Field of Dreams: Where Academia’s GENAI Preparation Shapes India's Future

“If you build it, he will come.” This timeless quote from Field of Dreams has guided my mission to prepare Indian colleges for the AI revolution. Over the course of my journey, I have tirelessly exhorted 75 colleges across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana in Phase I to prepare their students for the upcoming wave of AI jobs. While many responded positively and began integrating AI into their curricula, others have adopted a wait-and-watch approach. It has now become clear that the proactive colleges built it—and now, the AI companies are coming.

Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are offering even more competitive packages for AI talent. For instance, entry-level AI engineers at these firms can start with salaries around INR 12 lakh per annum, with opportunities for rapid growth as their expertise deepens. Mid-level professionals with specialized skills in AI and machine learning can command salaries upwards of INR 30 lakh, and senior roles can reach well into the crore range.

As companies like TCS and Infosys set new benchmarks with INR 9 lakh entry-level packages for GENAI roles, these pioneering institutions are poised to reap the rewards. Their continuous industry exposure and deep engagement with AI projects are bridging the gap between academia and the fast-paced demands of the AI sector. As a result, their students are not only ready for opportunities like TCS Prime and Infosys Power but are also positioned to lead in the emerging AI job market.

In contrast, many other colleges across India lack the vital industry connections that are crucial for keeping pace with the rapid developments in AI. Instead of closing the gap, these institutions are widening it, leaving their students unprepared for the lucrative opportunities that lie ahead. The disparity is stark—while some students are innovating at the cutting edge of AI, others are being left behind, mired in outdated curricula and disconnected from the industry’s needs.

As an MIT Certified AI Trainer and the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer of GENAI Pioneer, I have spent years advocating for a stronger alignment between academia and industry. Our structured programs have already shown remarkable success. Students from colleges that partnered with us are now fully equipped for the new industry standards set by TCS and Infosys. These institutions understood the importance of industry exposure and have leveraged our training to position their students for packages that can even exceed INR 35 lakh.

This success aligns perfectly with my broader vision for India's future. Recently, IMF Executive Director Krishnamurthy V. Subramanian stated that India can grow to a $55 trillion economy by 2047, describing it as an ambitious but achievable target. In alignment with this vision, I too am setting an ambitious target for AI’s contribution to India’s economy: INR 1.5 trillion by 2030 and INR 3 trillion by 2035. While no industry analyst has yet projected AI’s contribution to reach even INR 1 trillion, I strongly believe that this is possible through the power of GENAI.

The pioneering colleges that have already built the necessary infrastructure and fostered a culture of innovation are well on their way to helping achieve these targets. Their students are not just ready for AI jobs—they are ready to lead India into a future where AI is a cornerstone of economic growth.

As I’ve emphasized throughout my work, "The colleges that continue to neglect the importance of industry connections and real-world AI projects are not just failing their students—they are failing to contribute to the future of India itself."

For the rest of India’s educational institutions, the message is clear: If you want your students to be part of this future, the time to act is now. The colleges that continue to neglect AI and industry connections are at risk of being left behind. The benchmarks have been set, but without proper preparation, their students are at risk of missing out on these lucrative careers.

The opportunity is there for those willing to build it. With the right infrastructure, curricula, and industry partnerships, the field of dreams can become a reality for every student in India. As the AI job market continues to expand, those who are prepared will lead the way, while those who hesitate may find the future passing them by.