If you’ve been keeping an eye on tech news lately, you’ve probably noticed the same headlines everywhere layoffs, job cuts, hiring freezes. From Silicon Valley to Europe, the tech world is going through a rough patch. But here’s something most people aren’t talking about: India’s tech sector is not just surviving it’s growing.
What’s Really Going On in the Global Tech Scene?
To put it simply, 2025 has been tough. Over 76,000 tech workers across the world have lost their jobs this year alone. Big names like Intel, Microsoft, Meta, and Google are all making deep cuts. Intel has reportedly laid off over 21,000 employees, mainly in their hardware and foundry teams.
The reasons? A mix of things automation, tighter budgets, AI replacing some roles, and changing business priorities. Most of the people losing their jobs are in entry-level coding or repetitive support roles.
Meanwhile, in India… a Different Story
Now here’s the twist. India is actually hiring. Our IT industry has grown by 11% in hiring this year. That’s huge, considering the global situation. With over 5.4 million people working in tech, and contributing $254 billion in FY24, India’s tech sector isn’t slowing down it’s speeding up.
Sure, there have been a few layoffs. Companies like Wipro let go of around 1,157 people, and a few startups have downsized as well. But compared to what’s happening globally, these are minor adjustments not signals of collapse.
The Role of AI: A Blessing and a Warning
AI is changing the game. In a big way. Tools like Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini are now writing code, doing customer support, and even helping with design. In fact, some companies say 25% of their code is now AI-generated. That means fewer people are needed for basic tasks.
Tech leaders in India are paying attention. Zoho’s CEO Sridhar Vembu openly said that many well-paying software jobs could disappear if today’s youth don’t upskill. TCS also stressed the importance of learning new skills, especially in an AI-first future.
So What Should Today’s Youth Be Learning?
Here’s the truth learning Java or Python isn’t enough anymore. Those are basic now, just like typing or using Excel.
If you’re a student or young professional, here’s where your focus should be:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking
- Cloud Platforms like AWS and Azure
- Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
- Blockchain and Web3
- Digital Marketing with AI tools
- Product Management and UI/UX Design
- Prompt Engineering (yes, even how to talk to AI properly!)
- Green Tech and ESG tools
- Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
These fields aren’t just trendy they’re where the jobs of the future are being created.
It’s a strange time. The world is laying off, but India is hiring. The old tech jobs are fading, but new ones are opening up faster than we can train for them. If there’s one lesson here, it’s this: adaptability wins. So if you’re in tech or planning to be don’t panic. Just keep learning.
