Accessed exclusively by TOI, the 2026 Human Progress Report by ETS (Educational Testing Service), a global non-profit that designs assessments like TOEFL and GRE and tracks workforce readiness trends, signals a decisive shift. Job security is no longer about tenure, but about adaptability. As AI reshapes work and roles rapidly evolve, Indian employees are turning to continuous learning and skills validation to remain competitive.
Globally, 67% of workers reported at least one major workplace disruption, but India is one of the most affected markets. Nearly 98% of employees here report facing at least one barrier to professional success, underscoring the pressure to continually upskill.
Yet, India also stands for resilience. The country recorded a Human Progress Index score of 114.4, much higher than the global average of 96.7.
The report shows that Indian workers are actively building the future. Nearly nine in ten say they are developing new skills, while 90% believe verified credentials are necessary due to changes in demand for skills.
“In the face of a changing job landscape, employees are adapting rapidly,” said Amit Sevak, CEO of ETS. “Adaptability is becoming the new ‘essential’ skill.”
A key driver of this change is AI. Indian workers estimate that more than 42% of their work involves AI tools, higher than the global average, and 78% say they use AI primarily to remain competitive, not by choice.
Globally, the report points to a growing skills gap. Workers face a 19-point gap between the importance of AI skills and actual proficiency, and 88% expect employers to support upskilling, but only 71% get it.
Pressure is turning into anxiety. Another structural gap is emerging around access to credit. While 73% of workers globally want skills certification, only 45% have access, pointing to affordability and availability barriers.
The broader global picture is one of continued disruption. The report, based on more than 32,000 respondents from 18 countries, said workers are “trying to aim for a vague future” even as they are building skills in real time.
