India’s workforce is on track for significant expansion, with the number of employed individuals expected to increase by 33.9 million by 2028. A new report from ServiceNow, in collaboration with Pearson, highlights that the rise of AI and emerging technologies will be key drivers of this growth, particularly in the tech sector, where 2.73 million new jobs are forecasted to be created.
AI and Technology Set to Transform India’s Job Landscape
The report predicts that India’s workforce will grow from 423.73 million in 2023 to 457.62 million by 2028, marking an overall increase of 33.9 million workers across various industries. This expansion will be fueled by significant employment growth in key sectors such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
Notably, AI and automation technologies will play a crucial role in shaping the job market, particularly in the creation of tech roles. By 2028, AI is expected to generate 2.73 million new tech-related positions, especially in fields like software development, data science, and cybersecurity. This growth reflects the accelerating demand for digital skills across the Indian economy, as industries increasingly turn to AI to drive efficiency and innovation.
Retail Sector to Lead Job Creation
Among the sectors poised for the most substantial job growth is retail, which is expected to require an additional 6.96 million workers by 2028. As consumer spending and digital commerce continue to rise, the retail sector’s demand for labor will expand significantly. Manufacturing is another sector forecast to see major growth, with 1.5 million new jobs anticipated as automation and digital manufacturing technologies continue to reshape production lines.Other sectors, such as education and healthcare, will also see notable job creation, with an estimated 840,000 and 800,000 new positions, respectively. These areas will benefit from India’s growing focus on skills development and expanding healthcare services in a rapidly changing environment.
In-Demand Tech Roles and Skills
Within the technology sector, the demand for software developers will be particularly pronounced. The report forecasts an increase of 109,700 software application developer positions by 2028. Other in-demand roles include systems software developers (48,800 jobs), data engineers (48,500 jobs), and web developers, data analysts, and software testers, with job increases ranging from 45,300 to 48,500 positions.
Specialized tech roles are also expected to see substantial growth. Positions like data integration specialists, database architects, data scientists, and computer and information systems managers will be in high demand, with job increases ranging from 42,700 to 43,300.
AI’s Impact on Job Roles
The report also explores how AI is reshaping existing job functions. In particular, systems administrators are expected to experience the largest shift in their roles, with up to 6.9 hours of their weekly tasks being automated or augmented by AI technologies. Additionally, AI Systems Engineers will see a significant boost, with generative AI technologies having a profound impact on their work.
While automation and AI will transform many existing roles, they are also expected to create opportunities for workers to upskill and transition into more advanced, digitally-focused positions. The report highlights the importance of continuous learning and professional development as industries evolve.
A Digital Future for India’s Workforce
Sumeet Mathur, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at ServiceNow India Technology and Business Center, emphasized the pivotal role of AI in driving this transformation. “AI will be a key catalyst for job creation across India’s growth sectors, particularly in roles requiring advanced technical skills. This shift not only offers high-value career opportunities but also empowers professionals to build long-term digital careers,” he said.
The ServiceNow report underscores the dual impact of AI: while it will create millions of new job opportunities, it will also transform the nature of work, requiring workers to adapt to new digital tools and technologies. This change is expected to benefit both businesses and professionals, as AI and automation enhance productivity and open doors to new career paths.
