As an HR professional in Chennai, I'm keenly observing the shift in workforce dynamics, particularly with the increasing integration of AI. My role primarily involves talent acquisition and employee engagement. I'm wondering how AI will impact our industry. Will AI automate many of the functions currently performed by HR, such as resume screening or initial interviews? If so, what new skills will be required for HR professionals to remain valuable and strategic partners to the business? My career aspiration is to become an HR leader, but I want to ensure I'm focusing on developing skills that will be relevant in an AI-augmented workplace. How can HR professionals leverage AI to their advantage, not just for efficiency but for strategic decision-making, employee well-being, and fostering a future-ready workforce? I'm particularly interested in how we can use AI to identify and nurture future leaders within organizations.

Ans: Nishita, Evaluating the five IIIT programs reveals distinct strengths across faculty quality, research infrastructure, placement consistency, academic standards, and industry recognition. IIIT Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh offers B.Tech CSE with specializations including AI, business, and cybersecurity, achieving a remarkable 96.17% placement rate in 2025 with the highest package at Rs.145 LPA and the average at Rs.33.71 LPA, supported by 45+ PhD faculty and specialized research labs. IIIT Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh provides B.Tech ECE with strong electronics curriculum, NIRF rank #87 in Engineering 2024, 93% placement rate with highest Rs.121 LPA and average Rs.25.78 LPA, backed by globally-recognised faculty and research publications. IIITDM Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh delivers CSE with design-manufacturing focus, over 60 PhD faculty, 71.8% placement rate with highest Rs.122 LPA international (?110 LPA domestic) and average Rs.19.27 LPA UG, featuring robust industry collaborations and 13 CSE department faculty. IIIT Gwalior (IIITM) in Madhya Pradesh offers EEE with 100% PhD faculty strength and 80–90% placement rates, with the highest at Rs. 65 LPA and an average of Rs. 20.56 LPA, supported by research-intensive programs and a diverse recruiter base. IIITDM Kancheepuram near Chennai provides CSE with design specialization, over 80 PhD faculty from IITs, 73% placement rate with highest Rs.32 LPA and average Rs.9.37 LPA, though experiencing declining trends from 97% in 2022.

Recommendation: Prioritize IIIT Lucknow CSE for its exceptional 96% placement rate, highest average packages, comprehensive specialization options, and strong industry linkages; follow with IIIT Allahabad ECE for its prestigious NIRF ranking, established reputation, and solid core electronics foundation; consider IIITDM Jabalpur CSE for its unique design-manufacturing focus and international placement opportunities; opt for IIIT Gwalior EEE for its 100% PhD faculty strength and research excellence; and rank IIITDM Kancheepuram CSE last due to declining placement trends despite strong academic credentials and faculty qualifications. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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