TLDR: Indian companies are embarking on large-scale AI training initiatives to equip their employees for the digital transformation. Major firms like TCS, Infosys, Genpact, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, and MullenLowe Lintas Group are investing in comprehensive programs, ranging from basic AI awareness to specialized role-specific applications, aiming to integrate AI as a ‘capability multiplier’ across their operations. While some industry leaders question the necessity of universal AI upskilling, the prevailing sentiment in India is to foster a culture of AI adoption to enhance productivity and maintain global competitiveness.
Indian corporations are aggressively rolling out extensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) training programs for their employees, signaling a significant push towards digital readiness and workforce empowerment. This widespread adoption of AI upskilling is driven by a clear objective: to transform AI from a theoretical concept into a practical ‘capability multiplier’ across all levels of the workforce, as articulated by Achal Khanna, CEO of SHRM East. Khanna emphasizes that ‘India Inc. is at an inflection point’ in its journey towards AI integration.
Companies are implementing diverse training methodologies, from foundational AI awareness to highly specialized, role-specific AI enablement. This includes critical skills such as prompt engineering and workflow automation. The goal is not merely to introduce AI tools but to cultivate a deep-seated culture of AI adoption within organizations.
Leading the charge are major players in the Indian corporate landscape. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), for instance, had already reskilled over 300,000 employees in foundational AI and machine learning, including generative AI, by the end of fiscal year 2024. The company proudly states that over 570,000 of its 600,000 employees are now considered ‘AI-ready.’ Similarly, Infosys is striving to make its entire workforce ‘AI-aware,’ ensuring a foundational understanding of AI and adaptability to emerging technologies.
Genpact, a global technology services and solutions company, has structured its AI training into two distinct levels: ‘AI builders,’ who are tech employees receiving advanced AI training, and ‘AI practitioners,’ non-tech experts trained to integrate AI into their daily tasks. This tailored approach ensures that every individual, whether in HR, finance, business operations, or software engineering, receives training relevant to how AI can elevate their specific role. Genpact leverages its internal learning platform, Genome.ai, which even features an ‘AI Guru’ chatbot to guide employees on skill development and learning paths.
In the legal sector, Mumbai-headquartered law firm Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas is also embracing AI. Preeti Bose, Head of Leadership and Talent at the firm, notes that AI allows their ‘people to focus on higher-order tasks while some repetitive, analytical, and administrative workload can be managed more efficiently by AI.’ This shift enables employees to engage in more strategic and complex work.
Advertising giant MullenLowe Lintas Group, also based in Mumbai, is focused on building a ‘habit of AI use’ among its employees. According to HR Director Garima Pant, their training involves a two-phase approach: an initial phase covering basic generative AI, including query writing and data sharing pitfalls, followed by a second phase of specialized training on specific AI tools for enhanced work efficiency. The ultimate aim is to transition employees towards comfortably using ‘agentic AI,’ where AI systems can make decisions autonomously.
Training models are increasingly blended, incorporating microlearning, simulations, peer coaching, and AI-powered embedded learning tools. This multi-faceted approach aims to make employees AI-ready efficiently and effectively.
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While the momentum for mass AI training is strong, not all industry voices are in complete agreement. The Chief Technology Officer for the Americas Consulting division at EY has publicly stated that expecting the entire workforce to upskill in AI is ‘silly.’ This perspective suggests that AI should function more as an assistant, automating processes that humans can then approve or refine, rather than requiring universal deep technical expertise. This contrasts with approaches seen at companies like Microsoft, which is reportedly considering incorporating AI usage into employee performance reviews, and Google, which is rolling out an internal AI playbook to accelerate adoption across its teams. Nevertheless, the overarching trend in India underscores a strategic commitment to leveraging AI as a core driver for socio-economic development and maintaining a competitive edge in the global digital economy.
