AI now performs 37 per cent of entry-level tasks in India: Study

Artificial Intelligence now performs 37 per cent of entry-level tasks in India, exceeding the global average, according to a Cognizant-Pearson study. HR leaders expect entry-level roles to evolve significantly, while organisations increasingly prioritise AI skills and human adaptability

Hyderabad: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly taking over routine work, with 37% of entry-level tasks now being performed by AI in the country. This is higher in India compared to the global average of 33%.

These findings, revealed in a study titled ‘The AI Workforce Pulse: The Adaptability Imperative’, jointly conducted by Cognizant and Pearson, highlighted how AI is transforming India’s entry-level workforce at a faster pace than the global average.

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The study was based on responses from 750 HR leaders across the US, UK and India. Eighteen percent of HR leaders reported that AI now handles half or more of entry-level work. Nearly all (96%) HR leaders expect entry-level roles to evolve into positions where employees supervise or manage AI systems within the next five years.

More than 90% of respondents said middle managers are instrumental in redefining job roles as AI changes the day-to-day work of team members. Similarly, 98% of HR professionals are increasingly focused on AI skills even for non-technical roles.

In India, as per the study, 80% of organisations report that AI is enabling employees to focus on higher-value work, compared to 77% globally.

As AI takes on routine work, organisations are placing greater emphasis on human capabilities and adaptability. A majority of HR professionals reported that soft skills matter more than ever, and 67% said they value liberal arts degrees more than they used to in light of AI advancements. In addition, 91% of organisations in India place greater value on AI skills for non-technical roles.

“As work evolves, the most successful organizations will focus less on replacing tasks and more on building the capabilities that help humans and AI work together,” said Ali Bebo, Chief Human Resources Officer, Pearson.