Infosys to hire 20,000 freshers as TCS cuts 12,000 jobs in AI shift: Full story in 5 points
Infosys CEO Salil Parekh said that the new intake is part of a deliberate investment in preparing the company for the next phase of AIdriven services. He pointed out that Infosys had already been ahead of the curve when it came to adopting AI. 'Our utilisation is running at a good level. All of the people that are joining us, are getting trained and deployed on projects. And the people across the whole company are at that high utilisation,' he said in an interview with CNBCTV18.-- Infosys' training Parekh also revealed that about 2.75 lakh employees have been trained in AI and related disciplines, part of an effort to ensure that the firm has the necessary skills to adapt to clients' changing needs.The contrast with TCS could hardly be sharper. While TCS trims its workforce to stay agile, Infosys is doubling down on talent, with no immediate plans for restructuring or layoffs.-- Decision comes in contrast to industry trendThis decision comes at a time when the IT services sector is in a state of flux. Microsoft, TCS, IBM, Intel are just a few names on the list of tech companies that are cutting jobs on a higher scale. While they say it is a part of company restructuring, it is clear that AI automation is now taking over.But Infosys appears to see an opportunity where others see risk. By expanding, the company is betting that AI will not just change how software is built, but also improve efficiency across its portfolio. The company's internal data suggests these bets could pay off.-- Company's approach In an environment where 'being futureready' is often shorthand for reducing headcount, Infosys's approach is refreshingly contrarian. Rather than relying on job cuts, the firm hopes to futureproof itself by investing in new skills and by training its employees to be AIliterate.advertisementInfosys expects AI to bring a 5 per cent to 15 per cent boost to productivity in software development, and as much as a 20 per cent lift in efficiency within its Finacle core banking platform, according to the reports.-- Tech lay-offs The broader industry, however, remains under pressure. TCS has already confirmed plans to shed staff, while HCLTech has been frank about its intention to streamline for operational efficiency. Layoffs and reorganisations are expected to continue across many firms as they adapt to the twin pressures of client demands and fastmoving technologies.Infosys's announcement, therefore, lands as something of a positive surprise. It suggests a belief that AI is more of a productivity engine than a threat to jobs – at least for now.- Ends
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