TCS Plans Team of Up to 8,900 AI Deployment Engineers, Explores AI-Focused Acquisitions

India's largest IT services company, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), is preparing to expand its artificial intelligence capabilities by creating a team of up to 8,900 forward-deployed engineers while also evaluating acquisitions in AI-related businesses.

According to TCS CEO K. Krithivasan, the company aims to have between 1% and 1.5% of its workforce serving as forward-deployed engineers. Based on TCS's workforce at the end of June, this would represent approximately 5,900 to 8,900 employees. The company has not confirmed whether these positions will be filled through new hiring or by reskilling existing employees.

Forward-deployed engineers work directly with clients to support AI implementation and adapt AI solutions to specific business requirements. TCS believes this role will become increasingly important as organizations expand the use of artificial intelligence.

The company is also reviewing potential acquisitions in areas including artificial intelligence, data security, and cybersecurity. Chief Financial Officer Samir Seksaria said the company is looking for opportunities that can strengthen its long-term strategic position.

Addressing concerns that AI could reduce demand for traditional outsourcing services, Krithivasan said businesses will continue to require technology partners with deep knowledge of their systems to integrate AI models, connect them with existing infrastructure, and manage data effectively.

TCS reported that annualized AI revenue growth eased to 13% in the first quarter, compared with 28% in the previous quarter. Krithivasan said the company continues to target long-term quarterly AI business growth of around 25%, while noting that growth is unlikely to be consistent every quarter.

Seksaria added that TCS invests about $1 billion each year in workforce development and AI initiatives, including employee training, targeted recruitment, and hiring specialists in AI-native technologies.India's largest IT services company, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), is preparing to expand its artificial intelligence capabilities by creating a team of up to 8,900 forward-deployed engineers while also evaluating acquisitions in AI-related businesses.

According to TCS CEO K. Krithivasan, the company aims to have between 1% and 1.5% of its workforce serving as forward-deployed engineers. Based on TCS's workforce at the end of June, this would represent approximately 5,900 to 8,900 employees. The company has not confirmed whether these positions will be filled through new hiring or by reskilling existing employees.

Forward-deployed engineers work directly with clients to support AI implementation and adapt AI solutions to specific business requirements. TCS believes this role will become increasingly important as organizations expand the use of artificial intelligence.

The company is also reviewing potential acquisitions in areas including artificial intelligence, data security, and cybersecurity. Chief Financial Officer Samir Seksaria said the company is looking for opportunities that can strengthen its long-term strategic position.

Addressing concerns that AI could reduce demand for traditional outsourcing services, Krithivasan said businesses will continue to require technology partners with deep knowledge of their systems to integrate AI models, connect them with existing infrastructure, and manage data effectively.

TCS reported that annualized AI revenue growth eased to 13% in the first quarter, compared with 28% in the previous quarter. Krithivasan said the company continues to target long-term quarterly AI business growth of around 25%, while noting that growth is unlikely to be consistent every quarter.

Seksaria added that TCS invests about $1 billion each year in workforce development and AI initiatives, including employee training, targeted recruitment, and hiring specialists in AI-native technologies.