73% of Professionals Confident About Job Retention in FY26, Marking an 11-Point Increase from FY25: Great Learning's Upskilling Trends Report 2025-26
Great Learning, a leading global edtech company in higher education and professional training, has released the fourth edition of its annual 'Upskilling Trends Report 2025–26'.
The report is based on comprehensive primary research involving over 1,000 professionals across India, spanning various sectors, age groups, cities, industries, and educational backgrounds. This diverse respondent base offers a broad perspective on upskilling trends, job sentiment, and the evolving impact of technology on careers. The findings reflect growing optimism around AI, increased confidence in job retention, despite ongoing technological disruptions, and a strong willingness among professionals to explore new roles and invest in upskilling, especially in high-demand fields like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Job Retention Confidence Rises Sharply in 2025–26, Especially Among Professionals in Large Firms and Tier-1 Cities
The report indicates that 73% of professionals are confident about retaining their jobs this year, an 11 percentage point increase from the previous year. Confidence levels vary by location and company size, with 31% of professionals in Tier-1 cities feeling 'extremely confident' about job retention, compared to only 18% in Tier-2 cities. Additionally, 85% of professionals in companies with over 5,000 employees express confidence in job retention, while the figure drops to 58% among those in companies with fewer than 50 employees.
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business Standard
82% Indians on a job hunt, prioritise work-life balance as much as money
A majority 82% of Indian professionals are job hunting, with 51% actively seeking new roles in 2025 and 31% passively exploring. However, professionals aged 45 to 60 are less inclined to switch roles, with only 39% actively looking, according to the 'Upskilling Trends Report 2025–26' by Great Learning, a global edtech company in higher education and professional training Despite the hiring slowdown easing, global trade tariffs and immigration policies continue to create uncertainty. High market competition and unmet salary expectations challenge 43% of job seekers, while 35% struggle with the need for additional skills or certifications, noted the report. The report also suggests professionals are prioritising work-life balance as much as salary, with 19% citing each as the top factors influencing their job search. Notably, 26% of professionals aged 44–60 rank work-life balance higher than pay, highlighting a growing demand for flexibility and well-being at work. The report is based on comprehensive primary research involving over 1,000 professionals across India, spanning various sectors, age groups, cities, industries, and educational backgrounds. Job Retention Confidence Rises Sharply in 2025–26, Especially Among Professionals in Large Firms and Tier-1 Cities The report indicates that 73% of professionals are confident about retaining their jobs this year, an 11 percentage point increase from the previous year. Confidence levels vary by location and company size, with 31% of professionals in Tier-1 cities feeling 'extremely confident' about job retention, compared to only 18% in Tier-2 cities. Additionally, 85% of professionals in companies with over 5,000 employees express confidence in job retention, while the figure drops to 58% among those in companies with fewer than 50 employees. As professionals navigate the evolving job landscape shaped by AI and automation, a sense of adaptation is becoming increasingly apparent. 78% of professionals now express a positive outlook towards AI's impact on their careers. Interestingly, MBA and graduates are more optimistic (89% and 84%, respectively) than those from B.E/ backgrounds. This is likely influenced by recent trends in India's IT sector, where many large companies, traditionally major recruiters of entry- and mid-level talent, have reduced hiring due to increased AI adoption. This shift has sparked widespread discussions about AI's effects on tech jobs, shaping the outlook of professionals with technology degrees. Upskilling Gains Momentum as 81% of Professionals Prioritise Future-Proofing Skills in FY2026 In FY 2026, 85% of professionals recognize the importance of upskilling to future-proof their careers, an increase from 79% last year. Intent to upskill remains strong, with 81% planning to invest in acquiring new technical skills this year. Professionals in Tier-1 cities are especially motivated, with 46% rating upskilling as 'extremely important,' compared to 26% in Tier-2 cities. Company size also influences this outlook — 93% of employees in large firms (1000–5000+ employees) see upskilling as important, versus 75% in companies with under 50 employees. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning top the list of interest areas for upskilling, followed by Software Development (36%) and Cybersecurity (35%). Notably, there's a shift from preferring Master's degrees in FY2025 to favoring shorter certificate programs in FY2026. This change highlights a focus on cost-effectiveness, targeted learning, and immediate applicability, reflecting the rising acceptance of micro-credentials by employers, and a strategic approach by professionals to enhance employability in an evolving job market. " The gap between talent and opportunity is no longer about access—it's about action. As the pace of disruption accelerates, those who embrace continuous learning will not only remain employable—they'll lead the transformation," said Hari Krishnan Nair, Co-Founder, Great Learning.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Hans India
73% of Professionals Confident About Job Retention in FY26, Marking an 11-Point Increase from FY25: Great Learning's Upskilling Trends Report 2025-26
Great Learning, a leading global edtech company in higher education and professional training, has released the fourth edition of its annual 'Upskilling Trends Report 2025–26'. The report is based on comprehensive primary research involving over 1,000 professionals across India, spanning various sectors, age groups, cities, industries, and educational backgrounds. This diverse respondent base offers a broad perspective on upskilling trends, job sentiment, and the evolving impact of technology on careers. The findings reflect growing optimism around AI, increased confidence in job retention, despite ongoing technological disruptions, and a strong willingness among professionals to explore new roles and invest in upskilling, especially in high-demand fields like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Job Retention Confidence Rises Sharply in 2025–26, Especially Among Professionals in Large Firms and Tier-1 Cities The report indicates that 73% of professionals are confident about retaining their jobs this year, an 11 percentage point increase from the previous year. Confidence levels vary by location and company size, with 31% of professionals in Tier-1 cities feeling 'extremely confident' about job retention, compared to only 18% in Tier-2 cities. Additionally, 85% of professionals in companies with over 5,000 employees express confidence in job retention, while the figure drops to 58% among those in companies with fewer than 50 employees.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Engineers at frontlines of AI are least optimistic about it, shows report
Even as AI reshapes workforces across India, those closest to building and deploying it—engineers—appear the most anxious about its impact on their careers. According to the Upskilling Trends Report 2025–26 released by edtech firm Great Learning, only 64% of BE/B Tech graduates reported a positive outlook on AI, compared to 89% of MBA graduates and 84% of B Com holders. This unease comes despite engineers being the earliest adopters and drivers of the technology. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Digital Marketing Finance Operations Management Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Public Policy Others MCA others Management CXO Design Thinking Data Science Data Analytics PGDM Technology Leadership MBA Data Science Project Management Degree Product Management Healthcare healthcare Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategies Customer Journey Mapping Paid Advertising Campaign Management Emerging Technologies in Digital Marketing Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Digital Marketing and Analytics Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategy Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Social Media Marketing & Advertising Data Analytics & Measurement Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business Professional Certificate Programme in Digital Marketing Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details 'Most of the disruption driven by AI and especially GenAI is currently being felt in engineering roles,' said Hari Krishnan Nair, co-founder of Great Learning. 'Entry-level jobs in tech — whether in QA, development or DevOps — are either being changed in nature or becoming redundant.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like La Tingue: Invierte $200 en Amazon CFD's (Descubre) Undo That disruption is already visible in hiring patterns. The report notes that 69% of professionals believe their roles are being disrupted by technology, with AI cited as the chief driver. Yet, the mood is paradoxically upbeat: 78% still express a positive outlook about AI's long-term impact on their careers. Live Events But optimism varies sharply across functions and cities. Professionals in Tier-1 cities and large companies report higher confidence in retaining their jobs. About 73% of respondents said they are confident of job retention in FY26, up 11 percentage points from the previous year. This number rises to 85% among employees in companies with over 5,000 staff but falls to 58% in firms with under 50 employees. Nair said the shift in optimism stems from both exposure and pressure. 'Those without relevant skills face a much higher risk of obsolescence,' he said. With more than eight out of 10 professionals (82%) in job search mode, the report flags that job switching is on the rise, with 51% actively looking and another 31% passively exploring new roles. Challenges in the job market are also acute: 43% cite high competition, 43% say salary expectations aren't met, and 35% identify the need for new certifications as barriers. Meanwhile, AI and machine learning dominate professionals' upskilling interests, chosen by 44%, followed by software development (36%), cyber security (35%), and data science (35%). Among AI subdomains, generative AI, Python, and agentic AI saw high interest. Interestingly, while 80% of professionals say they use GenAI to learn, and 60% use it frequently at work, Nair doesn't see large language models as threats to learning platforms. 'Resources (to learn) were always there. But learning needs structure, feedback, interaction and support,' he said. 'Most need guidance, assessments, and peer learning.' He added that Great Learning is using GenAI to enhance its own offerings, such as real-time feedback in programming tasks and learner support via integrated AI tools. And yet, the interest in structured learning remains high. 81% of professionals plan to upskill this year, though 37% cite office workload as their biggest barrier. Certificates—especially those from Indian universities—have overtaken degrees in popularity, reflecting a desire for targeted, short-term, skill-based learning. As Nair put it, 'The urge to upskill has always been about career outcomes. Today, AI is simply the new lever.'
