TCS to Hire 80% Freshers with Digital and AI Skills
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is placing greater emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology skills as it expands its AI business. Around 80% of the company’s new hires are expected to have expertise in digital and emerging technologies, according to Chief Operating Officer Arathi Subramanian.
Speaking to Press Trust of India, Subramanian said TCS added approximately 4,500 employees during the July–September quarter. Of these, around 25% to 30% had specialised AI skills, while nearly 80% possessed broader expertise in new-age technologies. She indicated that this hiring approach would continue, noting that the required talent was available in the market.
TCS Highlights the Importance of AI Skills and Experience
The growing demand for AI expertise has raised questions about whether fresh graduates have an advantage over experienced professionals. While younger employees may be familiar with emerging tools, experienced engineers often bring deeper technical and industry knowledge.
TCS CEO and Managing Director K. Krithivasan said the ability to learn and adapt matters more than age alone. He noted that mid-level engineers who develop AI skills can benefit from their existing understanding of technology and business domains.
AI Business Growth Could Support Profitability
TCS is also looking to expand its AI business and improve profitability. The company’s AI business accounted for 10% of its overall revenue in the September quarter.
Krithivasan said increasing the volume of AI-related deals could provide margin benefits. He added that customers often begin with AI projects in a specific business area before expanding them to other functions after seeing measurable results.
Although TCS did not disclose the AI-related portion of its $9.6 billion total contract value for the quarter, Krithivasan said AI was involved in virtually all the work the company currently undertakes to some extent.
Why AI Tool Usage Alone Is Not Enough
Nikhar Arora, Director and Builder of Bots.ai by HR Anexi, cautioned that using AI tools does not automatically mean employees or organisations have developed the capabilities needed to deliver business results.
He explained that employees may use AI without consistent standards, clear links to business processes or adequate checks on the quality of their work. According to Arora, organisations need to identify the skills required, establish performance standards and determine how AI can create measurable value.
Skills Freshers Need to Build AI Careers
The changing hiring landscape suggests that learning to use ChatGPT or other AI tools is only one part of becoming job-ready. Candidates may also benefit from developing:
Practical AI skills: Understanding how to apply AI tools to real-world tasks.
Technical knowledge: Building a foundation in digital technologies and emerging tools.
Business understanding: Identifying problems that technology can solve.
Critical thinking: Evaluating AI-generated information and checking its accuracy.
Adaptability: Continuously learning as technologies and industry requirements evolve.
As TCS expands its AI operations, candidates who combine digital expertise with problem-solving abilities and business knowledge may be better prepared for changing technology roles. The company’s hiring approach also highlights the importance of developing practical capabilities rather than relying solely on familiarity with AI tools.
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