Data Science Careers: India’s Job Market & AI Growth

April 9, 2023 by Ajitesh Kumar · Leave a comment

Aspiring data scientists and AI enthusiasts in India have a plethora of opportunities in store, thanks to the country’s booming AI, machine learning (ML), and big data analytics industry. According to a recent report by NASSCOM, India boasts the second-largest talent pool globally in these fields, with a remarkable AI skill penetration score of 3.09 [1].

The nation’s rapid growth in AI talent concentration and scientific publications underscores the immense potential for individuals looking to build a successful data science career in India. As the demand for skilled professionals surges, multiple factors contribute to the thriving industry.

The higher-than-average compensation and growth prospects in the field make it an attractive career choice. As digital talent becomes an increasingly significant percentage of overall tech talent, companies are realigning their businesses to meet the evolving demands of the future [1].

Five critical roles—ML Engineer, Data Scientist, DevOps Engineer, and Data Architect—have a higher degree of demand-supply disparity, ranging from 60% to 73% [1]. With 75-80% of job openings targeting professionals with 0-5 years and 5-10 years of experience, the industry offers a wealth of opportunities for those at various stages of their careers [1].

Freely available tools and platforms like Google and Kaggle are fast-tracking the growth of a vibrant developer community and associated ecosystems [1]. An impressive 33% of India’s data science and AI developer talent is aged between 18 and 21, reflecting the youthful energy driving the industry [1]. Depending on the base starting roles, pivoting to data science and AI positions can take anywhere from 3 to 10.5 months [1]. Data Analysts, Software Engineers, and Application Developers are found to have a higher likelihood of transitioning into these roles.

In conclusion, India’s data science, AI, and big data analytics industry presents a promising and exciting path for those looking to build a fulfilling career. As the nation cements its position as a global leader in these fields, aspiring professionals can look forward to a future filled with opportunities and growth.

Source: [1] NASSCOM. (n.d.). State of Data Science & AI Skills in India. Retrieved from https://community.nasscom.in/communities/data-science-ai-community/state-data-science-ai-skills-india

Ajitesh Kumar
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Ajitesh Kumar

I have been recently working in the area of Data analytics including Data Science and Machine Learning / Deep Learning. I am also passionate about different technologies including programming languages such as Java/JEE, Javascript, Python, R, Julia, etc, and technologies such as Blockchain, mobile computing, cloud-native technologies, application security, cloud computing platforms, big data, etc. I would love to connect with you on Linkedin. Check out my latest book titled as First Principles Thinking: Building winning products using first principles thinking.
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