India Faces AI Talent Shortage as Demand for Agentic AI Professionals Soars
A Growing Gap in Talent
India is currently grappling with a substantial shortage of agentic AI professionals. As companies advance beyond basic chatbots, the move toward intelligent agents capable of solving intricate business problems and enhancing decision-making has intensified. There are fewer than 100,000 such experts in the country, while the demand is projected to double to around 200,000 by 2026, according to executives from leading firms including BCG, Everest Group, TeamLease, and Adecco.
Understanding Agentic AI
Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can autonomously make decisions, take actions, and adapt to changing environments. This cutting-edge technology enables organizations to streamline operations and innovate in ways previously thought impossible.
Diverse Roles in Agentic AI
The professional landscape in agentic AI includes a variety of critical roles:
- Developers Create the code base.
- Architects Design the AI frameworks.
- Program Engineering Managers Integrate and deliver solutions.
- Testers Ensure system performance.
Enhancing Value through Agentic AI
“Agentic AI can enable tech companies to deliver higher value through a ‘service as a software’ shift from ‘software as a service,’” stated Ankush Wadhera, managing director and partner at BCG. These intelligent agents allow firms to develop solutions tailored to specific verticals, enhancing the strategic impact of AI initiatives.
The Current Talent Landscape
Currently, roughly 40% of the demand for agentic AI talent is being met in India. Karthikeyan Kesavan, director of permanent recruitment at Adecco India, highlights that AI architects are particularly scarce, underscoring the urgent need for professionals in this segment.
Salaries on the Rise
The scarcity of talent is causing salaries to soar. An agentic AI expert with 2-5 years of experience commands an average salary of ₹25 lakh per annum. This is considerably higher than the typical salaries of a regular developer, which is around ₹8 lakh, and an AI expert, which stands at approximately ₹13 lakh.
Mid-Senior Level Rewards
“At mid-senior levels, salaries for these roles can range from ₹80 lakh to ₹2 crore,” said Pranshu Upadhyay, regional director and head of the India technology practice at Michael Page. This impressive salary structure reflects the high demand for skilled professionals in this niche.
Limited Expertise Available
Despite the growing number of AI professionals in India—approximately 650,000—only 10–15% possess the specialized expertise necessary for agentic AI roles. Demand could reach between 150,000 and 200,000 by next year, as revealed by research from TeamLease.
Key Demand Drivers
The talent demand will primarily come from Global Capability Centers (GCCs), IT firms, and startups. Neeti Sharma, CEO of TeamLease Digital, predicts a strong upward trend in agentic AI hiring across these sectors.
Hiring Surge in the Industry
Yugal Joshi, partner at Everest Group, notes an uptick in hiring across industries, including Big Tech, startups, consulting firms, and IT service providers. Many companies are expected to integrate agentic AI solutions over the next 1-2 years.
Emerging Job Titles
New roles such as "agentic AI architect" and "AI agent engineer" are becoming more common. However, most current professionals in this area still hold broader AI/ML titles, such as AI engineer or AI architect.
Industry Shift Towards Autonomous AI
The burgeoning demand is indicative of a wider industry shift from simple automation to AI agents capable of executing tasks independently. This evolution is being fueled by rising investments in agentic capabilities across various sectors.
Market Growth Projections
According to Nasscom, the market for AI agents is expected to expand from $5.1 billion in 2024 to $47.1 billion by 2030, underscoring the immense potential in this field.
High-Growth Segments
There are several high-growth segments where agentic AI systems are most impactful, including:
- Autonomous Vehicles
- Smart Manufacturing
- Healthcare
These sectors are keen on leveraging agentic AI to drive innovation.
A Call for Understanding
“There are conversations around agentic AI building up in India, and companies are eager to understand how the talent landscape is evolving in this space,” Upadhyay noted. As interest grows, so does the need for skilled professionals to fill these critical roles.
Conclusion
The pressing need for agentic AI specialists in India presents both a challenge and an opportunity. As the industry rapidly evolves, companies must adapt to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals capable of driving innovation through agentic AI technologies.
Questions and Answers
What is agentic AI?
- Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can independently make decisions, take actions, and adapt to changing environments.
Why is there a talent shortage in agentic AI?
- The talent shortage arises because the demand for agentic AI professionals is rapidly increasing, while the current number of specialists remains low.
What roles are available in the field of agentic AI?
- Key roles include developers, architects, program engineering managers, and testers specialized in AI systems.
What does the salary range look like for agentic AI experts?
- An agentic AI expert with 2-5 years of experience can earn around ₹25 lakh per annum, with salaries at mid-senior levels ranging from ₹80 lakh to ₹2 crore.
- What industries are driving the demand for agentic AI?
- The demand is primarily driven by Global Capability Centers (GCCs), IT firms, and startups, along with Big Tech and consulting firms rapidly integrating AI solutions.
