Global Workplace Skills Study2025: Spotlight on India
India’s Upskilling Edge: How Indian Learners are Driving the Future of Skills and Embracing the AI Revolution.
..The Skills Revolution: Insights into Lifelong Learning and AI Leadership
The Emeritus Global Workplace Skills Study 2025 provides a comprehensive lens into how professionals worldwide navigate these changes. With data from over 6,000 participants across 18 countries, this study examines the relationship between education, skills and professional growth.
The findings highlight a global urgency to embrace upskilling, driven by the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative force. While global trends highlight AI as a catalyst for efficiency and innovation, the spotlight shines particularly brightly on India, where professionals are not only adopting these technologies at an unparalleled pace but also leveraging them to reshape industries and organisations.
With over 1,700 responses from India alone, the study showcases a workforce committed to growth: 81% of Indian professionals reported advancing their skills in the last 12 months, ahead of the global average of 61%.
This readiness to embrace change and a strong focus on AI capabilities position India as a global talent powerhouse. The report captures the interconnectedness of the global workforce and a shared drive to align education with emerging opportunities. From New Delhi to New York, professionals are blending lifelong learning with cutting-edge technology, setting a powerful example for a world where adaptability is the key to success.
Silicon Valley AI Immersion Study Tour participants at Stanford Graduate School of Business
Learners of the Cambridge Family Business Leadership Programme on campus
1 of 2 Indian Professionals are Currently Upskilling and are 1.5x More Likely to Increase Investment in Learning in the Next 6 Months
India leads globally in skills enhancement, with 81% of professionals affirming that their interest in advancing their capabilities has increased in the last 12 months, compared to the global average of 61%. This surge reflects a proactive workforce eager to adapt, innovate and seize opportunities in areas like AI and leadership.
Spending on upskilling in India is estimated to be 1.5x higher than the global average. Along with India, countries like China, Brazil and South Africa also exceed the global average in boosting educational investments.
By embracing lifelong learning, India’s ambitious professionals are not just keeping up—they’re shaping the future of work.
“This data is a testament to India’s unique position as a global talent hub, where professionals recognise the success drivers of upskilling, career growth and personal development. This motivation and readiness for continuous learning, self-improvement and skill-building align with Emeritus’ mission of making high-quality education accessible and affordable. We are proud to partner with top universities to meet this demand for upskilling for professionals to unlock opportunities.”
Chaitanya Kalipatnapu
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Emeritus
Indian Professionals are Growth and Future-Centric
- 94% prioritise developing a diverse set of skills over focusing on a specific job title in their career, above the global average of 88%, 87% in the US and 86% in the UK.
- 74% are likely to transition to a different industry in the next 12 months, which too is well above the global (67%), US (64%) and UK (66%) averages.
- 94% prioritise developing a diverse set of skills over focusing on a specific job title in their career, above the global average of 88% and 87% in US, and 86% in UK.
- 70% believe their next job or role does not yet exist, significantly above the global average (64%).
.Prateek Patni, VP, Northern Trust Corporation, receives his IIML-CEO Programme Certificate from Dr. Neeraj Dwivedi and former Programme Director, Dr. Debdatta Pal, IIM Lucknow
Indian Employers Lead in Creating L&D Opportunities
.Learners attending a session during the ISB-CDAIO programme campus immersion at ISB Executive Education campus
- 95% of employees feel more engaged at work if they learn new things.
- 94% say they would be more loyal to their employer if they invested in their continued education.
- 94% agree that learning new skills and developing existing ones makes them feel more resilient in their roles.
- 82% agree that a lack of support for continuous learning and skills development would make them consider leaving their employer.
40% of Indian professionals expect employers to fund skills enhancement programmes. This allows organisations to improve employee satisfaction and retention by supporting educational opportunities that align with their aspirations.
Upskilling: A Win-Win for Employers and Employees
Upskilling drives success for both employers and employees by enhancing productivity, fostering innovation and securing a competitive edge.
For employers, investing in workforce development offers significant returns, reducing recruitment costs and mitigating talent attrition. Prioritising Learning and Development (L&D) boosts employee morale, retention and organisational resilience.
For employees, upskilling opens doors to new career opportunities, improves job security and builds confidence in navigating industry changes. This synergy creates a culture of continuous learning, enabling businesses to thrive on a skilled workforce while empowering employees to stay agile and future- ready in an evolving professional landscape.
“It is evident that the dynamic skill-positivity is prevalent in Asia at present with a growing commitment from organisations towards employee education and training. It is evident that employers are dedicated to attracting and retaining top talent. At Emeritus, we aim to provide exceptional solutions and programmes for enterprises seeking to promote upskilling among their employees, mirroring our own talent development practices.”
Jawahir Morarji
President, Enterprise Business
94% of Indian Learners Prefer Learning Programmes That Combine Global Perspectives With Local Relevance
Indian professionals overwhelmingly recognise AI as a transformative force for career growth by acquiring essential AI skills and mastering AI-powered tools. In fact, 90% of Indian professionals affirm that developing expertise in AI and Generative AI (GenAI) is critical to future-proofing their careers.
- 92% agree that AI/GenAI proficiency will allow them to pursue career opportunities that were previously inaccessible (vs 86% global, 83% in the US, and 80% in the UK).
- 94% believe that AI/GenAI skills can expand their career options across different industries (vs 87% global, 84% US, and 81% UK), emphasising AI’s role as a tool for career mobility
Interest in AI-related skills among Indian professionals is 31% higher than the global average and 62% higher than in the US.
Moreover, India stands out as the only market where machine learning ranks among the top five skills. Professionals in India are twice as likely as their global counterparts to prioritise developing expertise in machine learning.
Top Skills for Career Growth in the Next 12 Months
AI Development and Application
Strategic Leadership and Management
Effective Communication Skills
Machine Learning
Machine Learning
Higher AI Adoption in India: 96% of Indian professionals currently use AI/GenAI tools in their work and in studying and developing or enhancing skills. This reflects a tech- savvy workforce eager to leverage AI for productivity and innovation
Globally, the adoption of AI is slightly slower (81% in the US and 84% in the UK), with concerns about training, changing job requirements and clarity in application still hindering some professionals.
AI/GenAI Skills as a Top Priority: AI/GenAI skills are at the forefront of professional development priorities in India, with 94% of professionals agreeing that developing AI/GenAI competencies is essential for long- term employability. This indicates a workforce that is not only aware of the technology’s potential but also ready to leverage its benefits and stay ahead of its global peers.
AI’s Transformative Impact on Workplaces: Among Indian professionals using AI/GenAI at work, 95% report improved productivity, compared to 89% globally, while 94% note enhanced workflow efficiency, outperforming the US (86%) and UK (90%). India’s higher satisfaction highlights a deeper integration of AI tools into daily workflows.
AI boosts productivity by automating repetitive tasks, enabling employees to focus on strategic and creative activities. It enhances agility through data-driven decision-making, reduces operational costs and improves workflow efficiency by minimising errors.
Companies leveraging AI gain a competitive edge by innovating faster, delivering personalised customer experiences, and staying ahead of trends. This blend of efficiency, innovation and adaptability underscores AI’s role as a transformative force in today’s business landscape.
Concerns About AI-Driven Displacement: In India, 83% of professionals worry that technology will replace them if they do not continue developing their skill sets, stacked against the 73% global average and the 71% and 77% of the US and Chinese professionals, respectively.
India’s workforce counters these concerns with a proactive approach, as evidenced by their high levels of engagement with AI/GenAI tools and independent skill- building efforts.
“Our research shows both excitement and anxiety about AI. Our study of current and future learners finds that the Indian workforce is proactively engaging with AI with significantly higher adoption than the rest of the world. At Emeritus, we address this trend by offering programmes designed to demystify AI and equip professionals with practical, actionable skills. These programmes empower professionals to leverage AI as a transformative force for career growth and innovation.”
Bhushan Heda
Chief Operating Officer, Emeritus
93% of Indian professionals agree that using AI/GenAI skills and tools in their jobs has helped them improve their work-life balance.
93% say that their overall job satisfaction has increased due to AI/GenAI-driven tools and resources available at work, above global (87%), US (82%) and UK (83%) averages.
94% also agree that using AI/GenAI tools and solutions motivate them and helps them enjoy their work more.
94% of Indian Learners Prefer Learning Programmes That Combine Global Perspectives With Local Relevance
Indian professionals exhibit high confidence in global learning providers, with 93% agreeing that programmes offered by global/international learning providers improve their job market opportunities, and 94% prefer learning programmes that combine global perspectives with local relevance.
This stems from an interest to have globally recognised credentials, which could be considered important in India’s competitive job market. The numbers highlight a significant opportunity for global learning providers to further establish themselves in India by tailoring programmes to local needs.
“At Emeritus, we’ve recognised the need of the Indian workforce that prefers learning about global perspectives with local insights by introducing innovative programmes that bring together the best of both worlds. Our collaborations are already delivering strong results, empowering professionals to embrace diverse skills and seize opportunities in both emerging and established industries. We’re committed to building a workforce that’s ready not just for today but for the future.”
Avnish Singhal
Executive Vice President, India, APAC
Dr. Lipi Singh, Director & Head – Analytics & Regulatory Affairs, MedTherapy Biotech and participant of the IIML-CEO programme, at the IIM Lucknow campus
Learner Suresh Kumar Jain, General Partner Sunicon Ventures With Director Of the Berkeley Robot Learning Lab
Key Motivations to Upskill
Indians are Hands-On Learners, Embracing Independent Learning and Building Connections
Indian professionals are charting their own paths to success, showcasing a strong preference for hands-on, self-directed learning. With 94% actively enhancing AI/GenAI skills independently, they outpace the global average (89%) and reflect a culture driven by ambition and adaptability.
93% dedicate time outside work to develop these skills, well above global and US averages, demonstrating their proactive approach to career growth that is indicative of a workforce driven by ambition, adaptability and resourcefulness.
Learning Through Community Connections
Beyond digital tools, Indian professionals prioritise building connections and learning from peers and mentors:
LinkedIn Groups (30%) and Professional Associations (28%) foster meaningful networking.
Career Coaches (26%) and Mentors (27%) provide guidance and support.
Online Forums (26%) like Reddit and Quora enable collaborative learning.
Webinars (33%) and Social Media Influencers (34%) offer diverse, expert-driven insights.
How Indian Professionals Choose Learning Platforms
Indian professionals prioritise faculty quality (25%), value for money (25%), and career support (20%) when selecting learning platforms, favouring practical and impactful education. Hybrid learning is particularly popular, with 79% of Indian learners preferring it (vs 67% globally) for its balance of online convenience and hands-on experiences. Additionally, 48% of Indian professionals are open to fully online learning, exceeding global averages and reflecting India’s readiness to embrace digital-first education.
AI-driven personalisation is revolutionising learning for Indian professionals:
- 94% are comfortable with AI/GenAI- driven programmes (vs 87% globally).
- 93% find AI/GenAI provides faster, more relevant career knowledge.
- 94% value AI/GenAI for on-demand skills and career advancement.
- Preferred features include personalised learning paths (38%), real-time progress tracking (38%), and flexible schedules (40%).
Barriers to Upskilling
Despite eagerness to upskill, challenges remain:
Flexible, affordable and high-quality learning solutions are essential to meet the needs of India’s ambitious workforce.
How Emeritus is Empowering Skill-Driven Professionals
“The Emeritus Workplace Skills Study reveals a significant and promising trend: India’s workforce is embracing a culture of learning that is both ambitious and future-focused. The data highlights a readiness to lead in critical areas of tomorrow’s economy, driven by a commitment to continuous upskilling. At Emeritus, these shifts are reflected in the growing demand for programmes that cultivate essential, future-ready skills, particularly in leadership and AI. By focusing on application-oriented, outcome-driven learning experiences, Emeritus empowers professionals to transform knowledge into action and deliver measurable results in their careers.
The study also signals a strengthening collaboration between learners and employers in India, with organisations increasing their investment in skill development. This underscores the value of our work at Emeritus—partnering with top-tier universities and enterprises to offer programmes designed to inform and transform.
By emphasising applied learning and practical outcomes, we are aligned with the aspirations of India’s professionals, who seek to grow in their careers and remain relevant in a fast-evolving market. These insights reaffirm our belief that India is leading the way in the skills revolution, and we remain committed to equipping professionals with the tools and expertise they need to excel in an increasingly dynamic world.”
Ashley Chiampoo
Chief Learning Officer, Emeritus
Discovering What Our Learners Need
“At Emeritus, we understand the importance of data and deep insights into customer needs in building better programmes and experiences for our learners, enterprise partners, and university partners. We can make informed decisions that truly meet the needs of global future learners, allowing us to identify opportunities for growth and improvement. After all, the success of any organisation ultimately depends on how well it understands and meets the needs of its current and future customers.
Insights like these enable us to tailor programmes that meet the aspirations of professionals, address the skill gaps faced by global organisations and design curricula in partnership with leading universities that align with future industry needs. By staying attuned to the evolving priorities of learners and markets, we can better fulfil our mission of making world-class education accessible and impactful.“
Eva Guterres
Vice President, Global Market Research and Customer Insights, Emeritus
