Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services
“Home to one of the world’s largest pools of STEM graduates, India’s strength is now evolving into a digital edge. With over 25.5 lakh students graduating from the STEM field each year, the opportunity to build a future-ready, AI-enabled workforce has never been more promising. Of these, an estimated 30% are expected to take up roles directly linked to AI by the end of FY26, highlighting how AI is becoming core to India’s future of work strategy. Additionally, India is projected to require 1 million AI professionals by 2026, underscoring the urgency of this trend. As we mark 10 years of the Skill India Mission, we are witnessing its ripple effects right from urban campuses to small towns where youth are equipping themselves with practical, job-ready skills like – AI/ML Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Engineering.
There’s a clear shift from traditional learning to dynamic, AI-led skilling that prioritizes adaptability, innovation and real-world problem-solving. The good news is Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are emerging as new entrepreneurial potential, where young Indians are not just job seekers but also job creators, leveraging AI tools to launch businesses, solve local challenges and participate in the global economy.
To fully unlock this potential, we must double down on inclusive, accessible skilling models and invest in strong public-private partnerships. The journey from Skill India to a $10 trillion digital-first economy hinges on empowering every young Indian with the tools to lead and not just participate in the future of work.”