Semiconductor Sector to Generate 1 Million Jobs in India by 2026: Skilled Talent in High Demand

India, with a population of 1.44 billion and a strong educational framework, is poised to become a significant talent hub in the semiconductor industry.

India’s ambition to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub is projected to create 1 million job opportunities by 2026. The expansion will span across several sectors, including 300,000 roles in chip semiconductor fabrication and design, 150,000 positions in ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging), and significant openings in software development, system circuits, and supply chain management. Critical roles will encompass engineers, operators, technicians, and specialists in quality control, procurement, and materials engineering, showcasing India’s need to build a skilled semiconductor workforce.

India's semiconductor market, valued at USD 29.84 billion in FY2023, is anticipated to grow to USD 79.20 billion by FY2031, with a CAGR of 13.55%. To bolster this growth, the government allocated ₹1,500 crore for chip manufacturing, ₹100 crore for electronic displays, and ₹900 crore to enhance the semiconductor lab in Mohali under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). The ₹76,000 crore Semicon India initiative aims to create a competitive semiconductor ecosystem by providing financial support to companies investing in semiconductor and display manufacturing.

Several private companies are also planning to invest in new assembly and testing facilities in India, potentially generating numerous high-tech and construction jobs. Key job roles in this sector include Process Integration Engineer, Semiconductor Wafer Inspector, Design Engineer, and Quality Control Specialist.

Addressing the skill gap challenge, industry leaders emphasize the importance of workforce development and skill training. According to Sachin Alug, CEO of NLB Services, India needs to upskill 100,000 professionals annually to meet its goal of 1 million skilled employees by 2030. Practical training through internships is also critical for strengthening India’s semiconductor talent pool, with investments in skilling and re-skilling expected to increase by 25% in the next 2–3 years.

As the global demand for semiconductors continues to rise, India, with a population of 1.44 billion and a strong educational framework, is poised to become a significant talent hub in the semiconductor industry. This commitment aligns with India’s broader goal of advancing electronics manufacturing and innovation.

Projected Job Creation in Key Semiconductor Roles by 2026

Job Profile	Skill Set Required	Potential Job Creation by 2026
Chip Semiconductor Fabrication	Fabrication process, equipment maintenance, cleanroom protocols	300,000
Chip Design	Semiconductor design, electronics engineering, CAD tools	150,000
ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, Packaging)	Process engineering, quality assurance, operational knowledge	100,000
Software Development	Embedded systems, firmware development, circuit analysis	120,000
System Circuit	Circuit design, integration, testing, troubleshooting	80,000

India’s commitment to cultivating a strong semiconductor workforce aligns with its ambitions to establish a competitive edge in the global electronics sector.