GenAI skills, NCrF-aligned programs reshape hiring and education landscape
New Delhi – May 1st 2025 — A new report by Coursera reveals that 97% of Indian employers are prepared to offer higher starting salaries to candidates holding micro-credentials, highlighting the growing shift toward skills-based hiring in the country. The Micro-Credentials Impact Report 2025 shows that 99% of Indian employers have either adopted or are exploring this hiring model to address talent shortages.
Generative AI (GenAI) credentials are especially valued, with 95% of employers more likely to hire candidates possessing them. A majority (79%) would even prefer a less experienced candidate with GenAI expertise over a more seasoned applicant without it. Employers also report real business benefits—94% of those who hired micro-credential holders saw reduced first-year training costs, often by up to 20%.
This trend aligns with India’s National Credit Framework (NCrF), which allows students to earn academic credit for industry-recognized credentials. As a result, 90% of Indian students say they’re more likely to enroll in degree programs that include such offerings.
“With fast-changing roles and rising demands, Indian employers want graduates to be job-ready from day one. Micro-credentials have emerged as one of the most effective and trusted solutions – equipping students with practical skills and offering verifiable proof of their capabilities,” said Prashasti Rastogi, Director, Coursera for Campus and Government, India.
Institutions like KGiSL, Vishwakarma University, and IMS Ghaziabad are already integrating credit-bearing micro-credentials into degree programs in AI, cloud, and data analytics, ensuring students graduate with both academic qualifications and in-demand job skills.
