Amidst concerns of layoffs in the IT sector, Infosys is planning to hire approximately 20,000 fresh graduates in 2025. This move signals a strategic investment in talent, particularly in areas related to Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Infosys CEO Salil Parekh stated that the company will stick to its plan to hire 20,000 freshers in the financial year 2025-26. He also noted that Infosys has already hired 17,000 people (gross) and plans to bring 20,000 college students on board this year. Furthermore, Infosys has raised its lower end of the future guidance from 0% to 1%, marking a new range of 1% to 3% in constant currency.

This hiring initiative is closely tied to the company's focus on AI and the development of related skill sets. Parekh highlighted Infosys's early investments in AI, noting that around 275,000 employees have already undergone training in AI and allied domains. The company is doubling down on AI and upskilling its workforce to stay ahead in the tech race.

Infosys's approach contrasts with some of its competitors, such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which is planning to cut jobs. The Indian IT industry body, Nasscom, has pointed to a shift towards product-based delivery and a heightened demand for faster solutions from global clients as factors contributing to these changes.

Infosys is already seeing the benefits of using AI tools across its operations. Parekh noted that software development is experiencing 5% to 15% productivity gains. He added that the impact is even more significant in areas like customer service and knowledge-based work. Despite the growing use of AI, Parekh emphasized that human expertise remains essential. He explained that complex systems require skilled oversight, citing Infosys Finacle as an example, which has achieved about a 20% improvement in productivity with a blend of automation and human intervention.

Infosys is the second-largest IT firm in India with a market cap of Rs 6.30 lakh crore, as of July 30. The company has been instrumental in driving the IT revolution in India. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, Infosys provides business consulting, information technology, and outsourcing services.

Other top IT companies in India include Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL Technologies, and Tech Mahindra. These companies are also adapting to the changing technological landscape by investing in digital transformation, cloud computing, and other emerging technologies.