Code junkies make way for AI pros as skills base shifts

The IT sector was one of the top recruiters in 2024 despite crests and troughs in job market

- Mansi Verma & Devina Sengupta

Employers are keen on hiring tech pros skilled in artificial intelligence (AI) rather than traditional coding, even as roles diminish in project management, data analysis and content marketing, a Mint+Shine Talent Insights study found.

The study was based on responses from 1,300 job seekers and 251 HR executives in January-March 2025. "29% survey respondents reported a decline in demand for traditional coding roles compared to last year. Entry-level coding and support jobs may decline, but high-value, AI-assisted engineering and product roles are on the rise," the study said.

Despite crests and troughs in the job market, IT services was one of India's top recruiters in 2024, accounting for 37% of total hiring. "Rising demand for IT services, digital transformation across industries, emerging tech and startups, rapid adoption of AI, remote working supporting global hiring and ample talent pool are key growth drivers for this industry," the study noted.