Survey Reveals 80% of Indian Professionals Find Their Degrees Insufficient for Modern Job Roles
- Chinmay
- March 3, 2025
- Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning
- AI in careers, Career development, Creative entrepreneurship, Data Analytics, Digital Transformation, ethical AI, future of work, Indian workforce, Industry 4.0, Skills gap, Sustainability careers, Tech upskilling
- 0 Comments
A recent survey highlights a major skills gap in India’s workforce, revealing that eight in 10 professionals find their degrees inadequate for their current job roles. The study, conducted by Hero Vired and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, emphasizes a growing demand for hands-on, tech-driven learning to bridge the gap between education and industry expectations.
Skills Gap in the Modern Workforce
The rapid evolution of technology is reshaping job roles, demanding a mix of technical expertise and adaptability. The survey, which gathered insights from over 1,000 professionals, found that six in 10 respondents felt they lacked practical, real-world skills, with 77% admitting they felt unprepared for the job market due to insufficient exposure to real-world applications.
Akshay Munjal, Founder of Hero Vired, stated:
“Success today isn’t about mastering one skill—it’s about blending technical expertise with strategic thinking. Those who fail to evolve will be left behind.”
This underscores the need for upskilling, particularly in technology-driven fields, as professionals look for roles that balance financial stability with personal fulfillment.
The Rise of Tech Proficiency & Emerging Career Trends
With 92.6% of respondents emphasizing the importance of technology skills, the survey highlights that data analytics (89.6%) and ethical AI (90.1%) are becoming critical for career growth. However, professionals must also cultivate soft skills like creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability, as automation continues to transform industries.
According to Kulveen Trehan, Associate Professor at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University:
“The future isn’t just about AI—it’s about how we innovate with it. The biggest opportunities will emerge where technology meets impact and unconventional thinking.”
The report also highlights shifting career motivations, with professionals prioritizing long-term job satisfaction and global opportunities alongside competitive salaries.
Industries on the Rise: AI, Data Science & Sustainability
The survey highlights the industries experiencing the most growth:
- AI, Machine Learning & Augmented Analytics – 42% of professionals recognize data science as a booming field.
- Sustainability & Green Tech – 69.7% acknowledge climate action and sustainability innovation as rapidly expanding sectors.
- Creative Entrepreneurship – 62.3% see potential in AI-assisted content creation, digital fashion, and NFT art.
- Augmented Analytics – 72% of professionals view data-driven decision-making as a game-changer.
In contrast, traditional fields like engineering, media, and medicine are witnessing stagnation, with only 5% of respondents seeing engineering as a growing sector and 62.3% believing its growth has slowed down.
Bridging the Gap: The Need for Continuous Learning
With industries evolving rapidly, professionals must continuously upskill to stay relevant. Whether through specialized training, AI-driven learning platforms, or industry collaborations, the future workforce must be agile, tech-savvy, and innovation-driven.
As emerging technologies reshape career landscapes, adaptability and cross-disciplinary expertise will be the key differentiators for success in the digital era.
