India leads in GenAI enrollment but faces skill gaps, finds new Coursera study

India has emerged as a leader in generative AI (GenAI) enrollments globally, showcasing a remarkable 107% increase year-over-year, totaling over 2.6 million enrollments, as highlighted in Coursera's Global Skills Report 2025. This surge places India at the forefront of digital education, with more than 31 million users on the platform, surpassing European nations in learner numbers. The report, which draws insights from a vast dataset of over 170 million learners across 100 countries, ranks India 89th worldwide and 19th in the Asia-Pacific region regarding overall skills proficiency. Notably, proficiency levels are reported at 18% in business, 22% in technology, and 20% in data science. Additionally, an AI Maturity Index recently introduced ranks India in the mid-tier at 46th, indicating a steady but inconsistent advancement in AI innovation and workforce readiness. Professional Certificate enrollments in India have also seen significant growth, up 23% annually to reach 3.3 million, driven by the demand for skills prioritized by employers. Noteworthy increases include AI and machine learning at 84%, customer service at 41%, and curiosity at 32%. Despite this progress, a considerable gender gap persists; women represent only 30% of GenAI learners and 26% of those enrolled in Professional Certificates. Interestingly, over half of Indian Coursera users (52%) access the platform via mobile devices, with strong interests in full-stack development and DevOps skills, such as web development, application lifecycle management, and containerization. Prashasti Rastogi, Director for Coursera for Campus and Government in India, emphasized that the nation’s aspirations in AI and digital skills are reflected in both government policies and the behavior of learners, pointing to national AI initiatives and skills-focused hiring reforms. As India anticipates a need for one million AI-skilled professionals by 2026, with its working-age population projected to peak at 68% by 2030, the urgency for addressing the skills gap is palpable. Data from the International Labour Organization reveals that 47% of workers, and 62% of women, are underqualified for their current positions, underscoring the necessity for inclusive and effective skilling programs. To unlock the full potential of India’s digital economy, the report's authors advocate for enhanced public-private partnerships, the integration of micro-credentials in higher education, and initiatives to boost women's participation in emerging technology sectors.