India’s AI workforce to hit 1.25 million as market triples by 2027: BCG report
text_fields
Bengaluru: India’s artificial intelligence (AI) market is set to triple to $17 billion by 2027, positioning the country among the fastest-growing AI economies in the world, according to a report released by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) on Wednesday.
The report highlights how Indian enterprises are moving beyond pilot projects and proof-of-concepts to derive tangible value from AI integration. Currently, India accounts for 16% of the global AI talent pool, second only to the United States.
“India’s domestic AI market is backed by a thriving ecosystem of 600,000 professionals today, expected to grow to 1.25 million by 2027,” the report noted.
A strong foundation of public digital infrastructure, including Aadhaar, UPI (Unified Payments Interface), and ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce), along with growing enterprise investment, has paved the way for large-scale AI innovation. Contributing to this growth are over 700 million internet users, rapid infrastructure expansion, and a boom in AI startups, with more than 2,000 launched in the past three years.
The report also provides a strategic roadmap for companies aiming to scale AI adoption effectively.
“AI is no longer an option but a business necessity. Indian companies are using it to leapfrog traditional growth curves and compete confidently on the global stage,” said Mandeep Kohli, Managing Director and Partner, BCG India.
Despite the challenges in successful deployment, the report emphasized that the potential rewards are significant.
“What separates the leaders is not just the tech, but how they manage change, build talent, and embed AI into the fabric of their organisation,” Kohli added.
The report concluded that AI should not be treated as a side initiative but as a core growth engine. Companies that act decisively, by investing in scalable data infrastructure, talent development, and cross-sector partnerships, will lead the next decade of growth, both for themselves and for India.
