Nasscom’s AI-Native Talent Index finds that India’s early-career technology workforce is increasingly exposed to AI, but many workers are not yet building deep “AI-native” skills. The index reports that about 23% of young techies are “AI-native,” while roughly two-thirds are “AI-proficient,” indicating competency in using AI tools but not necessarily developing the judgment, orchestration, and deeper engineering understanding expected from AI-native roles. Other findings cited by outlets also describe more than 90% of early-career technology talent as AI-proficient or AI-native, suggesting that AI usage is widespread.
Nasscom links the skills gap to how AI changes learning pathways for junior engineers. While AI can improve productivity and speed up learning, it is also automating routine tasks that traditionally help new engineers build foundational skills. The result, according to the study, is a decline risk in “deep engineering” capabilities over time unless training and skill development focus more explicitly on higher-level judgment and task orchestration.
