As India propels towards its trillion-dollar digital economy milestone, driven by the pervasive digital transformation across industries and e-governance, it has emerged as a global powerhouse for engineering talent. Indian engineers are leading the charge, heading some of the world's largest technology companies.

Year after year, India churns out a massive number of engineers specialising in diverse branches such as mechanical, software, civil, IT, and manufacturing, making engineering one of the most coveted degrees in the subcontinent. Furthermore, the rising demand for expertise in cutting-edge technologies like Internet of Things, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence has created a new realm of skills sought by employers.

Adding to this growth trajectory is the establishment of Global Capability Centres (GCCs), which have further propelled the engineering sector forward.

Engineering as a career choice in India has become even more attractive, fueled by various factors that contribute to its appeal. The establishment of Ivy League engineering institutions has paved the way for aspiring tech talent, granting them access to world-class education and exposure. Moreover, easy internet accessibility has facilitated the acquisition of new skills, empowering individuals to thrive in the digitally driven landscape. India has become a hotspot for IT companies worldwide, capitalising on the abundance of digitally savvy individuals, making it an ideal destination for skilled employees.

The demand for skilled engineers in the IT industry goes beyond adaptability to fast-paced environments; it also necessitates upskilling, training, and retention to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies and minimise attrition and onboarding costs. The rise of digital transformation has amplified global competition, highlighting the need for talent retention and upskilling.

In recent years, India has witnessed a remarkable surge in unicorns, with over 100 successful startups actively seeking tech talent to drive their businesses, offering unprecedented opportunities for young engineers. This positive trend is further bolstered by the rapid growth of India's startup ecosystem, as highlighted by the National Association for Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) report, which states that India added over 1,300 active tech startups last year, bringing the total tally to 25,000-27,000 active tech startups.

STEM streams —the need of the hour

While STEM education is still in its early stages in India, there is a concerted effort to prioritise and enhance STEM education in schools, colleges, and universities. Through the integration of state-of-the-art curriculum and communication technology, the education sector is moving beyond conventional classrooms, embracing STEM advancements. Some schools now offer 'entry-level' coding devices to teach basic coding skills, while STEM companies collaborate with educational institutions to establish STEM Centres, Maker Labs, and AR/VR labs.

In addition to the implementation of Learning Management Systems (LMS), assessment systems, language labs, and library management systems, the government is keen on assisting educational institutions in upgrading their library infrastructure with more engaging learning assets and management tools. A particular emphasis is placed on enhancing STEM subjects to ignite greater interest among students in these fields. The goal is to provide a holistic learning experience that captivates the student community and promotes a passion for STEM disciplines.

Soft skills + Engineering talent = high paying jobs

The future of numerous tech offerings from India is propelled by the English proficiency and ability to work with large-scale systems exhibited by Indian tech talent. Notably, the Indian workforce is renowned for their soft skills encompassing critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, emotional intelligence, teamwork, communication, diligence, and flexibility, highly valued by employers.

With the customer-centricity and evolution of the technology industry in India, the demand environment is exceptionally positive. Moreover, engineering hubs are shifting from metro cities to smaller cities and satellite towns, with global giants recognizing the talent potential and cost-effective infrastructure benefits in India's tier-two and tier-three cities. This transition facilitates the production of products and the development of sustainable business models to cater to a global audience.

Remarkably, over fifteen lakh engineering students graduate annually from Indian colleges, with preparations for engineering careers commencing as early as the 11th and 12th standards. With IT companies expanding their presence in tier-two cities, a seamless connection between fresh talent and job opportunities is established, fostering healthy competition and generating more opportunities within the country.

Technology at our fingertips—the need for engineers!

Let me give you another interesting example: A cart vendor today uses a simple QR code to receive payments for his goods and services. How do you think this is possible? Pro-citizens policies, engineers who work on making secure financial payment gateways and FinTech companies enabling access have all come together to make this possible. It is truly a dream come true. The magic word here, “Engineers.”

Hybrid makes it even more attractive!

In the post-COVID era, employers are embracing greater flexibility, enabling more individuals to work remotely and gain global exposure. A survey conducted by HR firms ANSR and Talent500 reveals that tech professionals seek more than just lucrative salaries, prompting companies to adapt to the new normal. Out of over 10,000 participants, 89% expressed a preference for a remote or hybrid working model over traditional daily office attendance.

India's remarkable journey as a talent magnet for engineers has unfolded rapidly, propelled by the growing presence of technology companies opening and expanding operations in the country. With technology bridging distances and the emergence of IT centers in smaller cities, the Indian IT industry offers stable growth and promising prospects. As Indian engineers continue to innovate and lead the way, the future shines brighter, firmly establishing India's position on the global technology map.