Report: 4 in 5 Indian workers rapidly upskilling as AI transforms the workforce

A recent report by Educational Testing Service (ETS) highlights that Indian employees are experiencing far greater workplace disruption than the global average, while also showing a strong commitment to upskilling and validating their skills.

The 2026 Human Progress Report, based on a global survey of over 32,000 respondents across 18 countries, reveals that 86% of Indian workers faced major workplace changes in the past year, compared to 67% globally. These disruptions are largely driven by rapid technological advancements, evolving job roles, and rising performance expectations.

Despite these challenges, Indian professionals are actively adapting. The report notes that workers are increasingly linking career stability to continuous learning and skill development. Around four out of five employees in India are building new skills, reflecting a strong push to stay relevant in an AI-driven job market.

According to Amit Sevak, adaptability has become the most critical skill in today’s workforce. Even as many employees remain uncertain about future job roles, they are proactively upgrading their capabilities to stay competitive.

Artificial intelligence is playing a significant role in this shift. Indian workers estimate that over 42% of their tasks now involve interacting with AI tools, a higher proportion than the global average. This growing reliance on AI is increasing pressure on professionals to continuously upgrade their skill sets.

At the same time, there is a rising demand for formal skill validation. Nearly 90% of respondents believe verified credentials are essential, as employees seek reliable ways to benchmark their abilities against industry standards and peers.

The report concludes that while workplace disruption is intensifying, Indian workers remain confident in their ability to adapt. As career paths become less predictable, continuous learning, adaptability, and credible proof of skills are emerging as key factors for long-term career growth in an increasingly AI-driven economy.