India’s upskilling platforms are experiencing a notable increase in demand for AI-focused programs, particularly from mid- and senior-level professionals as well as individuals in non-technical roles. This trend highlights a significant shift in learner demographics, driven by the growing integration of artificial intelligence across various business functions.
Companies such as upGrad and Simplilearn report that enrollment in AI courses is no longer confined to engineers or early-career developers. Instead, a diverse array of professionals, including marketers, HR executives, finance leaders, and operations managers, are actively seeking to enhance their AI capabilities to remain competitive in their roles.
Anuj Vishwakarma, CEO of Higher Education Programmes at upGrad, noted, “We’re seeing a clear inflection in enrolments—AI-focused programmes are now significantly outpacing traditional coding and full-stack courses. In fact, close to 90% of our learners across formats are opting for AI-led programmes.” This reflects a growing recognition that AI fluency is becoming a fundamental requirement for a broader range of professions beyond technical roles.
Simplilearn is observing similar trends, reporting increased interest from both experienced professionals and those in functional roles. Gaurav Agrawal, Senior Vice President of Product and Growth at Simplilearn, stated, “AI-focused programs have significantly outpaced other domains in enrolments.” The company has noted a rise in participation from individuals with over five years of experience, as well as from non-technical users eager to leverage AI in their daily tasks.
The surge in demand for AI training is prompting edtech firms to rethink their course offerings. Companies are moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach, instead tailoring programs to address the specific needs of various learner personas. This involves creating differentiated learning pathways designed for developers seeking advanced AI skills and for business users interested in application-led, no-code training.
At upGrad, this adjustment has led to an expanded portfolio of AI-led programs that cover generative AI, agentic workflows, and business applications. The firm also emphasizes the importance of no-code and low-code entry points, which have significantly broadened the addressable market by allowing professionals to engage with AI without requiring extensive coding expertise.
The demand for AI training is particularly pronounced within enterprises. Arushee Aggarwal, CEO of upGrad Enterprise, remarked, “Organisations are no longer asking only for AI training for engineering teams—they want AI for leaders, AI for users, and AI for builders.” Similarly, Simplilearn is customizing its offerings based on learner profiles, creating distinct tracks for core developers and non-technical professionals. Developers tend to favor code-centric AI courses, while business users lean towards application-based, no-code or low-code options.
This broader trend indicates a shift from a tech-centric focus on skilling to a more organization-wide capability-building approach. Companies are increasingly aiming to embed AI capabilities across various functions, including marketing, finance, HR, and operations. Industry executives suggest that this trend is unlikely to reverse, as AI continues to become integral to workplace productivity and decision-making processes.
For edtech firms, the future growth trajectory will hinge on their ability to effectively cater to this expanding and increasingly diverse learner base, all while ensuring measurable outcomes that align with the evolving needs of businesses. As the demand for AI education rises, the emphasis will likely remain on practical training that equips professionals across disciplines with the skills necessary to navigate a future where AI plays a central role in everyday operations.
See also
Chiemela Kalu Launches MISGPT to Enhance Academic Advising for Underserved Students
PennWest California Professor Mark Lennon Researches AI in Brazil through Fulbright Award
Andrew Ng Advocates for Coding Skills Amid AI Evolution in Tech
AI’s Growing Influence in Higher Education: Balancing Innovation and Critical Thinking
AI in English Language Education: 6 Principles for Ethical Use and Human-Centered Solutions
