The rapid rise of AI is changing the global job market, and India’s 1.5 million new engineers each year are at the forefront of this transformation. But alarmingly, only 2,000 engineers are equipped to work with AI at its core. This comes as AI is expected to affect 40% of jobs worldwide by 2025, with automation increasingly taking over traditional roles.
Job Automation: A Threat to Engineers?
A 2023 report highlighted that 67% of Indian engineers fear that AI could take over their jobs, and they aren’t wrong to worry. Nearly 40% of engineering roles are predicted to be automated within the next decade, creating uncertainty for millions. This trend is not limited to India; workers across the globe are grappling with AI’s disruptive potential. In Europe, for instance, 68% of employees fear AI will displace them.
The Need for Upskilling
In India, a surplus of graduates coupled with an outdated education system is compounding the problem. Most engineering programs emphasize theory but fail to deliver on practical skills that the AI-driven market demands. As a result, 87.5% of Indian engineers believe upskilling is essential to protect their careers.
There’s a growing interest in generative AI and high-level problem-solving, but will it be enough? As AI automates more tasks, engineers must adapt by gaining new skills that complement AI technologies. Focusing on creativity, critical thinking, and areas where human intelligence outperforms machines will be key to thriving in this evolving landscape.
