AI Skills Becoming Key Career Currency for Indian Youth, Says Microsoft India President

Microsoft India President Puneet Chandok has underlined the growing importance of artificial intelligence in shaping career opportunities for young professionals. Speaking to students, he urged the youth to not just learn AI in theory but to actively work with AI tools. His message was clear: hands-on experience with new technologies is fast becoming the new career currency in India.
Chandok explained that employers today are looking for candidates who can practically apply AI to real-world problems. This means young professionals need to go beyond reading about AI or attending lectures, and instead build projects, explore applications, and use these tools in day-to-day problem solving. For students in Tier 2 cities, access to AI-driven platforms can help bridge the skill gap with metro-based peers.
Industry leaders believe that India’s growing digital economy demands a workforce that is both creative and tech-savvy. AI is no longer limited to IT jobs but is influencing healthcare, finance, education, and even small businesses. For young aspirants, the ability to integrate AI into their work is now seen as a marker of adaptability and innovation.
Educators also stress that practical learning should complement classroom teaching. With AI tools becoming more accessible, even small-town colleges can encourage students to experiment and learn by doing. This shift, according to experts, can empower the next generation of professionals to remain competitive in a global job market.
The takeaway from Chandok’s message is simple: future careers will belong to those who can confidently combine traditional knowledge with new-age digital skills. For India’s youth, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, embracing AI tools early can open doors to opportunities that were once out of reach.