The AI impact: Rethink, rework, reboot

The rapid ascent of artificial intelligence and automation is reshaping India’s technology hiring landscape, with entry-level workers getting impacted the most. As AI takes over basic testing, coding, and web development tasks, engineering graduates may no longer be the bulk pick for IT firms. Instead, some Tier-3 colleges are noting enhanced selective recruitment with added rounds of screening and assessments during placements. The bottom layer of the hiring pyramid is shrinking with IT companies reporting lowest-ever fresh hires, as they sharpen focus on tapping skilled mid-level AI/ML talent.