AI Disruption Reshapes India's IT Landscape Amid New Opportunities
AI disruption hits India's core IT revenue model, but new money-making avenues emerge
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
India's IT sector, which thrived on global technology spending, is facing challenges due to AI-driven changes, with the Nifty IT index dropping 20.7% in 2026. Despite this, new revenue opportunities in AI infrastructure and legacy code modernization, valued at $600 billion, are emerging, suggesting a shift in the industry's revenue model.
- 01The Nifty IT index fell 20.7% year-to-date in 2026, underperforming the broader market.
- 02AI is fundamentally altering IT revenue models, creating both risks and new opportunities.
- 03Legacy code modernization represents a $600 billion market potential for Indian IT firms.
- 04Large-cap firms like Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys reported steady revenue growth, while mid-caps showed higher volatility.
- 05Analysts recommend selective investment in firms with strong AI strategies and cash flows.
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Between 2020 and 2024, Indian Information Technology (IT) companies experienced significant growth driven by global technology spending, particularly in cloud migration and digital transformation. However, by 2025, demand uncertainty led to a slowdown, with the Nifty IT index declining 12.6%. This downward trend intensified in 2026, with the index plunging 20.7% year-to-date, reflecting a broader market decline of only 4.5%. The shift toward AI technologies poses a potential threat to traditional revenue streams, as application development and maintenance give way to more complex areas like platform engineering and AI implementation. Brokerages have noted potential deflationary risks, estimating a 20-50% impact on traditional IT services due to AI efficiencies. Despite these challenges, opportunities exist in legacy code modernization, projected to be a $600 billion market. Large-cap firms, including Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys, reported year-on-year revenue growth, while mid-cap firms experienced volatility. Analysts suggest a cautious investment approach, focusing on firms with strong cash flows and clear AI strategies, indicating that while the sector is transitioning, it is not collapsing.
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The shift towards AI could lead to reduced revenue for traditional IT services, impacting job security and wage growth in the sector. However, firms that adapt and invest in AI capabilities may find new growth avenues.
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