Nasscom President Warns AI May Reduce Entry-Level Tech Jobs in India

As companies increasingly automate entry-level coding tasks using artificial intelligence, recent engineering graduates in India may face significant challenges in securing technology jobs. This warning comes from Nasscom President Rajesh Nambiar, who is calling for urgent curriculum reform to better prepare students for a changing industry.

Automation's Impact on Graduate Jobs

According to Nasscom President Rajesh Nambiar, artificial intelligence poses a growing risk to job prospects for fresh engineering graduates in India. The automation of routine coding and development tasks, once a common entry point into the tech industry, means companies may require fewer junior-level staff. This shift is driven by the evolution of AI tools beyond simple code generation into more sophisticated 'agentic' workflows that can handle complex sequences of tasks autonomously, as reported by Nikkei Asia.

Call for an Urgent Curriculum Overhaul

In response to this trend, Nambiar is urging an immediate and comprehensive overhaul of computer science (CS) curricula in Indian universities. The goal is to equip students with skills that are less susceptible to automation and more focused on complex problem-solving, system design, and AI development itself. The proposed changes aim to align engineering education with the new demands of an AI-integrated workplace.

The Reskilling and Hiring Paradox

While the challenge for new graduates is clear, the industry faces its own dilemma regarding the existing workforce. A recent survey shows that while 92% of HR professionals believe current staff can be trained for new AI-related roles, about half of companies still opt to hire external talent. This highlights a gap between the confidence in reskilling and actual hiring practices, adding another layer of complexity to the job market.

Additional sources: - zdnet.com - github.blog