Report Highlights Need for Upskilling as Workforce Dynamics Evolve in India

New Delhi, India – A recent study by Hero Vired in collaboration with Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University sheds light on India's rapidly transforming professional landscape. The report underscores a critical gap between academic qualifications and industry demands, emphasizing the need for continuous upskilling and adaptability in the workforce.

Key Findings: Skill Gaps & Workforce Challenges​

The report reveals that despite holding degrees, 65% of students and young professionals feel they lack practical skills, and 82.9% believe their education is insufficient for their current job roles. This highlights the increasing need for tech-driven, hands-on learning to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

"The young Indian professional is evolving," said Akshay Munjal, Founder of Hero Vired. "Success is no longer about mastering a single function but about integrating technical and strategic thinking. Adaptability will be the defining factor for career growth."

Tech Skills Take Center Stage​

Technology skills are at the forefront of career development, with 92.6% of respondents emphasizing tech proficiency as a crucial factor for success. Data analytics (89.6%) and ethical AI (90.1%) are identified as high-demand skill areas. However, soft skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability remain equally important in an automation-driven world.

Changing Career Aspirations: Beyond Salary​

The study indicates a shift in career priorities, with 59.4% of respondents opting for in-demand fields that require continuous learning. While salary remains a motivator (58.1%), job satisfaction (59.8%) and global career opportunities (48.4%) are also significant factors.

The Rise of Flexible Learning​

As traditional education structures become outdated, short-term and intensive learning programs are gaining popularity. The survey shows that:

• 42% prefer six-month upskilling courses
• 38% opt for one-year programs
• 40.1% value industry mentorship
• 25.1% seek internships for practical exposure

Prakhar Kasar, CEO of Hero Vired, commented on this shift: “Education today mirrors how professionals consume content—on-demand, personalized, and immediately applicable. Bite-sized learning is becoming the new norm.”

Industry Trends: Emerging & Declining Sectors​

The study highlights significant industry trends:

• Growth Sectors: AI, machine learning, augmented analytics, sustainability innovation
• Declining Sectors: Engineering (62.3% say growth has stagnated), media, and medicine
• Rising Careers: Digital strategists, metaverse architects, sustainability experts, creative entrepreneurs

A notable 72% of professionals recognize augmented analytics as a game-changer in data-driven decision-making. Additionally, 69.7% acknowledge sustainability as a booming industry, aligning with India’s vision for a technology-driven and eco-conscious future.

Future-Ready Workforce: The Road Ahead​

The report concludes that traditional degrees are no longer sufficient for career success. The workforce must focus on:

• Interdisciplinary learning
• Tech-driven upskilling
• Embracing Unconventional Career Paths
• Real-world application of knowledge

Dr. Kulveen Trehan, Associate Professor at GGSIP University, emphasized, "The future isn’t just AI-driven; it’s about how we innovate. The greatest opportunities will emerge where technology meets sustainability and creativity."

As industries evolve, professionals who stay ahead of trends through continuous learning and adaptability will define India's next wave of career success.