Despite launching a series of courses online and offline in data science, Indians are considered not to be proficient in the domain. On the contrary, India performed worse than previous years. India has fallen four places to rank 68th globally in data science. India ranks 19th in Asia, Coursera’s latest Global Skills Report (GSR) 2022 reveals.
The decline in data science skills is in stark contrast to India’s image in technology-related skills. Considered a hub for tech skills, India’s technology skill level has risen from 38 percent to 46 percent, strengthening its position by six places. On the other hand, proficiency in data science has fallen from 38 percent in 2021 to 26 percent in 2022, leading to a drop of 12 positions, according to the report.
Read | Angry Birds, Candy Crush and other kids’ app can spy on your kids, research claims
India scores low on fundamental and specialized data science skills, including data visualization, statistical programming and data management. The strongest skill in the domain for India remains machine learning, the report says.
The Global Skills Report compares three of the most in-demand skills areas driving employment in the digital economy: business, technology and data science. According to the GSR 2022, Indian students in southern states outperform those in northern states in all three domains.
Indian students in southern states outperform those in northern states. In terms of state, West Bengal leads the Indian states in terms of skills.
In terms of state, West Bengal leads the Indian states in terms of skills. West Bengal ranks #1 in the three domains. The state exhibited the highest level of digital skills in the country, surpassing Karnataka (#4 in technology and #6 in data science), the state where India’s Silicon Valley – Bengaluru is located. Students in West Bengal also achieved a perfect 100 percent proficiency in more than 10 skills spanning the three domains such as leadership and management, human resources, cloud computing, computer programming, ML, and data analytics.
Andhra Pradesh is one of the top three performing states with high proficiency in business and technology skills. The government’s coordinated approach to skills development, public-private partnerships and synergy through institutions such as Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC), has created a robust pool of skilled workers. The state students have 100 percent proficiency in security engineering, operating systems and computer networks.
“The Great Resignation and automation require stronger investment in human capital as institutions must prioritize developing the in-demand digital and human skills needed to build a competitive and equitable workforce,” said Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO of coursera. “Our data shows that these skills are not evenly distributed, and students and low-paid workers need access to flexible, affordable and rapid pathways to entry-level digital jobs that build a foundation for a stronger and more inclusive economy.”
Get all the latest news, breaking news, watch top videos and live TV here.
