AI's Impact On Careers Seen As Positive By 78% Indian Professionals: Report

Despite ongoing technological disruptions in the job market, there is growing optimism around artificial intelligence, increased confidence in job retention and a willingness among professionals to invest in upskilling, especially in fields like AI and machine learning, a new report by edtech company Great Learning shows.

The ‘Upskilling Trends Report 2025–26’, based on research involving over 1,000 professionals across India, shows that AI disruption is being met with resilience, with 78% of professionals expressing a positive outlook towards AI’s impact on their careers.

MBA and B.Com graduates are more optimistic (89% and 84%, respectively) than those from B.E/B.Tech backgrounds. This is likely influenced by recent trends where many large companies have reduced hiring due to increased AI adoption. This shift has sparked discussions about AI's effects on tech jobs, shaping the outlook of professionals with technology degrees.

In 2026, 85% of professionals recognise the importance of upskilling, an increase from 79% last year. Intent to upskill remains strong, with 81% planning to invest in acquiring new technical skills this year. 

AI and ML top the list of interest areas for upskilling, followed by software development (36%) and cybersecurity (35%). There’s a shift from preferring Master’s degrees to shorter certificate programmes. 

While 80% of professionals say they use gen AI to learn new skills, 60% use it extensively.

Increasing earning potential is the strongest motivator for upskilling, with 23% of professionals citing it as their primary reason, followed by 15% who seek promotions. However, a significant barrier persists — 37% of professionals report that the demands of office work leave them with little time for acquiring new technical skills. 

The burden is particularly acute for women, with 25% citing family responsibilities as a barrier compared to 20% of men. 

Around 82% of Indian professionals are job hunting, with 51% actively seeking new roles in 2025 and 31% passively exploring. However, professionals aged 45-60 are less inclined to switch roles, with only 39% actively looking. 

The report indicates that 73% of professionals are confident about retaining their jobs this year, an 11% increase from the previous year. Around 31% of professionals in Tier-1 cities feel ‘extremely confident’ about job retention, compared to only 18% in Tier-2 cities.