India’s position as the second-most prepared country for future job markets highlights its growing potential to lead in key sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies, and green industries. This recognition comes from the release of the inaugural QS World Future Skills Index 2025, a report by London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), which is renowned for its university rankings. The index evaluates countries based on their readiness to meet the evolving demands of the global job market.
India’s impressive ranking, just behind the United States, showcases its significant strides in developing the skills necessary to thrive in the future workforce. The index measures four critical areas: Skills Fit, Academic Readiness, Future of Work, and Economic Transformation. India has been categorized as a ‘future skills contender’ and has excelled in the “Future of Work” indicator, where it secured the second-highest score of 99.1, trailing only the United States, which achieved a perfect score.
One of the standout findings of the report is India’s readiness to recruit for digital roles. India, along with Mexico, is identified as one of the most ready countries to fill the increasing demand for digital talent. This is particularly significant as the world transitions to a more digital and tech-driven economy, with AI and green technologies at the forefront of this transformation.
India’s strengths lie in its youthful population, dynamic start-up culture, and robust economic growth. These factors provide a unique advantage, positioning India to lead in digital and green sectors. The country has seen remarkable growth in its technology and start-up ecosystem, especially in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, which are becoming global hubs for innovation and tech talent.
Despite these strengths, the report also highlights areas where India can improve. One of the key challenges identified is in its higher education system, which, while strong in some areas, needs to better equip graduates with the digital, AI, and green skills that employers are increasingly seeking. The report calls for more collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders to ensure that academic programs align with market needs. In addition, there is a need for greater access to tertiary education in underserved regions to ensure that India’s workforce is as inclusive and diverse as possible.
India’s GDP growth in recent years has been impressive, and its young workforce offers a unique opportunity to drive forward innovation and economic transformation. While many other countries are grappling with demographic challenges like aging populations, India’s young and growing population is seen as a major asset. This demographic advantage allows the country to rapidly adapt to emerging trends in AI, digital technologies, and sustainable practices.
However, despite its strong performance in areas like AI and digital skills, India scored lower in the Future-Oriented Innovation and Sustainability metric. This suggests that while India is making strides in future-ready skills, it still has room to grow when it comes to sustainable practices and forward-thinking innovation. The country’s transition to more sustainable technologies and practices will be crucial to its long-term success in a rapidly changing global economy.
To address these challenges, India will need to foster deeper integration between higher education and industry. By building stronger collaborations and promoting innovation, India can better prepare its workforce for the future. Expanding access to quality education, especially in rural areas, will be critical to ensuring that all segments of the population can benefit from the country’s growing digital economy.
The role of India’s start-up culture cannot be overstated in this transformation. The country is home to one of the world’s largest and most dynamic start-up ecosystems, with companies in sectors ranging from AI and fintech to clean energy and e-commerce. This vibrant start-up scene provides the perfect breeding ground for the kind of innovation that will be needed to meet the demands of the future job market. By encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, India can continue to strengthen its position as a leader in the global economy.
Furthermore, the report stresses the need for a more sustainable approach to development. As the world shifts toward green technologies and sustainability becomes a key driver of growth, India must prioritize the development of green jobs and sustainable practices. The growth of India’s renewable energy sector, particularly solar and wind, provides an opportunity for the country to lead in the green economy, creating millions of new jobs and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
India’s ranking in the QS World Future Skills Index is a testament to its growing capabilities in digital, AI, and green sectors. Yet, the country must continue to evolve its education system, foster industry collaborations, and adopt sustainable practices to unlock its full potential. By addressing these challenges, India can secure its place as a global leader in the future job market.
India’s future workforce will be shaped by its ability to adapt to rapid technological advancements and global trends. The country’s commitment to innovation, education, and sustainability will determine how well it can harness its demographic advantages and technological strengths to lead the world in future in-demand skills.