bangalore : Upskilling in India is firmly moving into the mainstream across age groups, experience levels and industries, according to new insights released by edtech company Great Learning. The findings are based on behavioral data from more than 1 million learners on the platform during 2025.
One of the most notable trends highlighted in the report is the increased participation of senior professionals in advanced technology learning. Professionals with 15+ years of work experience account for more than 40% of all enrollments in generative AI and artificial intelligence/machine learning programs, demonstrating a shift in how leaders view AI capabilities.
According to the report, senior talent is increasingly treating AI and GenAI skills as essential to strategic decision-making and organizational leadership, especially as companies accelerate AI adoption across departments.
In contrast, software development courses continue to attract early career professionals, with approximately 60% of learners having less than three years of experience, positioning software development courses as entry-level technical skills. However, fields such as data science and cybersecurity are seeing demand from both early career and senior professionals, highlighting their relevance across career stages.
AI will be the top demand for skill improvement in 2025
Artificial intelligence and machine learning emerged as the most in-demand upskilling area in 2025, registering a 17% year-on-year increase in demand. Data science, software development, cloud computing, and cyber security followed as other popular areas of study.
The report notes that AI is no longer perceived as a niche or specialized skill limited to technical roles. Instead, professionals across sectors are seeking a deeper understanding of AI in context, with an increasing emphasis on responsible, practical application in real-world business environments.
New students lead enrollment, but demand spans career stages
In 2025, new entrants and early career professionals with 0-3 years of experience will account for 48% of total enrollment, making them the largest contributors to upskilling demand. Mid-career professionals with 3 to 12 years of experience and senior professionals with 12+ years of experience contributed in roughly equal proportions, highlighting the current importance of upskilling throughout the professional lifecycle.
Non-IT sectors drive India’s upskilling momentum
In contrast to previous trends, the upskilling surge in 2025 was primarily driven by professionals outside the IT and IT-enabled services sectors. Approximately 77% of learners were from non-tech industries such as banking and financial services, manufacturing, energy, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, and only 23% were employed by IT/ITES companies.
Notably, nearly one-third of learners pursuing AI programs have a non-STEM academic background, reinforcing the accessibility of AI skills across disciplines.
Metro-led growth with strong Tier-2 participation
Demand for upskilling remained strongest in tier 1 cities, which accounted for 68% of enrollments in long-term courses. Cities like Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad led the way in participation. However, tier 2 cities such as Coimbatore, Madurai and Kochi also recorded high demand.
Tamil Nadu emerged as the state that contributed the most to Tier-2 and Tier-3 upskilling participation, followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka. Learner participation was also significant in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh, indicating the emergence 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 will become increasingly clear in 2025 is the extent to which AI will penetrate industries, functions and experience levels. The increase in learners from non-tech sectors shows that AI is no longer a niche skill, but a core competency in the workplace,” he said.
