Indian business leaders prioritise AI adoption, but talent gap looms: LinkedIn report

New Delhi, February 27 – Generative AI is no longer just a buzzword but a crucial business necessity for Indian organizations, with most business leaders prioritizing its adoption, according to a recent report by professional networking platform LinkedIn. However, a significant roadblock remains: the scarcity of professionals equipped with the right AI and related skills to fully harness the technology's potential.

The report highlights that 54% of HR professionals in India struggle to find job applicants who meet all required and preferred qualifications. The most challenging aspect of hiring is identifying candidates with technical skills (61%)and soft skills (57%), which are crucial for AI-driven roles.

Critical Skill Shortages in India​

Among the hardest-to-find skills in the Indian job market, the report identifies:

• Technical/IT skills such as software development and engineering (44%)
• AI-related skills (34%)
• Soft skills like communication and problem-solving (33%)

This talent gap has prompted companies to adopt a more selective hiring approach. In 2025, more than half of HR professionals in India indicated that they would only consider engaging with (55%) or hiring (54%) candidates who meet at least 80% of job qualifications.

LinkedIn's Expanding Footprint in India​

India is LinkedIn’s second-largest market globally in terms of membership, witnessing a 20% year-on-year growth. The platform now boasts over 150 million members in the country, reflecting the increasing emphasis on professional networking and career growth.

AI Skills Development: The Key to Adoption​

Emphasizing the urgency of a skills-first hiring approach, Ruchee Anand, India Country Head of Talent & Learning Solutions at LinkedIn, stated that while AI is transforming talent acquisition, its true potential lies in aligning AI adoption with human capabilities.

"AI is reshaping how we hire and develop talent, but the real unlock isn’t just adopting AI—it’s making it work for the business. Too often, companies pour resources into AI tools without the right talent to unlock their full potential, turning a game-changing opportunity into a missed one," Anand said.

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To bridge the skills gap, Indian companies are doubling down on upskilling efforts, with 48% of business leadersrecognizing that investment in AI learning and development is crucial for accelerating adoption.

Report Methodology​

The findings in LinkedIn’s report are based on a combination of survey data and platform insights. It includes global studies of 1,991 C-suite executives and over 300 Chief Human Resources Officers from businesses with more than 1,000 employees.

As AI continues to redefine job roles, India’s workforce must rapidly adapt through targeted skilling initiatives to remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape.