India is using AI, but is it 'building' with it?

India is rapidly adopting artificial intelligence, as seen through the eyes of its workforce, according to an upGrad report. A staggering 94% of the surveyed 2,075 learners are already utilizing AI tools in their daily work lives. Yet, the journey from simply employing AI to building AI-powered applications remains nascent. Only 26% of these learners have incorporated AI into other tools or used an API, while a mere 20% have successfully developed AI-powered automations, agents, or apps.

The report, titled Skill Shift – Annual Report on India’s AI Skilling, emphasizes that the next hurdle for AI adoption lies in transitioning from casual usage to deeper technical expertise and practical implementation. The survey, which gathered responses from learners across various career stages and cities in India, reveals that many learners are already reaping the benefits of AI.

A remarkable 54% of respondents reported experiencing tangible career outcomes linked to AI, such as enhanced confidence at work, a new job role, or increased freelance income. Furthermore, 49% of the learners highlighted that AI had enabled them to take on tasks previously unattainable.

However, the path to building AI-driven solutions is fraught with challenges. Roughly 56% of the learners identified the initial steps to deepen their AI skills as their primary obstacle. Meanwhile, 43% were overwhelmed by the plethora of available options and struggled to discern credible sources. Another 43% expressed that staying updated with the rapid evolution of AI was an ongoing struggle.

The gap in AI development is evident, with learners enrolled in programs being 2.7 times more likely to have built an AI agent compared to those who were either not enrolled or merely exploring upskilling opportunities. This disparity becomes more pronounced when comparing AI users to AI builders. While 27% of enrolled learners reported building an AI agent, only 10% of those not engaged in upskilling had made such an achievement.

Notably, the benefits of AI adoption are not limited to specific regions of India. The report indicates that this shift towards AI usage and skill development is not restricted to tier 1 cities but is also prevalent in tier 2 and tier 3 cities across the country. Anuj Vishwakarma, CEO of upGrad, commented on these findings, stating that India has moved beyond questioning the impact of AI on work.

People are actively using AI and investing in the skills necessary to incorporate it into their professional lives. However, Vishwakarma emphasized that the next challenge is to clarify this journey for learners, guiding them on what to learn, where to begin, and how to convert these skills into meaningful career outcomes. The study involved 2,075 respondents, encompassing freshers, early-career, mid-career, and senior professionals with over a decade of experience from across India.

It is essential to note that this sample represents upGrad's engaged learner population and is not intended to be a national census. The report further noted that the relationship between upskilling and reported outcomes indicates associations rather than causation.