India has made significant strides in preparing its workforce for the future of work, securing a spot among the world’s leaders in readiness for in-demand skills. According to the QS World Future Skills Index, India has ranked 25th overall and performed exceptionally well in the “future of work” metric, securing the second-highest global score of 99.1. This ranking places India just behind the United States, which topped the index with a perfect score of 100.
The QS World Future Skills Index, compiled by the UK-based higher education firm QS, assesses countries based on their ability to meet the challenges posed by the future global job market. The index looks at key indicators such as the readiness of educational systems, the availability of new technologies, and the ability of industries to adapt to new job requirements. India’s ranking places it in the ‘future skills contender’ category, a recognition that acknowledges the country’s progress in developing the skills needed for emerging industries.
India’s remarkable performance in the “future of work” category can be attributed to its rapidly growing expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies, and green industries. These sectors are expected to drive job creation and economic growth in the coming years. The country’s vibrant tech ecosystem, supported by the success of companies in cities like Bengaluru, is contributing to this preparedness. Additionally, the increasing emphasis on AI research and development within India’s academic and corporate sectors is further strengthening its position on the global stage.
Despite this progress, India faces its share of challenges in ensuring that all sectors of the population benefit from this growth. For instance, the rural-urban divide in digital access remains a significant barrier. While urban areas like Delhi and Mumbai are increasingly becoming hubs for tech innovation, rural parts of India continue to struggle with limited access to high-speed internet and modern technologies. To address this gap, the Indian government is investing heavily in expanding digital infrastructure, aiming to bring millions of rural residents online.
The country’s growing number of internet users is a testament to this digital shift. By 2025, India is projected to exceed 900 million internet users, with a significant portion of these users coming from rural regions. This growing base of digital consumers presents an opportunity for companies to tap into new markets, particularly in the fields of online education, e-commerce, and digital entertainment. However, challenges remain in ensuring that this digital growth is inclusive and that all Indians have the necessary skills to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the internet.
A report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Kantar highlights that 732 million Indians, or approximately 83% of the country’s internet users, are engaging with over-the-top (OTT) audio and video content. While urban users spend more time online than their rural counterparts, the gap is narrowing, with rural internet users now spending almost the same amount of time online as their urban peers. This trend is contributing to a shift in the media consumption landscape, as more users in both urban and rural areas turn to digital platforms for content consumption, marking a major change from traditional television and print media.
India’s educational institutions are also rising to the challenge of equipping students with the skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce. Many universities and training centers are now offering specialized programs in AI, data science, and digital marketing, reflecting the growing demand for these skills. These programs are crucial in building a talent pipeline that can support the country’s ambitious plans for growth in technology and innovation.
Moreover, India’s growing green energy sector presents another opportunity for the future workforce. As the global economy shifts toward sustainability, India’s investment in renewable energy—particularly solar and wind power—offers new avenues for job creation. The country is already one of the largest producers of solar energy in the world, and this sector is expected to create millions of new jobs in the coming decades.
The government’s commitment to creating a future-ready workforce is reflected in various policy initiatives aimed at promoting digital literacy and green technologies. By increasing funding for vocational training programs, expanding internet access in underserved regions, and incentivizing businesses to invest in employee reskilling, India is laying the foundation for a competitive workforce that can thrive in the digital age.
India’s progress in readiness for future in-demand jobs, however, is not without its challenges. As automation and AI continue to disrupt traditional industries, India’s large informal sector, comprising millions of workers in low-skilled jobs, may face significant disruption. Ensuring that these workers have access to reskilling opportunities is critical to preventing job displacement and fostering an inclusive transition to the new economy. Retraining programs in areas like project management, customer service, and data analysis will be crucial in helping workers adapt to the changing job market.
In the audio and entertainment industry, companies like Pocket FM have experienced both rapid growth and layoffs, underscoring the evolving nature of the job market. Pocket FM, a popular audio series platform, laid off 75 employees as part of a restructuring plan aimed at improving profitability. This comes after a series of cost-cutting measures, including previous rounds of layoffs and the end of contracts with freelance workers. The rise of digital content platforms has created new opportunities but also led to greater competition and restructuring within the industry.
India’s position in the QS World Future Skills Index is a testament to the country’s potential to lead in future industries. However, to maintain and enhance its standing, continued investment in education, infrastructure, and technology is necessary. By addressing gaps in digital access, promoting lifelong learning, and supporting workers through reskilling initiatives, India can ensure that its workforce is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
As AI and automation reshape the global workforce, India’s ability to adapt and embrace these changes will be pivotal in determining its place in the world economy. The future of work in India will require innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to inclusivity to ensure that every citizen has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.