Global Edtech Company Great Learning has released its findings with Indian engineers to commemorate Engineer Day. The survey revealed that 67% of Indian engineers feel their current role is influenced by AI. 86% of engineers agree that upskills are no longer an option but essential to protecting carriers from changing high-speed technology. This underscores the growing recognition that continuous learning is important for longevity in a career in an evolving landscape.
85% of engineers plan to invest in high-end skills in 2026 amidst AI turmoil
The survey revealed that 85% of engineers are expected to appear in 2024, with artificial intelligence and machine learning emerging as the largest domains of choice. These are followed by data science and analytics, software development, cloud computing and cybersecurity. Within AI & ML, along with the fundamental capabilities of Python programming and natural language processing (NLP), Generator AI and Agent AI stand out as the most sought after skills. Career advancements are continuously the strongest motivation, with experts eschewing financial growth (20%), promotions (12%), new opportunities (12%) and skill obsolescence (11%) as key drivers.
66% of engineers prefer short-term courses to keep them ready for employment
Engineers choose speed and practicality when it comes to learning. Two-thirds (66%) prefer courses that are under six months, but only 5% are willing to commit for more than a year. The majority of engineers look to certificate programs from universities in India and global, instead of traditional masters and doctoral degrees, providing quick access to job-ready skills. The move shows the urgency that experts are working to embrace new technology and align with the pace of organizations demanding technology preparation from day one.85% of engineers are considering job switches
The survey highlights the key career mobility, where 85% of engineers are actively or passively seeking new jobs this year. Research shows that the main workplace concerns among Indian engineers are work-life balance (33%), job security (18%) and career stagnation (14%).
Speaking about the importance of continuous learning as an engineer, Maruti Rao Taluru said: “Working in the aerospace industry shows how technology is rapidly changing the world around us. That's why these skills have decided to rebuild all sectors, not just aerospace. Applying mentoring and learning to real-world challenges will help you protect your career in the future and contribute to India's growth in an AI-driven era.”
“We've been working hard to get the most out of our lives,” said Hari Krishnan Nair, co-founder of Great Learning.Becoming an engineer today is very different from 20 years ago. Engineers are on the forefront of witnessing and driving the massive changes brought about by AI and other emerging technologies. The skills that once defined success are no longer sufficient. Today's engineers need to continually adapt, reskill and expand their expertise to remain relevant. In excellent learning, over half of learners come from an engineering background. This is a strong testimony of how this community embraces lifelong learning. By acquiring next-generation skills in AI, data, cloud and cybersecurity, engineers not only prepare for the future of their work, but also drive India's advances into a decade defined by deep technology and innovation. ”As India stands in the sharp order of an AI-driven future, the investigation highlights that not only is its engineers aware of the confusion that reshapes their profession, but is also preparing to thrive in this new reality. Focusing on high-end domains in next-generation domains such as AI, ML, data, and cloud, and preferring agile, industry-focused certificate programs, engineers position themselves as the backbone of the country's technological transformation. This collective commitment to continuous learning and adaptability underscores the pivotal role that Indian engineers will play in shaping innovation, competitiveness and long-term economic growth over the coming years.
