AI reshapes hiring priorities, entry-level jobs see slowdown: ICRIER report
Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption has led firms to moderate hiring, primarily at the entry-level, according to a report.
According to a study by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) supported by OpenAI, AI adoption is reshaping hiring priorities across the sector.
The study finds that 63 per cent of firms reported increased demand for candidates with domain expertise and AI or data skills, pointing to a growing premium on hybrid skill sets as AI is integrated into core workflows.
Titled 'AI and Jobs: This Time Is No Different', the study represents one of the most comprehensive firm-level assessments of gen AI adoption in India to date. The study, conducted between November 2025 and January 2026, has received responses from 650 IT firms across 10 cities in India.
"Firms report a modest moderation in hiring, primarily concentrated at the entry level, alongside stability at mid and senior levels. Researchers note that this moderation aligns