Artificial Intelligence Reshapes Campus Placements: Higher Salaries and AI Skills in Demand

Artificial Intelligence Quietly Redefines Campus Placements in 2025

Artificial intelligence is no longer just an industry buzzword—it is reshaping the dynamics of campus placements across India. Recruiters are prioritizing digital fluency, institutions are overhauling curricula, and students with AI and data analytics expertise are commanding a premium in salaries and job opportunities.

According to Deloitte’s latest campus report, median salaries for MBAs are expected to rise by 8.3 percent, while BTech graduates are projected to see a 4.3 percent increase, reversing the stagnation of 2024. Notably, graduates skilled in AI and data are securing nearly 28 percent higher pay compared to peers in traditional roles.

The New Salary Map

Campus placement reports highlight a strong tilt toward digital-first industries. Nearly half of all offers—about 45 to 50 percent—are concentrated in consulting, analytics, global capability centers (GCCs), fintech, and technology-driven firms.

Dr. Archana Shrivastava, Chairperson of the Centre for Corporate Relations at BIMTECH, observes, “While some sectors like conventional banking and core manufacturing are cautious, technology consulting, IT, ITeS, and analytics continue to fuel growth. The salary dip is modest overall, but AI-linked roles are where the real premiums lie.”

High-Demand Skills

Recruiters are increasingly seeking professionals who can translate data into measurable business outcomes.

“Project and product management roles are particularly in demand for MBAs, as they are expected to leverage AI for greater efficiency and effectiveness,” says Ramnath Kanakadandi, Senior Course Director at T.I.M.E.

Institutions have responded by integrating AI and analytics training into pedagogy. Great Lakes Gurgaon, for instance, emphasizes analytics-focused courses, industry certifications, and corporate-readiness modules to prepare students for the evolving job market.

Who Is Missing Out?

Despite the positive salary trends, the opportunities are unevenly distributed. Students lacking AI and analytics exposure risk being sidelined. Colleges are bridging this gap with bootcamps, live projects, and industry-led workshops to ensure even non-technical students gain digital fluency.

Dr. Vidhya Srinivas, Director of Placements at Great Lakes Gurgaon, confirms, “Placements have remained consistently strong, with digital-first firms accounting for 45–50 percent of offers and average packages growing 10–12 percent annually.”

A Shift, Not a Shutdown

While core manufacturing and legacy banking have slowed down, new-age industries such as tech consulting, fintech, e-commerce, and analytics are absorbing talent at a rapid pace.

“AI roles typically command 20–30 percent higher salaries than comparable roles in finance, operations, or general management,” notes Dr. Shrivastava.

For colleges, the message is clear: digital readiness is no longer optional—it is a necessity. The campus placement playbook has been rewritten, and AI is at the center of this transformation.