67% of Engineers Say Their Roles Evolving with AI; 85% plan to upskill in FY26: Great Learning Survey

Generative AI, Agentic AI, Python, and Natural Language Processing emerge as the most In-demand skills

Around 67 percent of Indian engineers feel their current roles are being impacted by AI, while 86 percent of engineers agree that upskilling is no longer optional but vital to safeguard their careers against rapid technological shifts, states a survey by Great Learning.

The report says that around 85 percent engineers plan to upskill themselves in Financial Year 2025-26, with Artificial Intelligence, ML, Data Science and Analytics. For them career growth remains strongest motivator.

66 percent Engineers Prefer Short-Term Courses

The Great Learning report states that engineers are choosing speed and practicality when it comes to learning. Two-thirds (66%) prefer courses with less than six months duration, while only 5% are willing to commit more than a year.

It highlights that a large of engineers are turning to certificate programs from Indian and global universities instead of traditional Master’s or Doctorates, which gives them faster access to job-ready skills.

Maruti Rao Taluru talking about the importance of continuous learning said: “Working in the aerospace industry has shown me first-hand how quickly technology is transforming the world around us, which is why I decided to invest in learning AI and ML. These skills are reshaping not just aerospace but every sector. For future engineers, my advice is to build strong fundamentals while nurturing curiosity, resilience, and adaptability. By engaging with peers and mentors and applying your learning to real-world challenges, you can future-proof your career and contribute to India’s growth in an AI-driven era.”

This trend of acquiring international certification signals the urgency with which professionals are working to match the pace of organizations adopting new technologies and demanding tech readiness from day one.

Around 85 percent considering a job switch

The survey further states that with 85 percent of engineers actively or passively are seeking new jobs this year. According to the survey, the primary workplace concerns among Indian engineers are work-life balance (33%), job security (18%), and career stagnation (14%).

Hari Krishnan Nair, Co-Founder, Great Learning, said: “Being an engineer today is vastly different from what it was two decades ago. Engineers are at the very forefront of witnessing and driving the massive shifts brought about by AI and other emerging technologies. The skills that once defined success are no longer enough; today’s engineers must continuously adapt, reskill, and expand their expertise to stay relevant. At Great Learning, more than half of our learners come from engineering backgrounds — a strong testament to how this community is embracing lifelong learning.”