Study Finds 197 Million Indian Workers at Risk from AI Automation, 46 Million Could Gain

A study highlighted by Livemint projects that nearly 197 million workers across India could be exposed to job displacement as artificial intelligence and automation technologies become more prevalent. The same analysis points to a contrasting figure of about 46 million workers who may benefit from emerging AI‑driven roles and higher‑skill tasks.

The researchers behind the report caution that the risk is not evenly distributed; sectors with routine, repetitive tasks are likely to feel the greatest impact, whereas occupations requiring complex decision‑making, creativity or advanced technical expertise could experience growth. The net effect suggests a reshaping of the labour market rather than a simple loss of jobs.

Policy experts underscore the urgency of large‑scale upskilling and reskilling programmes to help the at‑risk workforce transition into the new opportunities identified. Aligning education and vocational training with the evolving demands of AI‑enabled industries is presented as a critical step for the government and private sector alike.

While the study does not specify a timeline, it signals that the automation wave could accelerate in the coming years, making proactive measures essential to mitigate displacement and harness the potential productivity gains for the Indian economy.