Nasscom Highlights Skills Gap Amid Rapid AI Integration

A recent Nasscom study reveals a concerning trend regarding India's technical workforce: while roughly two-thirds of young employees are proficient in artificial intelligence, only 23 percent qualify as truly AI-native. This gap underscores a reliance on existing technological skills even as the industry shifts toward complex automation and intelligent systems. The shift indicates that while widespread literacy exists, deep-level engineering expertise required to build and refine these systems remains concentrated in a smaller segment of the workforce.

Experts emphasize that India’s future hinges on its ability to transition from routine tech service delivery to deep-tech and genuine innovation. However, systemic hurdles persist. Procurement policies often prioritize the lowest bidder over qualitative innovation, effectively penalizing domestic firms that invest heavily in original intellectual property. This framework limits the growth of indigenous solutions and forces high-skilled engineers to gravitate toward service-oriented roles rather than research-heavy positions.

Strengthening deep-tech capabilities is essential for India to remain globally competitive. The industry must move beyond routine task automation to create high-value products that can benefit millions across sectors. Addressing the disparity between AI-proficiency and AI-native skills, coupled with a shift in procurement policy, remains vital for long-term technological advancement. If ignored, the country risks becoming a market for foreign tech rather than a leader in developing its own transformative global solutions.