33.9 million Jobs: India’s workforce is anticipated to expand from 423.73 million in 2023 to 457.62 million by 2028, adding a net gain of approximately 33.89 million workers. This growth is largely fueled by advancements in AI and technology, according to a recent report by ServiceNow. AI-driven transformations across industries are creating a variety of new job opportunities, particularly in tech and other growth sectors.
Key Sectors Driving Employment Growth
Emerging technologies are set to reshape India’s primary growth sectors, with an estimated 2.73 million new tech-related jobs by 2028. Here’s how different sectors are expected to contribute:
- Retail Sector: Leading with demand, the retail sector will require an additional 6.96 million workers.
- Manufacturing Sector: This sector will see substantial growth, adding approximately 1.5 million new jobs.
- Education and Healthcare Sectors: These sectors will add 840,000 and 800,000 jobs, respectively, to support growing needs in education and healthcare.
Emerging Tech Roles and High-Demand Skills
With technology roles expanding, there is a growing demand for specialized technical skills. Key tech roles expected to see substantial growth include:
- Software Application Developers: Anticipated increase of 109,700 positions by 2028.
- Systems Software Developers: Projected to add 48,800 new positions.
- Data Engineers: Expected to grow with 48,500 new roles.
- Web Developers, Data Analysts, and Software Testers: Adding 48,500, 47,800, and 45,300 roles, respectively.
Additionally, roles like data integration specialists, database architects, data scientists, and computer and information systems managers will see growth, with each position adding between 42,700 and 43,300 new roles.
Impact of AI on Job Functions
AI is not only creating new jobs but also redefining existing ones by automating tasks. For example, Systems Administrators will see around 6.9 hours of weekly tasks automated or enhanced by AI, boosting efficiency and allowing for a focus on more complex tasks.
Similarly, AI Systems Engineers will experience a significant impact, with nearly half of their tasks anticipated to be handled by AI technologies, reflecting AI’s growing role in enabling professionals to innovate and solve complex problems.
Future Outlook and Strategic Implications
As AI drives job creation in India, especially in technical fields, this transformation will open new opportunities for professionals to establish long-term digital careers. The rising demand for skills in software development, data analysis, and AI systems management underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptation to emerging technologies.