TLDR: A recent survey by Great Learning reveals that a significant 67% of Indian engineers believe Artificial Intelligence is already transforming their roles, with an overwhelming 85% planning to upskill in the fiscal year 2026. The demand for AI and Machine Learning skills, including generative AI and Python, is soaring as engineers seek career growth and relevance in a rapidly evolving tech industry. The survey also highlights a preference for short-term, job-focused certificate programs and a high degree of career fluidity, with 85% of engineers considering new job opportunities.
A new survey conducted by edtech company Great Learning, released in conjunction with Engineers’ Day, underscores the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the engineering profession in India. The findings reveal that a substantial 67% of engineers perceive their roles as already undergoing transformation due to AI advancements. This sentiment is further reinforced by the fact that 85% of engineers are proactively planning to upskill in the financial year 2026, recognizing continuous learning as essential for maintaining relevance in the fast-paced technological landscape.
The survey identifies Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) as the leading domains for upskilling, indicating a clear shift in industry demand. Other highly sought-after areas include Data Science and Analytics, Software Development, Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity. Within the AI/ML sphere, specific skills such as generative AI, agentic AI, Python, and Natural Language Processing (NLP) have emerged as particularly in-demand, reflecting the cutting-edge nature of the skills engineers are pursuing.
Motivations for this widespread commitment to upskilling are diverse but primarily centered on career advancement. Engineers cited financial growth (20%), promotions (12%), the pursuit of new opportunities (12%), and the imperative to stay relevant amidst rapid disruption (11%) as key drivers. This indicates a proactive workforce not merely seeking to survive but to thrive and advance their careers through the acquisition of new-age capabilities.
Regarding learning preferences, the survey found that a significant majority (66%) of engineers favor short-term courses lasting less than six months. Only a small fraction (5%) expressed willingness to invest more than a year in upskilling programs. This preference highlights a demand for agile, job-ready training, with most opting for certificate programs offered by Indian and global universities over traditional postgraduate degrees.
The report also sheds light on increasing career fluidity within the sector, with nearly 85% of engineers actively or passively exploring new job opportunities this year. Their primary workplace concerns include achieving a better work-life balance (33%), ensuring job security (18%), and avoiding career stagnation (14%).
Industry leaders and professionals echo these findings. Maruti Rao Taluru, an aerospace professional, emphasized the transformative power of AI and ML across all sectors, stating, “Working in the aerospace industry has shown me first-hand how quickly technology is transforming the world around me, which is why I decided to invest in learning AI and ML.” He advised future engineers to cultivate strong fundamentals, curiosity, resilience, and adaptability. Hari Krishnan Nair, Co-Founder of Great Learning, added, “Being an engineer today is vastly different from what it was two decades ago. The skills that once defined success are no longer enough; today’s engineers must continuously adapt, reskill, and expand their expertise to stay relevant.”
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As India moves towards an AI-driven future, the survey concludes that engineers are not only acutely aware of the disruptions but are actively preparing to lead this new reality. Their collective commitment to continuous learning in AI, ML, data, and cloud, coupled with a preference for industry-focused certificate programs, positions Indian engineers as crucial drivers of innovation, competitiveness, and long-term economic growth.
