AI Workers in India Report High Layoff Anxiety Despite Sector Growth

A recent survey of Indian professionals reveals a striking paradox: workers building artificial intelligence tools are among the most anxious about their own job security, even as companies invest heavily in the technology. The findings, from a July 2026 survey of 1,552 India-based workers by the professional platform Blind, show that 66% of AI and machine learning professionals expect layoffs or major team cuts within the next three to six months. This places them among the most concerned groups, just behind sales and marketing employees at 68%.

The results challenge the common perception that transitioning into AI roles offers a safe career path. Despite massive corporate investment in AI, those directly developing the technology feel nearly as vulnerable as employees in functions widely expected to be disrupted by automation. Product and design teams also reported high anxiety, with 65% anticipating cuts. In contrast, engineering teams showed lower levels of concern, with only 24% saying layoffs were very likely, though 58% still considered their teams at risk. Data and analytics professionals were more confident, with 51% viewing their teams as at risk and 40% saying...