India's professionals are increasingly enrolling in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) courses, with a 17% year-on-year increase in demand. Notably, over 40% of these enrollments come from individuals with more than 15 years of experience, indicating a significant shift in the workforce's approach to skill development. Traditionally, the value of experience was cumulative, but AI is disrupting this model by enabling automation and large language models to perform tasks that once required extensive expertise. This change has made many conventional skills obsolete, prompting professionals to seek new knowledge to maintain their relevance in the job market.

The demand for AI professionals is not limited to the technology sector; individuals from finance, healthcare, and manufacturing are also pursuing AI education, illustrating its integration into various business functions. By 2026, India is projected to need one million AI professionals, creating a mismatch between enterprise needs and workforce capabilities. While the number of enrollments is rising, industry leaders highlight a shortage of professionals who can effectively apply AI in practical settings. This divide creates two distinct groups: those who use AI tools for productivity and those who understand AI's underlying mechanisms, with organizations increasingly rewarding the latter. This trend signifies a recalibration of India's workforce architecture, as professionals adapt to an AI-driven economy by continuously updating their skills.