Artificial intelligence is set to play a decisive role in shaping salary growth and career progression in India over the next two to three years. According to TeamLease EdTech CEO Shantanu Rooj, companies are increasingly recognising AI as a productivity booster, and employees who actively use AI tools are likely to gain an advantage in salary increments. This shift reflects a broader transition where AI skills are no longer optional but are becoming central to workplace competitiveness.
A major trend highlighted in the report is the integration of AI into performance evaluation systems. Organisations are moving toward AI-influenced appraisal frameworks, where employees’ ability to leverage AI tools could directly impact promotions and pay hikes. Sectors such as technology, global capability centres (GCCs), and banking and financial services are expected to lead this shift, as they rapidly adopt AI-driven workflows.
The demand for AI skills is already reshaping hiring priorities. Studies show that 92% of Indian knowledge workers use AI at work, and about 80% of employers prefer candidates with AI skills—even if they have less experience. This signals a clear change in how talent is evaluated, with practical AI capability becoming more valuable than traditional experience alone.
Looking ahead, the impact on the job market could be substantial. Industry estimates suggest that India’s demand for AI professionals may exceed 1 million by 2026, reinforcing AI’s role not just as a tool but as a core workforce strategy. As adoption deepens, salary growth will increasingly depend on how effectively employees can integrate AI into their work—making AI literacy a key driver of future career success.
