Impact of Technology on Jobs in India

Technology has changed the way we live and work. It brings both opportunities and challenges to the job market. In India, this impact is clearly visible across different sectors. The Indian IT and tech ecosystem grew significantly, with new job opportunities surging by 17% in 2024. This growth shows that technology creates many specialized roles. However, the rise of automation also brings concerns about job displacement. The International Labour Organization (ILO) states that up to 70% of existing jobs in India face a high risk due to automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This double impact shapes the future of work for millions across the nation.

Positive Impact of Technology on Jobs in India

Technology has made many tasks easier and faster. It has created new types of jobs and improved working conditions in several fields.

• Technology creates new job roles. For example, India’s IT and tech ecosystem saw a 17% rise in new jobs in 2024.
• It leads to demand for specialists in fields like AI, data science, and cybersecurity. The Gen-AI industry alone may create 1 million new jobs by 2028.
• Technology improves productivity and efficiency in existing jobs. This means companies produce more in less time.
• It makes work safer by automating dangerous tasks. Machines can handle heavy lifting or work in hazardous environments.
• Technology offers flexible work options, like remote work and freelancing. This has benefited many, especially during the pandemic.
• It expands access to education and training. Online courses help people learn new skills for better job prospects.
• Technology can formalize informal jobs, bringing more workers into the paid economy.
• It helps in matching job seekers with suitable opportunities more effectively.
• Industries like IT, financial services, and healthcare have seen a large increase in highly educated workers due to technology. Over 65% of the workforce in the services sector now has skilled and specialist employees.
• Technology allows for better communication and collaboration within workplaces.

Negative Impact of Technology on Jobs in India

While technology adds value, it also reduces the need for some roles.

• Technology automates routine and repetitive tasks. This leads to job displacement in sectors like manufacturing and customer service. For example, India’s Economic Survey 2024-25 highlighted concerns about job displacement, particularly in white-collar IT roles.
• It can cause job polarization. This means a decline in middle-skill jobs and an increase in demand for both low-skill and high-skill roles.
• Some reports suggest a significant number of existing jobs are at risk due to automation and AI in India. The ILO states that up to 70% of existing jobs in India face high risk.
• Technology creates a demand for new skills. However, many workers lack these skills, leading to a “skills gap.”
• Reskilling the existing workforce for new tech roles is a major challenge. Many employees, especially in traditional industries, do not have access to proper training.
• The digital divide limits job access. A large portion of the Indian population, especially in rural areas, lacks basic digital literacy and internet access. For instance, rural digital literacy is only 25% compared to 61% in urban India.
• It can increase income inequality. Highly skilled tech workers may earn more, while those displaced by automation struggle to find comparable jobs.
• Technology can lead to job insecurity for workers in vulnerable sectors.
• It might contribute to a “jobless recovery” where economic growth happens without creating enough new jobs.

Also Read: Technology Changing The Face of Education

Sectors Most Affected by Technology

Sector	Positive Impact	Negative Impact
IT & Software	More jobs and higher pay	High pressure to keep updating skills
Manufacturing	Automation improves output	Many machine-based jobs replaced
Banking & Finance	Quick, tech-based services	Fewer roles in manual data handling
Retail	Online shopping boosts business	Physical store jobs are reducing
Education	Online classes help reach more students	Traditional tutors see less demand

Job Trends in India

Here’s what we can expect in the coming years:

• More demand for tech-related roles like AI engineers, coders, and IT support.
• Growth in the gig economy, where people take up short-term or freelance work.
• Need for continuous learning, as skills get outdated fast.
• Rise of hybrid jobs, which mix digital and human skills (e.g., digital marketing with creative writing).

Also Read: 5g Technology in India: Gd Topic

Government Initiatives

• Skill India Mission: Upskilling youth in AI, robotics, coding.
• Digital India: Boosting tech infrastructure to support digital jobs.
• PLI Schemes: Encouraging domestic manufacturing with modern tech.

How to Prepare for the Change

• Learn digital skills through free and paid courses.
• Stay updated with trends in your field.
• Improve soft skills like communication and teamwork.
• Be open to new roles, even if they seem different from your current job.

Technology will continue to change jobs. While some roles may disappear, many new ones will come up. The key is to stay ready. With the right skills and mindset, one can not only stay in the job market but also grow in it.