Online upskilling courses from IITs and IIMs are gaining popularity among early-career professionals seeking industry-relevant skills. These programmes, covering AI, big data, and more, blend academic knowledge with practical application. The trend is driven by rapid technological advancements and the need for professionals to continuously update their skills to remain competitive and employable.
Indian IT firms like Infosys and Wipro have seen median salary increases of 30% since FY21, while Tech Mahindra's pay remained flat recently. Global firms Cognizant and Accenture experienced more moderate hikes. However, the growth rate of annual increments is showing a cooling trend across the industry, influenced by factors like growth and attrition.
For professionals ready to recalibrate their leadership trajectory, the IIMK Senior Management Programme (SMP) arrives at an opportune time. It’s an opportunity to level up in both relevance and resilience, blending digital fluency, especially AI literacy, with strategic decision-making skills to align leadership ambitions with the future of business. Here’s why it matters.
The job market is evolving too fast for five-year career predictions. Experts say AI, climate tech, space tech, and bioengineering will reshape entry-level roles. Skills in data science, automation, IoT, sustainability, and digital transformation will be key across sectors—from agritech and pharma to banking, manufacturing, auto, FMCG, and e-commerce—as new jobs replace older ones.
Despite global economic uncertainties, the demand for consultants and project-based talent witnessed a significant surge of 38% in FY25, surpassing previous years' growth. Technology continues to lead the demand, followed by strategy, business development, and finance. Consultant sign-ups have also soared, with a notable increase in younger professionals valuing independence and project variety.
Blue-collar wages in India are growing at an annual rate of 5–6%, supported by strong demand and performance-based incentives, according to Deloitte's ‘Blue-Collar Workforce Trends 2025’ report released on Thursday. Hiring intent for such roles increased by 10% in 2025, driven by sectors like manufacturing, automotive, e-commerce, and logistics.
A recent report reveals a significant gender gap in India's private sector workforce, with women holding only one-third of entry-level positions and 24% of managerial roles. Systemic barriers hinder women's entry, advancement, and retention, leading to lower promotion rates and higher attrition compared to men. This imbalance impacts India's economic growth potential, emphasizing the need for gender equity.
India's blue-collar sector grapples with a significant talent shortage, marked by rising attrition and increased demand for skilled labor. Companies are increasingly relying on temporary employees and third-party vendors to manage costs and maintain workforce flexibility. Automation and AI are reshaping blue-collar jobs, leading to increased productivity norms, while wages remain relatively low for a majority of workers.
Ahmedabad's Ishani Debnath has made history by achieving a perfect score of 500 in the CBSE grade XII examinations, securing the top position in both India and worldwide in the Humanities stream. As a student of Delhi Public School, Bopal, she attributes her success to a disciplined study routine and the support of her family and teachers.
A growing number of Indian accountants are shifting away from traditional corporate paths, with 63% now aspiring to become entrepreneurs, according to ACCA’s Global Talent Trends Survey 2025. The survey, which covered over 10,000 professionals across 175 countries, reveals evolving career goals driven by a desire for flexibility, purpose, and global opportunities.