As mentioned above, 82% of Indians emphasize work-life balance at least as much as they favor money and are actively seeking better chances, per Great Learning's Upskilling Trends Report 2025–26. According to the survey, professionals between the ages of 45 and 60 were less likely to modify their career trajectories. While 39% of them were actively seeking a new position, 51% of them were actively seeking alternatives in 2025, and 31% were passively searching.
35% of job seekers struggle with the need for extra skills or certifications, and 43% are challenged by high market competition and unmet compensation expectations. Notably, 26% of professionals between the ages of 44 and 60 say that work-life balance is more important than money, indicating that there is a growing need for flexibility and well-being in the workplace.
Active and Passive AI Job Seekers Percentage
Here's the data presented in a table format:
| Category | Percentage | Details |
| Actively seeking new roles | 51% | Professionals actively looking for job changes |
| Passively exploring opportunities | 31% | Open to offers but not actively applying |
| Total in job search mode | 82% | Combined active and passive job seekers |
| Active job seekers (age 45–60) | 39% | Lower mobility among older professionals |
Challenges in Finding a Job
Job seekers face many challenges. About 35% of respondents believe they lack the necessary skills or credentials, while 43% point to intense competition and unmet income expectations as the main causes. Many people are upskilling to become more competitive as a result of these obstacles.
The confidence in employment retention varies somewhat depending on the size of the organization. 85% of workers at companies with more than 5,000 employees report feeling secure, compared to 58% of workers in companies with less than 50 employees. Overall, 73% of professionals in FY26 expressed confidence in their job security, which is 11% higher than the previous year.
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Overall Comparison Of AI Between MBA and BCom Graduates and BTech Graduates
Here's the information about AI perception inserted into a table:
| Category | Details |
| Overall perception of AI | 78% of professionals believe AI will benefit their careers |
| MBA graduates' outlook | 89% view AI positively |
| B.Com graduates' outlook | 84% view AI positively |
| BE/BTech graduates' outlook | Less optimistic compared to MBA and B.Com graduates |
| Reason for lower optimism (Tech grads) | Likely due to job cuts in tech driven by rapid AI adoption |
| General trend | Most professionals are adapting to the changing demands brought by AI |
Career advancement increasingly revolves around upskilling. In FY26, 81% of professionals want to spend time learning new technical skills, and 85% of professionals believe that upskilling is crucial. Because they are less expensive, easier to commit to, and allow for the instant application and testing of new abilities, professionals are more likely to invest in short certification courses rather than longer-format master's degrees.
