Entry-Level IT Hiring Plummets as AI Drives Demand for Advanced Skills

• Entry-level and early mid-level IT hiring has ceased due to AI's impact, according to TeamLease CFO Ramani Dathi.
• Roles like testing, coding, debugging, and basic IT support are disrupted by automation tools, reducing hiring needs.
• Demand for specialized skills in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity remains strong, with companies offering higher salaries for niche talent.
• Fresh graduates lack advanced AI skills, leading companies to retrain existing employees, with GCCs retraining staff in 3-4 months.
• The share of entry-level hiring has fallen from 20% to 15%, while mid-level hiring with emerging tech skills has significantly increased.