A Blind survey of 1,552 AI and ML professionals in India shows two-thirds expect layoffs within the next three to six months despite ongoing sector investment.
A Blind‑conducted survey of 1,552 AI/ML workers in India indicates two‑thirds expect job cuts within the next three to six months, even as the sector expands.
The survey results were released in early August 2026, revealing heightened layoff anxiety among AI and machine‑learning professionals across the country.
The study, carried out by the anonymous professional networking platform Blind, gathered responses from 1,552 AI and ML practitioners employed at Indian firms. Engineers reported the lowest level of concern, while other roles such as data scientists and product managers expressed higher expectations of workforce reductions.
Survey Findings
The Blind questionnaire asked participants whether they anticipated layoffs in their teams over the coming three to six months. A total of 66 percent answered affirmatively, making AI/ML staff among the most concerned occupational groups in the latest internal poll.
Responses were stratified by job function. Engineers—comprising roughly 38 percent of the sample—were the least likely to foresee cuts, with only 52 percent indicating layoff expectations. In contrast, data scientists, research analysts, and product managers reported layoff anticipation rates ranging from 68 percent to 73 percent.
The survey also captured sentiment about sector growth. Despite the prevailing belief that AI expertise offers job security, participants noted that many Indian firms are simultaneously scaling AI initiatives while reviewing headcount, creating a perception of “growth amid uncertainty.”
The survey also captured sentiment about sector growth.
India’s AI market has continued to attract investment, with domestic and multinational firms announcing multi-billion-rupee AI projects throughout 2025 and 2026. Companies such as Infosys, TCS, and several fintech startups have expanded AI research labs, citing talent shortages as a barrier to rapid deployment.
At the same time, broader technology hiring trends have shown volatility. Global tech giants have announced periodic workforce reductions, and Indian subsidiaries have mirrored these actions to align cost structures with shifting market demand. The Blind survey reflects this environment, indicating that AI teams are not insulated from broader corporate cost-cutting measures.
Corporate statements released in August 2026 emphasized a “strategic realignment” of AI resources, with some firms reallocating staff to product-centric AI initiatives rather than exploratory research. These adjustments have contributed to employee uncertainty, as indicated by the survey’s high layoff expectation rate.
The survey’s findings have immediate relevance for individuals pursuing AI-related education and training in India. Prospective students should consider the heightened risk of short-term layoffs when selecting specializations, with engineering tracks appearing marginally more stable than pure data-science pathways.
Higher-education institutions offering AI curricula may need to adjust program focus toward transferable skills, such as software engineering fundamentals and cross-domain analytics, to enhance graduate employability amid fluctuating hiring patterns. Career services offices are likely to incorporate layoff-risk awareness into counseling sessions for AI majors.
Employers in the education sector, including private coding bootcamps and online learning platforms, may experience increased demand for upskilling courses aimed at AI professionals seeking to diversify their skill sets and mitigate layoff risk.
Employers in the education sector, including private coding bootcamps and online learning platforms, may experience increased demand for upskilling courses aimed at AI professionals seeking to diversify their skill sets and mitigate layoff risk. This could shape curriculum development timelines and partnership strategies with industry stakeholders.
Impact on Employers and Policymakers
66% of India’s AI and Machine‑Learning Professionals Anticipate Layoffs, Survey Shows
For Indian technology firms, the survey signals a need to balance AI expansion with workforce stability. Companies may prioritize internal mobility programs, allowing AI staff to transition into related product or engineering roles, thereby retaining talent while addressing cost pressures.
Policymakers overseeing the nation’s digital transformation agenda might consider targeted interventions, such as subsidies for AI reskilling initiatives or incentives for firms that maintain AI headcount during restructuring phases. The data underscores the importance of aligning national AI strategy with labor market safeguards.
Key Facts
What: A Blind survey finds 66% of AI/ML workers in India expect layoffs within three to six months.
Impact: Highlights job-security concerns for AI professionals, influencing students, educators, employers, and policymakers.
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