upGrad elevates Bootcamps with applied learning & AI; enrolments jumps to 8x in FY24

Mumbai, 15 July, 2024: upGrad, one of Asia’s largest integrated learning skilling and workforce development majors witnessed an all-time high record with Bootcamp enrolments becoming 8x during FY24.

Riding high on its growth, the skilling major has elevated popular Tech Bootcamps in most in-demand disciplines such as Digital Marketing, Full Stack Development, Data Science, and UI/UX with a unique industry-first pedagogy. The modules, unlike other conventional Bootcamps formats, will now include only 20% of the ‘Study’ element while focusing 80% on ‘Practical Applications’.

Drawing insights from alumni and taking complete stock of industry requirements, the format will empower learners with the most effective and real-time skill application capabilities, ensuring a faster career ROI. Out of the 80%, the mix will include 33% ‘Make’ with Agile Methodology and projects, 25% ‘Attempt’ with hands-on coding practice on the CloudLabs platform, 13% ‘Revise’ with daily doubt resolution and progress review sessions, and 9% ‘Test’ with graded projects, presentations, and timed coding challenges.

Over the past year, upGrad delivered over 200,000 hours of immersive learning through its active Bootcamp programs. The top three programs—Full-Stack Development, Data Science with AI, and UI-UX- remained popular among early professionals and freshers who aimed to accelerate their career growth and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving tech industry. The majority of learners who signed up in FY24 belonged to the freshers’ bracket followed by early professionals, demonstrating the effectiveness of our AI-ready content in advancing careers across different stages.

With the portfolio now enhancing both tech and non-tech Bootcamps under the industry-first pedagogy, the company aims to double down on enrolments in FY25.

Commenting on the development, Mayank Kumar, Co-founder & MD, upGrad said, “There’s a rising demand for AI-skilled talent across non-tech sectors such as retail, manufacturing, and even EV segments. As a result, hiring sentiments for jobs that require one to at least interact with GenAI tools – irrespective of the sector will continue to soar in the current FY. This demand necessitates more strategic skilling programs that equip young India with the most relevant and market-ready concepts.”

Designed to enhance employability, the Bootcamps will include more workshops and simulations, industry-aligned graded projects and case studies, and masterclasses. Learners will also benefit from triple certification from a government body, a global tech giant, and a university partner, ensuring holistic growth and academic alignment.

“Global slowdown in IT spending has had a countercyclical impact on upskilling among tech professionals in India. Especially students coming out of college or have just stepped into Corporate, have taken this opportunity to pursue fast-paced skilling programs and apply their knowledge in real-time at their jobs. Last year, we recorded one sign-up every 2 hours for our Bootcamps, fueling our commitment to enhance our offerings as we move forward continuously. Today, early coders, techies and even freshers are required to understand core fundamentals and new-age concepts to stay relevant. Hence, we have made a conscious call to enhance our portfolio with strategic GenAI training interventions to ensure market readiness,” he added.