India's $250 billion IT services industry is undergoing a structural shift in how it prices contracts.
Major firms like TCS and Infosys are moving away from traditional billable-hour models.
Clients are increasingly demanding outcome-based contracts that prioritize results over headcounts.
Artificial intelligence is being leveraged to provide lower costs and higher productivity for global clients.
More context
Mid-sized companies like Persistent Systems are using AI to compete more effectively with industry giants.
Traditional entry-level coding roles are being reduced as AI automates routine technical tasks.
Some firms are accepting aggressive pricing to secure long-term deals in a competitive market.
Other providers are reportedly walking away from contracts deemed financially non-viable.
The shift is reshaping competition within the $315-billion total valuation of the sector.
Analysts note that AI has lowered the barrier for smaller firms to handle complex projects.
Large-scale vendors are being forced to prove value beyond just labor arbitrage.
This transition marks a significant evolution in India's global technology delivery model.