FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: AI (Artificial Intelligence) letters and robot hand miniature in this illustration taken, June 23, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo/File Photo/File Photo | Photo Credit: Dado Ruvic

Artificial Intelligence (AI) performs 37 per cent of entry-level tasks in India, a survey by Cognizant and Pearson has found.

The study, titled The AI Workforce Pulse: The Adaptability Imperative, identifies that globally, AI task designation comes to 33 per cent, with 18 per cent of HR leaders claiming that half or more of entry-level work is handled by AI. This rate is higher than global average for India, indicating AI’s impact on India’s entry-level workforce, which seems to be higher than the situation globally.

More than 90 per cent of all HR leaders and professionals worldwide expect entry-level positions to transform into those involving more management of AI systems within the next half-decade, thereby creating new entry-level roles. They also aspire to increase focus on AI skills for non-technical roles. 

However, these aspirations are not in line with preparedness of the organisations in AI training.

Transforming Learning

Around 63 per cent of Indian respondents say that their Learning & Development (L&D) programmes cannot keep up with how quickly AI is transforming jobs.

Compared to the US (49 per cent), India fares better in learning, given how 63 per cent of Indian organisations have allotted time for AI training.

A total of 80 per cent of organisations in India report that AI is enabling employees to focus on higher-value work, signifying a rising shift towards more strategic responsibilities. 

Necessary Reskilling

Two in three HR professionals (67 per cent) report they value liberal arts degrees more than they used to in light of AI advancements.

Rajesh Varrier, President – Global Operations and Chairman & Managing Director, Cognizant India said in a statement: “This shift underscores the necessity for extensive reskilling and improved managerial effectiveness, both of which are key in an economy increasingly shaped by AI.”

Published on June 18, 2026