A growing number of Indian companies are adopting a skills-first approach to hiring, prioritizing talent and expertise over formal educational qualifications. A prime example is Smallest.ai, a Bengaluru-based AI startup, where four out of ten employees in the data science and software development teams are either self-taught or college dropouts. Despite the lack of traditional degrees, these employees contribute equally to the success of the company, which offers an attractive salary of Rs 40 lakh per annum.

Sudarshan Kamath and Akshat Mandloi, co-founders of Smallest.ai, emphasize the importance of skill-based hiring. They focus on candidates’ aptitude and practical experience rather than their academic credentials, which has proven effective in a competitive tech landscape.

This shift in hiring strategy is gaining momentum in other organizations as well. For example, Zerodha, India’s leading discount broker, evaluates candidates based on their curiosity, motivation, and willingness to learn, rather than formal qualifications. Similarly, IBM India has embraced “new collar” employees and uses hackathons to assess candidates’ problem-solving abilities, moving beyond traditional hiring methods.

Companies like Tata Communications and Zetwerk are also placing more value on skills, recognizing that this approach enhances workforce adaptability and drives innovation. According to a World Economic Forum report, 30% of Indian employers plan to adopt skills-based hiring by 2025, outpacing the global average of 19%.

As skills-based hiring continues to rise in India, it is enabling companies to tap into a broader and more diverse talent pool, ensuring they are better equipped to meet evolving industry demands.

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