India is set to witness a significant transformation in its workforce over the next five years, with agentic AI projected to create more than 3 million new technology jobs by 2030. This insight comes from the ServiceNow AI Skills Research 2025, conducted in partnership with Pearson, which identifies India as a frontrunner in AI-driven business transformation in the Asia-Pacific region.
India leads APAC in enterprise AI integration
According to the report, nearly 25% of Indian enterprises have already moved beyond pilot initiatives and are in advanced stages of AI implementation—surpassing regional counterparts like Singapore and Australia. These organisations, referred to as “AI Pacesetters,” are characterised by their strategic focus on AI governance, investment in skilled talent, and large-scale adoption of technologies such as agentic AI.
These leading companies are already reporting measurable benefits. A majority (57%) have seen improved efficiency, while 63% experienced enhanced productivity through redesigned workflows. The findings underscore how Indian enterprises are embedding AI across operational and strategic layers, creating a ripple effect across job roles and business models.
Major impact across manufacturing, retail and education
The report estimates that agentic AI will reshape more than 10 million jobs across sectors by 2030. Manufacturing is expected to see the highest transformation, affecting over 8 million roles, followed by 7.6 million in retail and 2.5 million in education. Routine positions such as payroll clerks and change managers are likely to be fully automated, while system administrators and implementation consultants will increasingly collaborate with AI agents.
In response to this shift, organisations are actively building future-ready talent pipelines. Roles like AI Configurators, Data Scientists, and Experience Designers are now among the most sought-after, with hiring rates above 60% for each.
Talent development and AI trust seen as critical hurdles
Despite optimism, challenges persist. About 30% of Indian businesses remain concerned about data security when deploying AI, while 26% are uncertain about future skill requirements. The report calls for businesses to invest not only in AI tools but also in employee training to ensure transparency, trust, and responsible AI deployment.
India’s young population, digital infrastructure, and appetite for innovation position it to lead in the global AI race—but success will depend on strategic alignment between AI systems and workforce development.
