85% of Indian professionals to upskill amid job uncertainty: Great Learning
NEW DELHI, INDIA — Indian professionals are taking proactive steps to secure their futures in a rapidly evolving job market.
The study, titled “Skilling Upskilling Trends Report 2024-25” by Great Learning, surveyed over 1,000 Indian professionals across major sectors.
It found that 85% plan to invest in upskilling initiatives for the fiscal year 2025 (FY25). This surge in interest comes as confidence in job retention has declined, dropping from 71% to 62% over the past year.
The drop in confidence is attributed to widespread technological disruptions and challenging macroeconomic conditions. Uncertainty is particularly pronounced among entry-level professionals, with only 29% expressing confidence in retaining their jobs in FY25.
Technology skills in high demand
The report highlights that data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have emerged as the top domains for upskilling among Indian professionals. These fields are closely followed by software development and digital marketing, reflecting the growing importance of technology-driven roles in the job market.
Geographically, Bengaluru and Chennai are leading the upskilling trend, with 87% of professionals in these cities planning to invest in skill enhancement.
At the sector level, professionals in manufacturing, engineering, capital goods, and BFSI are showing the greatest intent to upskill, driven by the need to keep up with industry standards and evolving technological advancements.
Hari Krishnan Nair, co-founder of Great Learning, emphasized the importance of continuous learning in the current volatile economic environment. “Since last year, challenging economic conditions and an unstable geopolitical situation have made it difficult for many companies to access capital and expand profitably.”
He added, “To remain competitive in this dynamic environment, continuous learning and improving skills are crucial to adapt and evolve. It is encouraging to see professionals taking a proactive approach to address this disruption by acquiring specialized skills to meet the changing demands of employers.”
Challenges in pursuing upskilling goals
The report also revealed that experienced professionals are particularly aware of the importance of upskilling, with 92% of those with more than 17 years of experience recognizing its significance.
The trend is not limited to veterans, as 83% of freshers intend to upskill this year, an increase of eight percentage points from FY24.
Despite the strong intention to upskill, professionals face several challenges in pursuing their educational goals.
The biggest barrier is being too occupied with work, as reported by 34% of respondents. Financial constraints and family commitments were also cited as major obstacles by 19% and 14% of professionals, respectively.
As the job market continues to evolve, the report underscores the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.
“Government initiatives aimed at promoting skill development have further amplified this awareness. Through the Skill Upskilling Trends Report 2024-25, we aim to help students, professionals and businesses with valuable insights, empowering them to effectively strategize for FY25,” said Nair.
