Bridging the AI Skills Gap: How Online Manipal Programs Align with Industry Needs 

According to the Digital Skills & Salary Primer Report for FY25-26 by TeamLease Digital, “By 2026, there will be an alarming AI Talent gap of 53%”.   

This statistic emphasizes one critical challenge: the huge disparity between the increasing adoption of AI in many industries and the lack of AI knowledge among employees. Companies now expect the workforce to understand machine learning, cloud computing, data science, analytics, and so on.   

On the other hand, many of the working professionals and graduates do not have these skills yet, that creates a gap between AI talent demand and supply. Now, how do we bridge this AI skills gap? Learners can focus on upskilling by learning industry-aligned courses in the curriculum, or even by collaborating with AI and tech experts. 

Let us move on to read how you can stand out by pursuing programs at Online Manipal amid ever evolving AI landscape. 

What is an AI Skills Gap?  

The AI skills gap occurs when there is a difference between the skills companies require in artificial intelligence (AI) and what the workforce actually possesses. As we know, the surge in using AI is a recent development, and hence, students and working professionals need to upskill themselves to stay aware of these advancements.  

While companies are searching for professionals and fresh talents skilled in AI tools, machine learning models, and automation systems, the talent pool remains limited. As a result, this mismatch creates a significant gap between the demand for AI skills and the available supply. 

Read More: Debunking misconceptions about artificial intelligence and employment 

What Are the Possible Reasons for Growing AI Skills Gap? 

A few reasons for the rapidly increasing AI skills gap are: 

1.Change in Technology 

As mentioned above, companies now look forward to implementing machine learning, data-driven decision making, automation, and services, making the entire workflow more AI-driven. So, the traditional education systems and many upskilling programs simply can’t keep up. AI evolves almost every day, making it tough for professionals to stay updated and relevant. 

2. Low Awareness and Understanding of AI 

It is true that in many cases, the companies are still unaware and negligent of the power of AI and how important it is to drive a future-ready workforce. Without strong AI literacy, many organizations fail to plan proper reskilling initiatives, which makes filling specialized roles even more challenging. 

Read More: The future of work: Adapting to new job market realities 

3. High Dependency on Traditional Training Methods 

A lot of companies still stick to old-fashioned, classroom-style training. This includes on-the-job training, workshops, and seminars etc. While it works for some people, it limits how many learners can attend because of travel needs and space limitations. This is why online courses that utilize new teaching methods are important. 

Why Are Companies Competing for AI-Skilled Professionals? 

In today’s competitive market, companies look for candidates who can leverage AI skills to make data-driven decisions. This will help them enhance whatever they are doing in the smartest way possible. In companies, AI skills are of high use in automating repetitive tasks, making accurate and innovative decisions, analyzing complex data, etc.  

For students, having AI literacy gives them a strong head start and makes them more employable right from the beginning of their careers. Hence, they must focus on learning AI-related courses from the start. Whether it’s a student or a working professional, AI becomes the extra edge that transforms a good candidate into a great one. 

Read More: Skills to cultivate in the age of AI 

How to Bridge AI Skills Gap Among Learners? 

We are now aware of the growing importance of AI in all professions. So, when there is a gap between demand for AI-powered skills and talent supply, we have to find ways to bridge them. Here are a few ways: 

1. Make Learning AI More Accessible 

• Firstly, we need to offer simple workshops and certification programs, which will help students learn about AI better.
• These workshops and other programs need to provide structured training, so learners know exactly where to start as a beginner.
• Now, give employees enough time and resources to upskill without stress. 

2. Encourage a Culture of Continuous Learning 

• While bridging the gap, motivate teams constantly to keep learning as AI keeps evolving.
• Celebrate skill upgrades and internal learning achievements.
• Make learning about artificial intelligence a regular part of work, not a one-time activity. 

3. Update Education to Match Today’s AI Needs 

• For students, add practical AI lessons, tools, and projects to college curricula, and for working professionals, relevant online programs.
• Teach students how AI works through real examples, not just theory. 

AI Based Online Courses for Students and Working Professionals 

Manipal universities have integrated AI-focused specializations and electives into their online degrees to meet the evolving market needs. Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) offers an online MCA with a specialization in AI & Machine Learning, while Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) provides an online MCA focused on AI & Data Science. Along with these, we have MUJ’s online BCom (Bachelor of Commerce) program, including electives such as Accounting with AI and Digital Marketing with AI. 

Online MCA in AI & Machine Learning from MAHE  

This program from one of our reputed institutions, MAHE, provides students with electives like AI&ML, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and full-stack development. With a wide range of topics, learners will be well-versed in software tools like Java, Oracle, Eclipse, etc. Furthermore, with specialization in niche domains, like deep learning, neural networks, and natural language, a learner will be an expert in Online MCA (AI and ML). 

Online MCA in AI & Machine Learning from MUJ  

Manipal University Jaipur also provides an Online MCA in AI & Machine learning for students who want to excel in it. Here, we have the same electives offered as previously mentioned. All of which ensures students gain strong, job-ready AI skills. It’s a flexible and futuristic course for anyone looking to advance their career in AI and ML.   

Online BCom Degree from MUJ  

Under this program is where you can see two electives, Accounting with AI, and Digital Marketing with AI, each designed to merge traditional commerce foundations with modern, AI-driven applications. These specializations help students build practical, industry-relevant skills that prepare them for the changing demands of today’s digital business landscape.   

For more details, visit 

•  AI-ML course page 
• Online B.Com MJU 

Why Online Manipal for Bridging AI Skills Gap 

You may wonder, when there are hundreds of courses available that focus on the AI-skills gap, why should you opt for Online Manipal Programs? Fair question, and we can answer your question by listing out a few reasons:  

• Online Manipal bridges the AI skills gap by combining university learning with real-world AI applications, enabling students with industry-aligned knowledge.  
• We offer industry-relevant learning through a curriculum updated by top faculty and industry experts so that the students receive a high-quality experience comparable to offline programs. 
• We also provide flexible, fully online degrees that are UGC-entitled and globally recognized, with famous hiring partners like EY, Goldman Sachs, Nobroker, etc.  
• Students will be fully equipped with job-ready skills in AI, data science, machine learning, and related domains 

Read More: Fastest Growing AI Job Skills in 2025 

Conclusion 

As AI reshapes the future of work, staying updated is no longer optional; it’s important. After all, it’s always the ‘survival of the fittest’. Here are where Online Manipal Online programs can help. Learners gain the necessary skills to stay relevant. Undoubtedly, this is the smartest step toward building a career that’s truly future-ready. So, if you are looking for options to upskill yourself with AI-related courses, Online Manipal can help! 

Reference: 

Digital Skills & Salary Primer Report- https://business.teamleasedigital.com/digital-skills-and-salary-primer-fy2025-26/