Professionals in Hyderabad are leading the upskilling trend, with 90% planning to enhance their skills in FY26 to acquire new technical competencies, as reported by Great Learning’s Upskilling Trends Report FY 2025–26. While Bengaluru and Chennai previously dominated the upskilling intentions in FY25, Hyderabad has now taken the lead, reflecting the city’s strong commitment to preparing for the future job market. The Naukri JobSpeak August Index indicates Hyderabad’s rise as a key metro for job growth in India, driven by a significant increase in startup and unicorn hiring. The city experienced a 30% year-on-year rise in startup recruitment, with unicorns seeing an even larger 45% increase, highlighting Hyderabad’s growing significance as a crucial hub within India’s innovation landscape.
The report indicates that 87% of professionals in Hyderabad view upskilling as vital to secure their careers amid the changing job market and rapid advancements driven by AI. Furthermore, 75% have confidence in maintaining their employment over the coming year, despite the evolving job environment influenced by AI. Notably, while 70% of professionals feel their positions are being impacted by AI and other technologies, 77% regard these changes as beneficial for their career paths. This suggests that professionals are not only preparing to protect their roles but are also welcoming AI as a catalyst for career advancement and new opportunities.
Key areas of focus for upskilling among Hyderabad professionals include Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Software Development, Cyber Security, and Data Science and Analytics. Within the realms of Machine Learning and AI, there is a heightened interest in developing expertise in Large Language Models (Generative AI), Python programming, Agentic AI, and Natural Language Processing. Approximately 60% of professionals in the city actively use Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Bard, in their daily work, utilizing them for idea generation, creativity, content development, summarizing complex information, and analyzing extensive data sets.
These trends demonstrate that the workforce is aligning its upskilling efforts with disruptive technologies, while also experimenting with GenAI as a means to enhance productivity and facilitate learning, thereby affirming the city’s readiness for AI-driven transformation. Nearly half of Hyderabad’s professionals are currently seeking new job opportunities. Key factors affecting their career decisions include job security, salary and benefits, and work-life balance. However, professionals also face challenges such as intense competition in their sectors, unmet salary expectations, the necessity for additional skills or certifications, and a scarcity of relevant job openings. Hari Krishnan Nair, Co-Founder of Great Learning, commented, “Hyderabad’s professionals are showing remarkable foresight and adaptability in responding to the changing job landscape.
The city’s robust job market, propelled by startups and unicorns, is complemented by a strong desire to gain advanced skills in areas like AI/ML, software development, cybersecurity, and data science. This balanced strategy of embracing new opportunities while continuously investing in skill development reflects a workforce that is truly prepared for the future. At Great Learning, we are dedicated to supporting this journey, helping professionals stay ahead of disruptions and lead India’s AI-driven transformation.” These insights are part of Great Learning’s ‘Upskilling Trends Report FY 2025–26’, derived from extensive primary research involving over 1,000 professionals across India, providing a comprehensive view on upskilling trends, job sentiment, and the shifting influence of technology on careers.