Workers in India are reporting significantly higher exposure to workplace disruption than the global average while also demonstrating a stronger push toward upskilling and skills validation, according to new India findings from the 2026 ETS Human Progress Report. The study highlights a workforce navigating rapid shifts in technology, job responsibilities and performance expectations, as professionals increasingly link career stability to their ability to continuously build and demonstrate relevant skills.
The findings show that workplace change is becoming a defining feature of the employment landscape in India. Many workers report adapting to new tools, evolving role requirements and rising demand for future-ready capabilities, while also seeking clearer and more trusted ways to benchmark their skills. As job markets become more dynamic and AI adoption accelerates, professionals across sectors are placing greater emphasis on continuous learning and verified credentials to remain competitive.
India respondents also recorded a Human Progress Index score of 114.4, well above the global average of 96.7, pointing to stronger perceived access to education, skills development and opportunities for upward mobility. The findings suggest that while workplace disruption is accelerating, many professionals in India remain relatively confident about their ability to adapt and progress, reflecting a workforce that is both under pressure to evolve and increasingly motivated to invest in future-ready capabilities.
“In the face of a changing job landscape, workers are quickly adapting,” said Amit Sevak, CEO of ETS. “4 in 5 workers are building new skills, even though most can’t envision their future job. Adaptability is becoming the new ‘must have’ skill.”
The report also points to the growing integration of artificial intelligence into everyday work across India. Workers estimate that more than 42% of their current tasks involve directing AI tools, a higher share than the global average, reflecting how rapidly technology is reshaping job roles and performance expectations. Many professionals say this shift is increasing pressure to continuously build new capabilities in order to remain effective and competitive.
Alongside this acceleration in technology adoption, demand for formal ways to validate skills is also rising. Nine in ten respondents believe verified credentials are essential as workplace skill requirements evolve, with many expressing a strong interest in benchmarking their capabilities against industry peers. The findings suggest that as career paths become less predictable, evidence of skills is increasingly viewed as critical to professional mobility and long-term relevance.
Globally, the 2026 ETS Human Progress Report shows that workers across markets are navigating sustained workplace transformation driven by rapid AI adoption and shifting expectations around future-ready skills. As employers, education providers and policymakers respond to these changes, the research highlights the growing need for clearer standards and trusted systems to measure skills, helping individuals translate learning efforts into tangible career opportunities in an increasingly technology-enabled economy.
To explore the full findings and learn more, download the 2026 ETS Human Progress Report.
