacturers have not yet provided AI‑related training, and many existing programs are limited to introductory content. The survey highlights an opportunity for targeted workforce development to bridge the gap between AI adoption and employee readiness.