New Delhi, February 16 Amid growing concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) disrupting jobs, top technology industry leaders have a clear message for employees – "stay calm and upskill".
Lifelong learning ability is required to keep pace with the AI tide, and as AI continues to evolve over the next 3-5 years, there will be a significant restructuring of the workforce, they said at the AI Impact Summit 2026.
Speaking at a session on "The Future of Employability in the Age of AI", industry leaders felt that while some existing jobs might become redundant, artificial intelligence will create new job opportunities, and employees must be proactive in identifying which skills they need to upgrade.
Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Founder, Info Edge (which owns Naukri.com), cited the example of when computers were introduced to handle banking functions. "No one lost their jobs, and instead, productivity increased," he said.
Responding to a query on whether AI adoption will lead to job losses, Bikhchandani's message to young people was "don't worry about the policy. Just think about what you should do so that AI doesn't make you lose your job, but instead helps you get a job".
He recommended that young people should learn useful AI tools.
"AI is happening, it is relentless. If you don't do AI, AI will be done to you... Set a personal goal of learning how to use three AI platforms within the next three months. The more you do that, the safer your job will be," he said.
Tech industry leaders advised professionals to embrace AI tools and adapt to emerging technologies to remain relevant and secure in the evolving job market.
Sateesh Seetharamiah, CEO of EdgeVerve (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Infosys), said that AI will act as a faster capability multiplier, and "lifelong learning ability" will be the core mantra to overcome the challenges posed by AI.
AI has generated more productivity for businesses, he said, adding that ultimately, there must be a human being responsible for the jobs being performed. "So, the jobs are not going anywhere; the nature of the jobs will change."
Sampark Founder Chairman Vineet Nayar said that while 50 per cent of current jobs will be lost due to AI, 50 per cent more jobs will also be created, which will require skilled manpower to handle AI.
"AI offers us an opportunity to reskill ourselves. But what skills are required (in respective professions) that we need to figure out," Nayar said.