Over 10 Million Jobs to Evolve by 2030 as India Shifts to Agentic AI
Published Date: 01 Aug 2025
India is on the cusp of its most significant workforce transformation yet, with over 10 million jobs expected to evolve by 2030 as enterprises transition from pilot projects to purposeful implementation of Agentic AI. This seismic shift is poised to redefine how Indians work, learn, and lead, bringing about a new era of strategic, creative, and innovative workforce.
The 2025 ServiceNow AI Skills Research reveals that Agentic AI, characterized by smart and decision-making AI agents, will impact a wide range of roles across industries. From payroll clerks to platform architects, the quiet revolution is underway, with intelligent agents taking over repetitive and rule-based tasks, allowing humans to focus on high-value activities. This transformation is particularly significant in a country with the world's largest youth population, presenting an opportunity for growth and development rather than disruption.
The age of Agentic AI is marked by collaboration rather than mere automation. Roles such as implementation consultants and system admins are experiencing a boost as AI augments human decision-making. Sectors like manufacturing, retail, and education are expected to see the deepest impact, with AI driving efficiency and redefining workflows. For instance, manufacturing is projected to see an impact on over 8 million jobs, while retail and education will see an impact on 7.6 million and 2.5 million jobs, respectively.
India is leading the global charge in AI-led employment growth, with three million new tech jobs projected in the next five years. The new heroes of an AI-powered economy will be software developers, data engineers, and platform owners. The report notes that 25% of Indian enterprises are already in the transformation phase, outpacing countries like Singapore and Australia. With 13.5% of tech budgets now committed to AI, it is clear that AI is no longer a future experiment but a present-day execution priority.
However, this acceleration also comes with growing pains. Data security remains a top concern, and 26% of enterprises are still unclear about the skillsets they will need. The report urges companies to move beyond reviewing AI outputs and begin interrogating how AI decisions are made, emphasizing transparency, ethics, and collaboration. As India embarks on this Agentic AI journey, the focus shifts to reskilling and role reinvention, turning help desk agents into digital transformation leaders and change managers into AI strategists.
In conclusion, India's shift to Agentic AI is not just about technology; it's about trust, talent, and transformation. With the right approach, this seismic shift can bring about unprecedented opportunities for growth, innovation, and development, not just for India but for the world. As the country navigates this new landscape, it is essential to prioritize transparency, ethics, and collaboration, ensuring that the benefits of Agentic AI are equitably distributed and its potential is fully realized.