In a rapidly evolving global economy driven by technological advancements, upskilling and reskilling have emerged as critical strategies to prepare India’s workforce for the future. Coursera, a leading online learning platform valued at $1.3 billion, is at the forefront of this transformation in India, which boasts the platform’s second-largest user base globally with 30 million registered learners and a 20% annual growth rate. In an interview with The Economic Times during his first visit to India as Coursera’s CEO in February 2025, Greg Hart emphasized the urgent need to scale upskilling efforts to maintain India’s edge as a global talent hub, particularly in the realm of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI). With India already leading as Coursera’s largest market for Gen AI learners, Hart’s vision aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the broader goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, positioning online learning as a cornerstone for building a future-ready workforce.
India’s Growing Influence on Coursera
India’s prominence on Coursera is undeniable, with 30 million registered learners, second only to the United States, and the largest user base for Gen AI courses globally. This growth, driven by a 20% annual increase in registrations, reflects India’s appetite for skill development in a digital-first world. Hart predicts that India could surpass the U.S. to become Coursera’s largest market by 2026, fueled by the country’s young, tech-savvy population and increasing demand for skills in engineering, cybersecurity, big data, analytics, business, and finance. Approximately 20% of Coursera’s research and development (R&D) operations are based in India, with a significant center handling enterprise and degree programs, underscoring the country’s strategic importance to the platform’s global operations.
Despite this progress, Hart highlighted a critical challenge: India ranks 46th on Coursera’s global AI Maturity Index, trailing behind countries like those in Europe, New Zealand, Israel, Japan, and Malaysia. This gap in Gen AI readiness signals an urgent need for enhanced skilling initiatives to ensure the Indian workforce can meet employer demands in a technology-driven economy. Hart noted that India’s existing strength in IT and engineering skills provides a “fantastic platform” to build upon, particularly for integrating AI competencies. He cited forecasts that Gen AI could contribute $1.5 trillion to India’s $4.1 trillion economy by 2030, representing over a third of the country’s GDP growth, making upskilling a non-negotiable priority.
The Role of Upskilling and Reskilling
Upskilling, the process of enhancing existing skills to improve performance in current roles, and reskilling, training employees for entirely new roles, are pivotal for addressing India’s skill gaps. Hart emphasized that “different stats show the Indian workforce isn’t necessarily delivering all the skills that employers need here,” pointing to the need for targeted training in Gen AI and other emerging technologies. For instance, courses like Gen AI for Leaders are gaining traction among non-technical workers and managers, reflecting a growing demand for AI literacy across diverse roles. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2020 projects that 50% of global employees will require reskilling by 2025 due to automation and technological advancements, a trend accelerated by the economic disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. In India, this urgency is amplified by the rapid adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, such as AI, cloud computing, and data analytics.
Coursera’s data shows that Indian learners are particularly drawn to courses in engineering, cybersecurity, big data, analytics, and business, with Gen AI emerging as the fastest-growing trend. The platform’s partnerships with over 350 leading universities and companies, including Google, which generates approximately $100 million annually through its AI-focused courses like AI Essentials, have expanded access to job-relevant content. Hart stressed that online learning serves as a “fantastic leveller,” enabling professionals from diverse backgrounds to acquire in-demand skills without disrupting their careers.
Alignment with NEP 2020 and Government Initiatives
The National Education Policy 2020 has been a significant driver of Coursera’s growth in India, particularly through the National Credit Framework (NCrF), which facilitates credit transfer and flexible learning pathways. This framework aligns with NEP 2020’s emphasis on vocational training and lifelong learning, enabling students and professionals to earn academic credits through online courses. Coursera’s partnerships with state governments, such as Odisha and Kerala, further amplify its impact. For example, Kerala’s Knowledge Economy Mission aims to train up to 60,000 residents in 2025 through 40 virtual academies, leveraging Coursera’s platform to deliver skills in AI, data science, and other high-demand fields.
Additionally, initiatives like the FutureSkills PRIME program, launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY) in collaboration with NASSCOM, complement Coursera’s efforts. This program focuses on reskilling IT professionals in emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain, aligning with India’s ambition to become the skill capital of the world. NEP 2020’s push for vocational training in schools and higher education institutions further supports this ecosystem, fostering awareness and motivation among young learners to pursue digital and professional skills.
Economic and Social Impact
The economic stakes of upskilling and reskilling are immense. With India’s employability rate hovering around 46.2% according to the India Skills Report 2020, bridging the gap between existing skills and industry requirements is critical. Hart highlighted that upskilling can yield an 8.6% average salary increase, making it a compelling incentive for professionals. Moreover, 94% of employees are more likely to stay with companies that invest in their development, reducing turnover costs, which can range from 50–200% of an employee’s annual salary.
The rise of the gig economy and remote work, coupled with the “Great Resignation” trend, where 82% of Indian professionals considered job changes in 2022, underscores the demand for flexible, accessible learning. Coursera’s platform, offering on-demand courses, professional certificates, and microlearning options, caters to this need, allowing learners to upskill at their own pace. For instance, 10% of individuals cite financial barriers to education, but Coursera’s free or subsidized courses address this challenge, making learning accessible to a broader demographic.
From a societal perspective, upskilling fosters inclusivity by empowering professionals from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Lucknow to compete for high-value jobs in Tier 1 cities or abroad. Courses in soft skills, such as communication and leadership, alongside technical skills like data analysis and cybersecurity, are equipping India’s workforce to meet global demands. This aligns with Coursera’s mission, as articulated by Hart, to transform lives through learning by addressing “durable learner needs” like personalized education and better career outcomes.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its progress, India faces hurdles in scaling upskilling initiatives. Time constraints and financial barriers remain significant obstacles, with employees often limited to just 24 minutes per week for formal training. Coursera addresses this through microlearning and asynchronous courses, enabling professionals to learn without disrupting work schedules. Additionally, the platform’s AI-driven tools, such as Coursera Coach and audio dubbing, enhance personalized learning, improving engagement and outcomes.
India’s strong IT and engineering talent pool provides a competitive advantage, but the rapid pace of technological change demands continuous learning. The World Economic Forum estimates that over two-thirds of skills considered essential today will become obsolete by 2025, with a third of future skills focusing on emerging technologies. Coursera’s partnerships with industry leaders like Microsoft and Google ensure that its content remains relevant, with courses like Gen AI for Leaders addressing the needs of non-technical professionals in an AI-driven workplace.
Coursera’s Strategic Vision Under Greg Hart
Greg Hart, who assumed Coursera’s leadership in February 2025 after a 23-year tenure at Amazon, brings a wealth of experience in scaling technology-driven businesses. Having led the development of Alexa and Prime Video, Hart is focused on enhancing Coursera’s platform to deliver personalized, job-relevant learning at scale. His vision emphasizes strengthening partnerships with universities and industries, with over 350 institutions already onboard, and leveraging AI to improve learner experiences. Coursera’s financial stability, with $179.3 million in Q1 2025 revenue and positive free cash flow, positions it as a reliable partner for India’s skill development ecosystem.
Hart’s restructuring of Coursera’s reporting segments, folding the Degrees segment into the Consumer segment, reflects a shift toward industry-led content, with Google’s AI courses driving significant enrollment. This strategic pivot aligns with the growing demand for professional certificates and skills-based learning, particularly in India, where enterprise customers are increasingly investing in workforce upskilling amid macroeconomic uncertainties.
Toward a Future-Ready Workforce
Coursera’s role in upskilling and reskilling India’s workforce is a critical step toward achieving Viksit Bharat 2047. By aligning with NEP 2020’s focus on flexible, multidisciplinary education and partnering with state and industry stakeholders, Coursera is helping India bridge its skill gaps and prepare for an AI-driven future. The platform’s emphasis on accessibility, affordability, and relevance ensures that learners from diverse backgrounds can acquire the competencies needed to thrive in a competitive job market.
As Greg Hart aptly stated, “Online learning is a fantastic leveller of that playing field.” With India poised to add $1.5 trillion to its economy through Gen AI by 2030, Coursera’s efforts to empower 30 million learners with cutting-edge skills are not just an educational endeavor but a transformative force for India’s economic and social future. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning, Coursera is helping India realize its ambition to become the skill capital of the world, ensuring that its workforce is equipped to win in tomorrow’s market.
