Skilling major deploys AI to enhance offerings, improve accessibility for learners across India
upGrad, Asia’s largest integrated learning, skilling, and workforce development platform, is set to broaden its reach by translating popular Bootcamps & Certifications into vernacular languages using AI. With over 40% of its learner base in India hailing from Tier 2 cities and beyond, where regional languages are more prevalent, upGrad aims to make its offerings more accessible to a wider audience.
“As the demand for upskilling grows across the country, we recognized the need to break language barriers,” says Asheesh Sharma, President of Certifications and Bootcamps at upGrad. In the first phase, the platform will focus on translating courses into Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali. This move is aimed at ensuring that upGrad’s brand reaches every eligible household in these regions.
To enhance the learning experience, upGrad will combine AI-driven translations with human interventions. Counsellors and buddies who speak local languages will provide guidance and support to learners. This personalized approach aims to make the learning process more convenient and effective for learners.
upGrad’s course catalogue will include popular domains such as Engineering, Data Science, AI, Cloud Computing, DevOps, UI/UX, and Agile Project Management in Phase 1. Phase 2 will target domains like Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Product Management, Business Analyst, and ITIL, along with foreign languages such as Spanish and Chinese. The platform has enrolled over 5 lakh learners in the past, with high demand coming from cities like Bengaluru, New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Odisha, Pune, Chennai, and Kolkata.
The platform’s in-house tech tool will assist counsellors in addressing inquiries related to a learner’s education, background, interests, and career aspirations. This personalized approach aims to bridge the gap between selecting the right program/domain and achieving one’s career goals.
Speaking about the business objective, Asheesh Sharma said, “Our objective is to substantially elevate the percentage of employable graduates in India. Online learning has evolved into an interactive and immersive format that’s hands-on and accessible at any given point. We aim to provide millions with the initial support they need to get closer to their career aspirations.”
upGrad has been investing significantly in AI-related developments internally. The platform plans to extend these AI-driven services to its Enterprise arm, further personalizing corporate training sessions. With its HQ in India, upGrad has witnessed 100% YoY growth in overall enrolments and aims to double its annual active learners in the next year.
