SaralnamaIndia's AI market is growing fast, expected to reach $28.8 billion by 2025 with a 45% annual growth rate. However, for every 10 open AI jobs, only one qualified engineer is available, showing a big talent gap. By 2026, this gap may reach 53%. Global Capability Centres (GCCs) will create over 1.2 million new tech jobs by 2027, expanding hiring beyond big cities to Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns. Women make up 40% of GCC workforces, higher than the industry average. Salaries for AI engineers are rising, with senior roles paying up to ₹58-60 lakh per year. Demand is strong in sectors like banking, healthcare, and manufacturing. Cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad offer the highest pay, but Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities are becoming important hubs too. The report warns that without more training programs, companies may struggle to fill AI roles, affecting growth. (Updated 28 Aug 2025, 13:00 IST; source: link)