The online education dynamics in India are shifting significantly, with the spotlight now firmly on Generative AI (GenAI) as a key area of focus for learners in 2024. According to data released by the popular learning platform Coursera, Indian learners have outpaced their European counterparts, marking a noticeable trend in the adoption of advanced technologies. This increase in interest comes as over 60 per cent of the country's most popular courses for the upcoming year centre around Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
The report highlights an extraordinary fourfold increase in enrolments in Generative AI courses within India, totalling approximately 1.1 million learners. This surge positions India at the forefront of global participation in this field, eclipsing figures from the United States. Notably, Coursera found that enrolments in GenAI courses in India were recorded on average every minute, showing a significant acceleration from a rate of one enrolment every three minutes seen in 2023.
In response to this burgeoning interest, Coursera has identified the top ten Generative AI courses that are set to draw in many Indian learners this year. The leading courses include "Generative AI for Everyone" by DeepLearning.AI and "Introduction to Generative AI" from Google Cloud, among others. The list also features offerings from renowned institutions such as Vanderbilt University and IBM, with courses focusing on ChatGPT and Large Language Models, reflecting the industry's shift towards practical applications of AI technologies in professional settings.
Beyond the sphere of Generative AI, traditional subjects such as finance and project management remain highly favoured, maintaining their popularity among students. There has also been an upswing in enrolments in entry-level Professional Certificates, particularly those aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). Notable certifications include Google Data Analytics, Project Management, and IBM Data Science, solidifying their presence among the top course offerings.
Coursera has further indicated the projected trends for 2025 in its Job Skills Report, predicting that Generative AI will continue to be the most in-demand skill among Indian learners. Following closely behind are other critical skills such as cybersecurity, risk management, and human resource technology.
The report from Coursera thus underscores a pivotal moment in India's educational landscape, marked by an evolving engagement with advanced technologies and a growing emphasis on professional skill development within the rapidly changing job market.
Source: Noah Wire Services