Upgrading AI Skills Key To Career Growth, Believe 94% Indian Professionals

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Mumbai: As India prepares for a wave of artificial intelligence (AI) integration in the workplace, a report has revealed that 94% professionals believe mastering AI skills will fast-track their career growth.

Already, 23% of Indian business have implemented AI, while 73% are expected to expand its use in 2025 — well above the survey average of 52% — according to CPA Australia’s Business technology report 2024, in collaboration with the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

The report by Emeritus, a leader in professional education, highlights the fact that AI integration is transforming careers across India. It also shows that Indian professionals are at the forefront of AI adoption globally.

The survey, which involved over 6,000 respondents from 18 countries working in sectors like finance, manufacturing, IT services, and education, found that 96% of Indian professionals are actively using AI and generative AI tools at work — substantially higher than the figures from the US (81%) and the UK (84%).

As a result, 95% of Indian workers reported a significant increase in productivity due to the use of AI, outperforming the global average.

Ashwin Damera, CEO and Co-Founder of Emeritus, opined that as the world evolves both economically and technologically, the workforce needs to stay ahead by acquiring new skills, mindsets, and competencies. He emphasised that Indian professionals are not just adapting to AI, but are actively leveraging it to shape the future of work.

The report further revealed that 90% of Indian professionals regard AI and generative AI as essential for long-term career success. Additionally, 94% consider AI expertise vital not only for career growth but also for enabling cross-industry diversification, significantly outpacing the global average of 87%.

Among the top skills in demand in India, Machine Learning stands out, with Indian professionals being twice as likely as their global peers to focus on it. Other in-demand skills include AI development and application, emerging technologies, effective communication, strategic leadership, and management.

The study identified four key trends — the rapid adoption of AI in India, prioritisation of AI skills, AI’s transformative influence on workplaces, and concerns about potential job displacement due to AI.