Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) plans to ensure that around 80% of its future hires possess digital and AI skills as the IT services major expands its AI business. The shift reflects changing recruitment priorities as clients increasingly seek technology professionals who can apply AI to business operations rather than simply use generative AI tools.
TCS Chief Operating Officer Arathi Subramanian said that the company added 4,500 employees during the July-September quarter. Of these, around 25-30% had specialized AI skills, while approximately 80% possessed broader new-age technology capabilities. The company expects this hiring pattern to continue.
TCS Shifts Hiring Focus Towards Specialized AI Skills
The recruitment strategy highlights the growing importance of technical expertise beyond basic familiarity with tools such as ChatGPT. Companies increasingly need professionals who can integrate AI into existing systems, assess the reliability of its outputs and develop solutions that address specific business challenges.
For TCS, this means recruiting talent with specialized AI capabilities alongside broader digital skills. The company is also investing in niche talent, partnerships and acquisitions to strengthen its technology offerings.
However, the 80% target applies to future hires with digital and new-age technology skills, not exclusively to AI specialists. This distinction matters for graduates assessing the skills needed to enter the IT industry.
AI Business Contributes 10% of TCS Revenue
TCS is expanding its AI-related services to improve profitability. AI-linked work accounted for around 10% of the company's revenue in the September quarter, according to the report.
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director K. Krithivasan said larger volumes of AI engagements could deliver margin benefits. Clients often begin with a limited AI project and expand it to other business functions after seeing measurable results.
TCS reported a total contract value of USD 9.6 billion for the September quarter, although it did not disclose the specific AI component of that figure. The company said AI was increasingly becoming part of its broader service portfolio.
Experience and Adaptability Still Matter
TCS does not consider younger candidates automatically better positioned for AI-related roles. Krithivasan said experienced professionals can benefit from learning new technologies because their understanding of business processes and industry requirements helps them apply AI more effectively.
This approach places emphasis on continuous learning, domain knowledge, and practical problem-solving rather than age or experience alone.
Also Read: TCS Q2 Results: AI Revenue Hits USD 3.1 Billion, Stock Declines 35.7%
What Job Seekers Should Learn
For fresh graduates and experienced professionals, the hiring shift points to the value of combining AI knowledge with technical and business skills. Learning to use generative AI tools can be a starting point, but candidates also need to understand how to apply them responsibly, validate outputs, and deliver measurable results.
As TCS expands its AI business, professionals who combine technology skills with adaptability and domain expertise may be better positioned to meet changing recruitment requirements.