What Jobs are in Danger in India with AI Coming In? 10 Points
HEY THE BOTS HAVE STARTED SERVING TEA IN MY TOWN !!
What emotions arise when one learns of companies laying off thousands of employees? Not long ago, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms in India were experiencing rapid growth in hiring. These companies attracted talent with lavish incentives, including gourmet meals at five-star hotels, air-conditioned transportation, and numerous benefits for early joiners.
Organizations were actively seeking ways to motivate and retain their workforce. I recall the initial phase of call centers in India, where job offers were so abundant that upon announcing a new job, the typical response was, “Which call center?” However, it did not take long for these positions to be perceived as low-status employment. To illustrate, in the early 2000s, if you ventured out in search of a job, it was quite common to return home with at least two offers from reputable BPOs.
Nevertheless, the landscape has shifted significantly since that time, with a substantial portion of initial customer interactions now managed by automated systems, or BOTS, which can either resolve issues independently or direct users to the most effective solutions via company applications or websites.
In this blog, we will explore in greater detail the types of jobs that may be at risk of obsolescence as artificial intelligence continues to advance and become increasingly sophisticated.
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THE LANDSCAPE – As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly advances, India, like many other countries, finds itself at the crossroads of a major industrial revolution. For years, India has been known for its IT outsourcing, back-office operations, and customer service, thanks to its skilled workforce and competitive cost structures. However, with AI entering the picture, these industries and others are set to transform dramatically.
The rise of AI is often seen with fear and trepidation, as it brings with it the perception of job displacement. But like every technological wave before it, AI doesn’t just displace; it transforms and creates opportunities. The future might look uncertain, but with the right approach, workers, industries, and the country as a whole can navigate this shift successfully. Let’s explore which jobs in India are at risk, but also how this transformation could be turned into an opportunity.
The Jobs Most at Risk
The most immediate and apparent jobs at risk from AI are repetitive, rule-based tasks that don’t require a high degree of human intelligence or creativity. These tasks can easily be automated with AI algorithms, robotic process automation (RPA), or machine learning systems.
- Customer Service and BPO Jobs – India has long been the global hub for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), particularly in customer service roles. This includes handling calls, responding to emails, and managing support tickets. AI-powered chatbots, voice assistants, and automated ticketing systems have already started replacing entry-level customer service jobs. These tools can handle basic queries 24/7 without fatigue, reducing the need for large human call centers.
However, it’s not the end of the road for customer service. The industry will evolve, focusing more on high-value interactions that require emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills that AI cannot yet replicate. Workers who can master advanced communication, technical support, and customer empathy will remain indispensable.
- Data Entry and Back-Office Operations – Data entry is one of the most vulnerable sectors to AI. Tasks like filling forms, entering data into systems, or processing invoices are perfect candidates for automation. AI tools can process large volumes of data at incredible speeds without errors. Similarly, other back-office operations, such as payroll processing, invoice generation, or inventory management, are also increasingly automated through AI-driven systems.
But, for individuals in these sectors, there’s a silver lining. The need for data analysts, systems managers, and professionals who can manage and improve these AI systems will grow. The future workforce will need to be skilled in data interpretation, systems monitoring, and troubleshooting.
- Manufacturing and Assembly Line Jobs – India’s manufacturing sector has been a significant employer for decades. But as AI and robotics evolve, many assembly line tasks, from automobile manufacturing to electronics assembly, are becoming automated. Robots can work faster, with more precision, and without the limitations that human labor brings. Already, industries like automotive manufacturing have begun incorporating AI-driven robots for assembling cars, conducting quality checks, and handling logistics.
Despite this shift, humans are still essential in this evolving industry. Jobs involving machine oversight, repair, programming, and quality assurance will remain. As automation increases, so will the demand for AI-knowledgeable technicians who can maintain and operate these machines.
- Retail and E-commerce – With AI-powered systems now available to monitor inventory, manage supply chains, and even suggest prices based on demand and competition, the retail and e-commerce sectors are seeing rapid changes. Self-checkout systems and cashier-less stores, like Amazon Go, are further examples of how AI can eliminate human involvement in routine retail tasks.
But, again, AI brings new possibilities. Professionals who can enhance the customer experience through personalized services, manage AI-driven systems, and utilize AI-generated data for strategic decisions will be highly valued. The shift might reduce entry-level retail jobs, but it will open doors to higher-paying, more skilled roles.
- Financial and Accounting Jobs – In India, financial roles such as bookkeeping, payroll management, and even some parts of auditing are highly susceptible to automation. AI systems can analyze financial data faster and with fewer errors, cutting down the need for human intervention in tasks like reconciling accounts or processing transactions.
However, this doesn’t mean financial jobs will vanish. The nature of these jobs will change. AI systems will assist finance professionals, allowing them to focus on strategy, financial planning, risk management, and compliance. Those who can integrate AI into their financial work and use it to provide insights will thrive.
- Transportation and Logistics – With self-driving vehicles and drones gaining attention worldwide, India’s transportation and logistics sectors may be impacted in the near future. From truck drivers to delivery personnel, many transportation-related jobs face automation threats. AI is already making its mark on fleet management, route optimization, and predictive maintenance.
Despite this, the need for human intervention remains, especially in areas like logistics management, regulatory compliance, and technical oversight of AI-powered systems. Workers who adapt to these new technologies and manage them effectively will be in demand.
Why AI is Not the End—It’s a New Beginning – Yes, AI will replace certain jobs, particularly those that are repetitive and mundane. But AI will also create entirely new industries and job opportunities. Just as industrialization gave rise to new forms of labor, AI will require new skills, creativity, and human-centered roles that machines cannot fulfill.
Here are a few reasons to be optimistic about the future job market in India:
- AI Will Create Jobs: The rise of AI is leading to new jobs in AI development, data science, cybersecurity, AI ethics, and machine learning. India has already started nurturing a robust tech ecosystem, and with the right skillsets, professionals can position themselves in these growing fields.
- Reskilling and Upskilling: The workforce doesn’t have to remain static. With increased access to online learning platforms and professional courses, Indian workers can reskill or upskill to meet the demands of the AI-driven economy. Whether it’s learning data science, cloud computing, or AI ethics, there are plenty of ways to stay relevant in the changing landscape.
- The Human Touch Will Always Matter: While AI excels at routine tasks, it lacks emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to make nuanced decisions based on ethics or morality. Roles that involve caregiving, emotional support, teaching, and leadership are unlikely to be replaced. Instead, AI will complement human abilities, allowing people to focus on what they do best—human interaction.
- India’s Unique Strengths: India’s unique blend of creativity, innovation, and cultural adaptability means that the country is well-poised to harness AI in a way that complements its workforce. With a growing startup ecosystem, there is immense potential for AI-driven entrepreneurship, particularly in sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture.
Navigating the Future of Work – Thriving in the age of AI disruption hinges upon adaptability. Foresight to navigate the evolving landscape of work. Recognizing and addressing job vulnerabilities through reskilling is crucial for individuals to embrace this transformation. It is imperative for industries, in India to actively engage in offering training and development initiatives to facilitate a transition into an AI driven future.
AI isn’t our foe but a tool, at our disposal like any tool. It’s the way we wield it that shapes our outcomes whether we soar high or lag behind in progress. India holds potential with its skilled workforce and creative ethos to carve a path as a frontrunner in the evolving realm empowered by AI technology. Of dreading the transformations AI ushers in lets welcome the potentials it brings forth as the horizon shines with prospects, for those to grasp them.
Syed Saif has over two decades of experience in Quality, Excellence, Innovation, Six Sigma, Lean, and Customer Services. He is a Certified Master Black Belt, ISO Lead Auditor, High Impact Trainer, Certified Business Excellence Assessor, Certified on Innovation Business Model Canvas, and holds a PG diploma in Customer Relationship Management. Syed Saif has trained thousands of people, from students to CEOs on various improvement methodologies and self help techniques, and has worked in various industries including BPO, Telecom, IT, Insurance, Manufacturing, and Healthcare. Prior to his full-time consulting role, he served as Vice President for a Leading Insurance Company and as National Head of Quality, Innovation, and Service for Corporate and Sales Functions. See our services page for more details on what we do and how can we help you / your organization.