India’s leading information technology companies significantly expanded employee learning and development initiatives during FY26, with most major firms reporting a sharp increase in training hours as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes central to workforce transformation strategies.
According to annual reports from leading IT services companies, organisations are investing heavily in AI-focused upskilling programmes to prepare employees for evolving technology roles. The focus has shifted from basic AI awareness to developing practical expertise in building, deploying and managing AI-powered applications.
Among the largest IT firms, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) reported that average learning hours per employee increased by more than 25%, rising from 96 hours in FY25 to 120 hours in FY26. Infosys recorded one of the strongest increases, with average learning hours climbing 58% to 113 hours during the fiscal year. LTIMindtree reported the highest training commitment, with employees averaging 312 learning hours, marking a 31% increase compared to the previous year.
Wipro was the only major company to report a decline in learning hours. The company’s average training time per employee decreased slightly from 83 hours in FY25 to 79 hours in FY26, contrasting with the broader industry trend.
The increase in training investments reflects the growing demand for advanced AI capabilities across the technology sector. Companies are prioritising skills such as machine learning operations (MLOps), data engineering, cloud-native development, and full-stack AI engineering as businesses integrate AI into products, services and internal operations.
Corporate learning programmes are also evolving beyond traditional online training modules. Many organisations are adopting project-based learning models that allow employees to apply newly acquired skills through real-world assignments, accelerating both capability development and practical experience.
In addition, employers are placing greater emphasis on measuring the business impact of training initiatives. Rather than evaluating success solely through course completion rates, companies are increasingly tracking outcomes such as improved productivity, faster project delivery, enhanced decision-making and reduced operational errors.
The trend highlights how AI is reshaping workforce development priorities across India’s technology industry. As enterprises continue to expand AI adoption, continuous learning and specialised skill development are becoming essential components of long-term talent strategies and business competitiveness.
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