India’s artificial intelligence startups, including Krutrim, Sarvam AI, TurboML, Smallest.ai, and Socket Labs, are aggressively hiring AI engineers. These startups are offering impressive salaries ranging from ₹40 lakh to ₹1.5 crore per year, along with stock options and flexible work arrangements. The increasing demand for AI professionals across industries highlights the rapid expansion of AI in the market.
Growing Demand for AI Technology
AI startups are competing to attract the best talent. TurboML, for instance, is hiring engineers and researchers by offering a ₹1 lakh monthly internship stipend and ₹80 lakh annually for full-time positions. Smallest.ai is offering ₹40 lakh per year for full-stack engineers with 0-2 years of experience, eliminating traditional hiring criteria such as college degrees or resumes.
Meanwhile, as the popularity of DeepSeek grows, tech hiring firm Fabric has compiled a database of over 1,000 AI/ML engineers to showcase India’s exceptional AI talent and capabilities.
Skill Over Formal Education: A New Hiring Trend
Smallest.ai’s unconventional hiring approach has gained attention on social media. The company has discarded the traditional resume-based application system. Instead, candidates must submit a 100-word introduction and a link to their best work. Academic qualifications and college degrees hold no weight in their hiring decisions, reinforcing the idea that practical knowledge and skills are more valuable than formal education.
Embracing a Smart Work Culture
AI startups are not just looking for experience on paper; they want candidates who can adapt to challenges, innovate, and work efficiently. AI engineers must possess problem-solving abilities and embrace experimentation. The industry is shifting from conventional work methods to a smart work culture, where productivity and innovation take precedence over outdated work structures.
Conclusion
With AI rapidly transforming industries, Indian startups are leading the charge by offering competitive salaries and redefining hiring practices. The emphasis on skills, flexible work environments, and smart work culture is setting a new standard for the AI job market in India. As AI continues to expand, the demand for talented professionals is only expected to grow further.
