GenAI Use Growing Rapidly in India, But Skill Gap Still a Big Hurdle: AWS Survey Reveals

A recent survey has revealed that India is witnessing near-universal adoption of generative AI (GenAI) across businesses. However, simply offering training programs may not be enough to bridge the widening skills gap. While companies are keen to embrace AI tools, especially in fast-growing Tier 2 cities, the challenge lies in building a workforce that can effectively use these technologies in real-world scenarios.

GenAI Adoption on the Rise
According to the findings, a large number of Indian organisations have already started integrating GenAI into their workflows. From automating customer support to generating marketing content and enhancing data analysis, GenAI is becoming a common tool across sectors such as IT, healthcare, finance, and retail.

Training Alone Not Enough
While companies are investing heavily in training programs, experts believe this approach may fall short. Many workers receive basic instruction but lack hands-on experience or critical thinking skills needed to apply GenAI meaningfully. The survey stresses that learning must go beyond the basics to cover real-world applications and ethical use.

Tier 2 Cities See Sharp Uptake
Cities like Nagpur, Surat, Jaipur, and Coimbatore are emerging as fresh hubs for digital innovation. Startups and mid-sized businesses in these regions are turning to GenAI to streamline operations and compete with larger firms. However, the talent shortage is more noticeable here, where access to quality education and specialised training is limited.

Need for Industry-Academia Collaboration
Experts are calling for stronger partnerships between tech companies, training institutes, and universities. Real-world projects, internships, and mentorships can help bridge the knowledge gap and ensure graduates are job-ready. Without this, even trained individuals may struggle to meet industry expectations.

Why the Skills Gap Matters
As GenAI becomes more central to how businesses function, the lack of skilled professionals could slow down progress and innovation. Companies might adopt tools, but without a capable workforce to use them effectively, productivity gains will remain limited.

Government and Corporate Role
Both government schemes like Skill India and private upskilling initiatives are working to boost digital literacy. However, the survey points out that more targeted programs focused specifically on GenAI are needed to meet the current demand. Tier 2 city residents could especially benefit from local centres offering advanced AI training.

Conclusion:
India may be leading the way in adopting generative AI, but the real challenge lies in building a skilled, future-ready workforce. For Tier 2 cities aspiring to become the next tech hotspots, investing in quality education, industry exposure, and hands-on learning will be essential. As the AI revolution picks up pace, bridging the skills gap is not just a priority—it’s a necessity.

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