Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is shifting its recruitment strategy towards artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, with approximately 80% of its new hires expected to possess digital and new-age technology skills. The move reflects the growing demand for AI-driven services and changing client requirements across the IT industry. TCS added around 4,500 employees during the July-September 2026 quarter, with nearly 25-30% of these recruits possessing specialised AI skills.
TCS Changes Its Hiring Strategy
Arathi Subramanian, Chief Operating Officer at TCS, confirmed that the company would continue prioritising candidates with expertise in digital technologies and emerging technology domains.
Of the approximately 4,500 employees added during the September quarter, nearly 80% had broader new-age technology skills. Around one-quarter to one-third of these recruits had specialised AI capabilities.
The hiring strategy highlights how India’s largest IT services company is adapting its workforce to support projects involving artificial intelligence, automation, cloud computing and other advanced digital solutions.
Rather than focusing exclusively on traditional software development skills, TCS is increasingly looking for professionals who can help clients modernise their technology infrastructure and integrate AI into business operations.
AI Business Now Contributes 10% of Revenue
The recruitment shift comes as AI-related services become an increasingly important part of TCS’s business.
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director K Krithivasan said AI-related business accounted for approximately 10% of the company’s overall revenue during the September 2026 quarter.
The company expects AI engagements to grow as more clients move beyond experimental projects and begin implementing AI solutions across multiple business functions.
According to company leadership, customers frequently begin with a limited AI project in one business area. Once the technology demonstrates measurable benefits, they may expand its implementation to other departments.
TCS has also indicated that growing AI-related business could support improvements in operating margins as demand increases and projects scale.
Experienced Professionals Still Have an Advantage
Despite the growing emphasis on AI skills, TCS believes experienced professionals will continue to play an important role in the evolving technology landscape.
Krithivasan has highlighted the value of engineers who combine technical expertise with an understanding of business processes and complex technology environments.
Experienced employees who are willing to learn new tools and adapt to emerging technologies can bring valuable domain knowledge to AI-driven projects.
This suggests that professionals do not necessarily need to abandon their existing expertise to remain relevant. Instead, combining established technical skills with AI knowledge could improve their career prospects.
For IT employees, continuous learning and practical experience with new technologies are becoming increasingly important.
What the Hiring Shift Means for Freshers
TCS’s strategy also has implications for engineering graduates and other entry-level candidates seeking jobs in India’s technology sector.
Students with knowledge of AI, machine learning, data analytics, cloud computing and automation may find themselves better positioned for emerging opportunities.
However, technical knowledge alone may not be sufficient. Employers also value problem-solving abilities, communication skills, adaptability and the capacity to apply technology to real-world business challenges.
Candidates who develop practical projects and demonstrate their ability to work with modern technology tools could gain an advantage in recruitment.
AI Reshapes India’s IT Services Industry
TCS’s hiring plans reflect a broader transformation across the Indian IT services sector, where companies are investing in AI capabilities while adapting traditional service-delivery models.
As businesses increasingly automate routine tasks and adopt AI-powered systems, technology providers must develop new capabilities to remain competitive.
For TCS, the challenge will be to recruit and train the right talent while converting growing AI demand into sustainable revenue and improved profitability.
Summary
TCS plans to ensure approximately 80% of its new hires possess digital and new-age technology skills, with 25-30% specialising in AI. The company added around 4,500 employees during the July-September 2026 quarter. AI-related business contributed approximately 10% of revenue, highlighting the growing importance of artificial intelligence. The hiring shift creates opportunities for candidates with practical AI skills while reinforcing the value of experience and continuous learning.