AI Can’t Ever Match Human Skills: Infosys Chairman Nandan Nilekani On Future of Jobs

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First-principles thinking—the ability to step back, question assumptions, and analyse problems from scratch—is a key skill that AI lacks.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing rapidly, but it can never replace human qualities such as empathy, leadership, collaboration, and creativity, said Infosys chairman and co-founder Nandan Nilekani. Speaking at a session with Nalin Mehta, Managing Editor at Moneycontrol, during an AIMA event, Nilekani highlighted that as AI automates more tasks, these uniquely human attributes will become even more valuable—necessitating an evolution in education systems to prioritise them.

“You can have all the AIs in the world, but if you can’t get five people to work together and collaborate, then you cannot go anywhere,” Nilekani stated, stressing that teamwork remains a fundamental skill that AI cannot replace. He advised that rather than chasing technical skills that may soon become obsolete, individuals should focus on what AI cannot replicate—such as first-principles thinking and creativity.

The Value of Human Thinking Over AI

First-principles thinking—the ability to step back, question assumptions, and analyse problems from scratch—is a key skill that AI lacks. “AI is more mechanistic in its approach. Being able to go back to first principles and analyse something is something AI cannot do,” said Nilekani.

Similarly, creativity remains a uniquely human trait. While AI can generate content and mimic artistic styles, it cannot conceive truly original ideas. Nilekani believes that fostering creativity should be a priority in education. Instead of preparing students for specific AI-related skills, he advocates a shift toward adaptability. “I would rather go there and say, ‘Learn skill A, B, C,’ because that skill may not be relevant years from now,” he added.

India’s Role in AI and the Future of AI Models

Discussing AI’s barrier to entry, Nilekani noted that the cost of creating AI models has dropped significantly due to rapid advancements in the sector. He pointed to India’s AI Mission, stating that significant AI models will emerge from India within the next year.

When asked about India’s investment in foundational AI models, Nilekani responded, “It’s really all about the price point. Would I spend a billion dollars to build a large language model (LLM)? No. But if I can deliver an LLM in $50 million, sure. The technology is moving so quickly that it’s dropping in price and becoming more efficient.”

AI’s Impact on Jobs: A Tool for Inclusion or Extraction?

Nilekani addressed concerns about AI’s impact on jobs, expressing an optimistic outlook. “I see AI as an opportunity, though I tend to be optimistic about everything. Yes, some jobs will be affected—certain tasks will be automated—but very few jobs will be entirely eliminated. AI will make humans more productive and create new jobs we haven’t even thought of yet.”

He highlighted that India has shortages of teachers, doctors, and skilled workers, and AI could amplify human capabilities, making education and healthcare more accessible. However, he also warned about AI’s potential to be either extractive or inclusive.

“It all depends on how you architect it—AI can be extractive (where a few control all the data and profit from it) or inclusive (where it benefits everyone). DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) is fundamentally about inclusion at scale, and AI should be too,” he stated.

The Future: AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement

Nilekani’s insights underscore a future where AI complements human intelligence rather than replacing it. While AI will continue to transform industries, the focus should remain on human adaptability, problem-solving, and ethical AI development. As AI evolves, the challenge will be ensuring that it is used to enhance human potential rather than restrict opportunities—a vision that India, with its rapidly growing AI ecosystem, is well-positioned to lead.