India has emerged as a leader in the global learning wave, particularly in the fast-growing field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), marking a dramatic rise in enrollments and positioning itself as the workforce of the future. According to the Coursera Global Skills Report 2025, India recorded a staggering 107% year-on-year surge in Generative AI (GenAI) enrollments, reaching over 2.6 million learners more than any other country. The country’s learner base, totalling 31 million, now surpasses that of Europe, signifying a massive shift towards digital transformation and skill development that is reshaping India’s future.
In terms of AI learning specifically, India has made substantial progress, ranking 46th in the newly introduced AI Maturity Index. This mid-tier position indicates a rapidly evolving AI ecosystem, which is poised for exponential growth. This surge is not coincidental but the direct result of comprehensive national skilling policies and the rising demand for AI and tech talent in India’s fast-growing industries.
India’s Digital Learning Revolution
India’s remarkable digital learning revolution has been driven by the government’s strategic initiatives to build the infrastructure necessary for a large-scale transformation. Programs such as the Digital India Mission, BharatNet Project, PM GatiShakti Digital Infrastructure, PM eVIDHYA, SWAYAM, Skill India Mission, PMKVY, and the National AI Mission are ensuring that digital learning and education are no longer limited to the privileged few. These government-led efforts have expanded internet access, made data more affordable, and integrated structured skilling programs into the fabric of India’s educational landscape.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) in the technology sector further accelerates this momentum. He has repeatedly emphasised that India must not only adopt global technology but also create and own it. This vision is particularly relevant in the context of AI, as India strives to build indigenous AI research and develop talent capable of competing globally. The successful execution of Operation Sindoor, driven by Make In India tech, has already demonstrated the potential of India’s homegrown technological solutions.
Transforming Learners into Leaders
India is uniquely positioned to become the world’s skill capital, with projections indicating that it will contribute 24% of global workforce growth over the next decade. By 2030, India’s working-age population is expected to peak at 68%, and with a median learner age of 31, the country’s demographic dividend is set to drive an unprecedented workforce boom. This trend is crucial for ensuring scalable, inclusive, and flexible skill development across the nation, reaching even remote areas.
The rise in professional certificate enrollments is another testament to the shift towards job-relevant, industry-recognised credentials. A 23% year-on-year increase in professional certificate enrollments (3.3 million total enrollments) reveals India’s growing focus on practical, employable skills that align with the demands of an evolving global job market. The nation’s prioritisation of cutting-edge areas like full-stack development, DevOps, web development, application lifecycle management, and containerization demonstrates India’s alignment with the global demand for software engineering talent.
A Nationwide Movement Powered by Policy
The scale of India’s learning revolution is unmatched. From rural villages benefiting from BharatNet’s connectivity to urban professionals accessing advanced AI courses through their mobile devices, the transformation is sweeping across the nation. This mass adoption of digital education is not just limited to tech enthusiasts but extends to professionals from all sectors eager to equip themselves with the skills of tomorrow.
India’s exceptional growth in AI and tech learning is a product of a decade of preparation. The nation’s digital infrastructure, commitment to skill development, and emphasis on inclusive access have laid the foundation for a global leadership role in emerging technologies. India’s leadership in AI learning is ensuring that the country is not just participating in this revolution but actively leading it.
