Bengaluru : Upskilling in India has firmly moved into the mainstream, cutting across age groups, experience levels, and industries, according to new insights released by edtech firm Great Learning. The findings are based on behavioural data from over one million learners on the platform during 2025.
One of the most striking trends highlighted in the report is the growing participation of senior professionals in advanced technology learning. Professionals with more than 15 years of work experience accounted for over 40% of all enrolments in Generative AI and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning programmes, signalling a shift in how leadership views AI capabilities.
According to the report, senior talent is increasingly treating AI and GenAI skills as essential to strategic decision-making and organisational leadership, particularly as enterprises accelerate AI adoption across functions.
In contrast, software development courses continued to attract early-career professionals, with nearly 60% of learners having less than three years of experience, positioning it as an entry-level technical skill. Domains such as data science and cybersecurity, however, saw demand from both early-career and senior professionals, underscoring their relevance across career stages.
AI Tops Upskilling Demand in 2025
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning emerged as the most in-demand upskilling domain in 2025, recording a 17% year-on-year increase in demand. Data Science, Software Development, Cloud Computing and Cyber Security followed as other popular areas of learning.
The report notes that AI is no longer perceived as a niche or specialist skill confined to technical roles. Instead, professionals across functions are seeking deeper, contextual understanding of AI, with a growing emphasis on responsible and practical application in real-world business environments.
Freshers Lead Enrolments, But Demand Spans Career Stages
Freshers and early-career professionals with zero to three years of experience accounted for 48% of total enrolments in 2025, making them the largest contributor to upskilling demand. Mid-career professionals with three to twelve years of experience and senior professionals with over twelve years of experience contributed nearly equal shares, highlighting that upskilling is now critical throughout the professional lifecycle.
Non-IT Sectors Power India’s Upskilling Momentum
Contrary to earlier trends, the upskilling surge in 2025 was largely driven by professionals outside the IT and IT-enabled services sector. Around 77% of learners came from non-technology industries such as banking and financial services, manufacturing, energy, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, while only 23% were employed in IT/ITES companies.
Notably, nearly one-third of learners pursuing AI programmes came from non-STEM educational backgrounds, reinforcing the growing accessibility of AI skills across disciplines.
Metro-Led Growth with Strong Tier-2 Participation
Upskilling demand remained strongest in Tier-1 cities, which accounted for 68% of enrolments in long-term courses. Cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad led participation. However, Tier-2 cities including Coimbatore, Madurai and Kochi also recorded strong demand.
Tamil Nadu emerged as the leading contributor to Tier-2 and Tier-3 upskilling participation, followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka. Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh also saw significant learner engagement, pointing to the rise of regional talent hubs.
Commenting on the findings, Arjun Nair, Co-Founder of Great Learning, said the data highlights how deeply AI has penetrated the professional ecosystem. “What became increasingly clear in 2025 was the extent to which AI permeated industries, job functions, and experience levels. The rise in learners from non-technology sectors shows that AI is no longer a niche skill, but a core workplace capability,” he said.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
