Over 9 in 10 professionals want their employers to be involved in their skilling journeys
Yet a wide gap remains between expectations and reality. 83% are actively seeking AI skilling, and 42% say they’re more likely to stay if their organization supports them.
This report amplifies the voices of over 8,000 Indian professionals—from entry-level to executives—to better understand their training priorities, and help organizations get the skilling game right.
What’s inside the report
- Skilling’s shift from optional to essential—now a key lever for retention
- What the workforce wants: Skilling that’s personalized, collaborative, and ongoing
- The 2025 wishlist: AI, emerging tech, and top skills in demand
- The soft skills gap—and why it can’t be ignored
- Actionable steps for leaders to upskill teams with impact
What the data reveals: 5 critical findings.
- AI tops the skilling wishlist
83% of professionals rank AI as the most in-demand skill—cutting across industries, functions, and levels. - Training is missing where it matters most
78% haven’t received relevant training on their most desired skills, despite 62% valuing employer-led skilling. - AI readiness is lagging behind urgency
65% still consider themselves AI novices—even as 88% of entry-level talent and 86% of execs call AI skilling critical. - Cybersecurity skills are in sharp demand
63% point to cloud-focused cybersecurity as the top priority in today’s digital risk landscape. - Upskilling drives loyalty—but soft skills lag
42% would stay longer if their company invested in their learning, yet only 1 in 5 consider soft skills crucial to their role.
Expert takes on the skilling shift
“The workforce’s focus on AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity reflects India’s evolving economy. As these technologies become essential, organizations must move beyond siloed training—blending structured programs with space for self-driven learning. At AWS, we power this shift with tools, training, and infrastructure to build a culture of continuous innovation, empowering teams to explore, experiment, and lead confidently.”
Pankaj Gupta
Country leader, India & South Asia - Enterprises,
Public Sector, Healthcare & Education, Amazon Web Services
