TCS plans a major AI push by embedding up to 8,900 forward-deployed engineers (FDEs) with client teams to accelerate AI adoption and integrate it with existing legacy systems.

These FDEs will bridge AI technology and business needs by deploying AI solutions, customizing large language models, integrating AI into systems, optimizing workflows, and collaborating closely with customer teams.

TCS aims to convert about 1% to 1.5% of its workforce into FDEs, roughly 5,900 to 8,900 specialists, positioning itself among the top AI talent competitors.

The company is evaluating acquisitions in AI, data security and cybersecurity to bolster its strategic position, signaling a shift from purely organic growth.

CFO Samir Seksaria says any acquisitions will be targeted to strengthen the AI strategy and competitive standing.

TCS intends to pursue strategic acquisitions in AI, data security, and cybersecurity to enhance its competitive edge and shift toward more active dealmaking.

AI project revenue can vary with enterprise deal cycles, but TCS seeks long-term growth through expanded AI consulting, training, platform investments, acquisitions, and scaling deployment teams.

Executives stress that AI adoption requires integration and data-management work with clients’ existing systems, with the business model centered on value addition rather than cost arbitrage.

TCS emphasizes leveraging its talent pool and domain expertise to differentiate from simple cost-based AI implementation, underscoring integration and data-management importance.

CEO Krithivasan argues AI will create demand for integration partners and services, not erode outsourcing, expanding at the AI–client implementation intersection.

Krithivasan maintains that AI won’t shrink outsourcing; clients still need partners to connect AI models to their environments and manage data with deep knowledge of their context.

TCS signals a broader strategic shift toward enabling AI adoption for customers, expanding services around deployment and governance, not just technologies.