Talent shortage slows AI project progress beyond pilot stages (opens original article in a new tab)

India's AI project progress is slowing due to a severe talent shortage, with demand for 2.3 million AI professionals by 2027 far exceeding the available 1.2 million, particularly in deployment roles. Employers struggle to hire, with 80% unable to find needed talent, and hiring timelines stretching beyond 90 days. Salary premiums for AI professionals are rising, but enterprise readiness remains a barrier as less than 10% of companies are fully prepared for large-scale AI deployment.

• India faces a shortage of over 1 million AI workers by 2027 with demand for 2.3 million AI professionals against 1.2 million available
• Specialised AI deployment roles have an 83% talent gap with 80% of employers struggling to find needed AI talent
• Hiring timelines for niche AI roles exceed 90 days and salary premiums for AI professionals reach 30-50%
• Enterprise readiness remains a challenge with less than 10% of enterprises AI-ready in data, governance, and processes