A big change is coming
A new report from ServiceNow says agentic AI could reshape millions of jobs in India by 2030. That is a large shift and it affects many kinds of work. This post explains the report in plain words. I will show which sectors may feel the most change. I will give a short checklist students can
use to upskill. I will also offer simple steps workers can take to stay useful.
The headline number matters. ServiceNow estimates about 10.35 million roles in India will be reshaped by agentic AI by 2030.
What is agentic AI, in simple terms?
Agentic AI means AI that can act on its own. It can make choices and run tasks without a person giving each small step. Think of a smart helper that can schedule meetings, draft replies, fetch data, or run routine checks. It does not replace human judgment. It automates repeat work and follows rules it was given.
That frees people to focus on judgment, care, creativity and complex decisions. But it also means the shape of many jobs will change.
The sectors that will feel it most
Not every industry is affected the same way. ServiceNow and media reports highlight a few sectors where job shapes will change the most. Here are the main ones and what could happen.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing has many repeat tasks and predictable workflows. Agentic AI can help schedule work, predict machine faults, and manage parts. Planners and supervisors may use AI agents for daily checks. This shifts some tasks away from manual monitoring to supervisory and technical roles.
Retail
Retail already uses automation at checkout and for stock control. Agentic AI can power smarter inventory systems, automate routine customer replies, and help craft personal offers. Store staff may move from scanning and counting to helping customers and handling tech problems.
Education
AI can make personalized study plans, grade routine work, and help teachers prepare lessons. That reduces time spent on admin. Teachers may spend more time on one-to-one mentoring and lesson design. Schools and colleges will need staff who can use and check these tools.
IT and Tech
Ironically, AI will create many tech jobs even as it reshapes others. Companies need people to build, manage and audit AI agents. Roles like prompt designers, AI ops engineers and data engineers are expected to grow. ServiceNow and partners expect new tech roles to appear as the transformation scales.
Healthcare and Support Services
Agentic AI can help with scheduling, follow-ups, and record keeping. Medical staff can focus more on patient care. Support staff will likely need retraining to work alongside AI systems.
Three simple truths to keep in mind
- Most jobs will change, not vanish. Many roles will shift tasks rather than disappear completely.
- New jobs will appear. Companies will hire people to build, monitor and fix AI systems.
- Timing will differ by sector. Some fields will change fast. Others will move slowly.
Keep these ideas in mind while you plan what to learn next.
Student upskill checklist — simple steps to start now
If you are a student, you have time on your side. Learn a mix of tech basics and human skills. Here is a clear checklist you can follow.
Core skills to build first
- Basic coding and logic. Start with a simple language like Python. Learn how to break a problem into steps.
- Data basics. Learn how data works and how to read a simple table or chart.
- Digital tools. Get comfortable with spreadsheets, cloud drives and collaboration apps.
Agentic AI skills to begin
- Understand AI agents. Know what they can do and where they help.
- Practice prompting. Learn to write clear instructions for AI tools. This is a fast-growing, practical skill.
- Automation basics. Try simple workflow tools that connect apps and run tasks automatically.
Soft skills that matter more than ever
- Critical thinking. Ask why, not just how.
- Clear communication. Be able to explain results in simple words.
- Problem solving. Tackle messy real-world problems that AI cannot solve alone.
Career-building moves
- Do small projects. Build a simple automation or a data notebook. Real work matters more than certificates.
- Intern or volunteer. Any exposure to business teams or tech teams is valuable.
- Keep learning. Short online courses and hands-on practice help you stay current.
Start with one coding course and a small project. Then add data basics and a simple automation. Small steps add up.
Two common questions answered
Will agentic AI replace most jobs?
No. Many jobs will change more than vanish. Routine tasks will be automated, but human judgment and care will stay vital.
Should I study only tech to be safe?
Not only tech. Tech skills help, but domain knowledge and soft skills are just as important. Learn both.
Quick checklist — what you can do this year
- Learn a basic coding skill or automation tool.
- Practice handling data with a small project.
- Build one tiny AI-based project.
- Improve your communication and problem solving.
- Talk to your manager or teacher about training options.
Small, steady steps will pay off.
Final thoughts — agents and people together
Agentic AI will reshape jobs in big ways. The shift is fast but manageable. People who learn, adapt and focus on what machines cannot do will be in demand.
So ask yourself: what simple skill can I add this month? What routine task at my work can I try to automate this week? Start small and keep going. The future will reward those who prepare.