AI adoption top priority for 98% of Indian business leaders by 2025: Report

Technical skills, including software development and AI expertise, are highly sought after, alongside soft skills like communication and problem-solving. A LinkedIn report reveals that over 60% of HR professionals in the country believe AI-powered tools can streamline and accelerate the hiring process.

New Delhi: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved from a mere buzzword to a crucial business strategy, with 98% of business leaders in India prioritizing AI adoption for 2025, according to a new report released on Thursday.

The demand for technical skills such as software development and AI expertise continues to rise, alongside essential soft skills like communication and problem-solving. A LinkedIn report highlights that over 60% of HR professionals in the country believe AI-powered tools can streamline and expedite the hiring process.

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“AI is reshaping how we hire and develop talent, but the real unlock isn’t just adopting AI — it’s making it work for the business,” said Ruchee Anand, India Country Head, Talent and Learning Solutions, LinkedIn.

She added that the companies pour resources into AI tools without the right talent to unlock their full potential, turning a game-changing opportunity into a missed one. Around 84 per cent rank skill development as a top priority for 2025.

As AI becomes more integrated into workplaces, companies are prioritising upskilling their employees. They are particularly focused on AI training and essential soft skills like collaboration and communication.

Additionally, all surveyed learning and development (L&D) professionals in India agree that soft skills are becoming just as critical as technical expertise.

However, despite the rapid push for AI integration, finding skilled talent remains a significant challenge, the report said.

It added that recruiters in India are struggling to find candidates with the right mix of AI and human skills. About 54 per cent of HR professionals say that only half or fewer of job applications meet all required qualifications.

Many recruiters say they receive too many applications from candidates who are not suitable for the roles.

“To break this cycle, businesses need to approach hiring with a skills-first mindset — because while AI will be the tool that unlocks innovation, it’s human skills like creativity, communication, and collaboration that will help companies truly stay ahead of change,” Anand mentioned.

More than half of HR professionals in India now prefer to hire candidates who meet at least 80 per cent of job qualifications. This shift indicates a focus on quality over quantity in the hiring process, the report said.