From placements to Propel'ments

Rather than chasing a dwindling pool of entry-level jobs, young Indians can become creators and deployers of AI solutions that radically boost productivity across sectors

- Prof T G Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE Yogi Kochhar, Author/Co Author: The Road Ahead 2.0

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not merely another technology wedge but a tectonic force set to redefine what a “placement” means and who qualifies.

With timely realignment between academia and industry, India has the opportunity to empower millions of graduates with meaningful employment and future-ready skills. The term “Propel'ments” in this article corresponds to “Key driving elements of progress or innovation.”

The reliance of educational institutes on enterprises for placement of their graduating students has to go away. More emphasis should be placed on solving problems and starting their own start-ups. No one understands the enterprise better than the enterprise itself. If the enterprise is downsizing in the wake of AI that belief in them to hire fresh hands is wishful.

The Numbers Game: Supply Outstrips Demand

India's 7 percent growth on a USD 4 trillion base represents a remarkable USD 280 billion in additional annual GDP. A significant portion—around USD 252 billion—is expected to fuel critical infrastructure development, laying the foundation for long-term national capacity in sectors like construction, transport, and hospitality. This leaves approximately USD 28 billion available for broader socio-economic investments.

If even half of that is allocated to raise wages for India's vast 500 million-strong workforce, a meaningful uplift in living standards becomes possible. The remaining USD 14 billion offers a focused window to invest in employment opportunities for the 10 million graduates expected to enter the job market in 2026. While the current model poses challenges in delivering high-volume, high-value traditional jobs, this moment presents India with an extraordinary chance to reimagine job creation—through innovation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and scalable service models that can redefine the future of work.

AI as the Great Equalizer