The Human Progress Report 2026 by ETS (Education Testing Service), obtained exclusively by TOI, marks a decisive shift. ETS is a global nonprofit organization that designs tests such as the TOEFL and GRE and tracks workforce readiness trends. Job security no longer depends on tenure but on adaptability. With AI rapidly reshaping jobs and roles, Indian workers rely heavily on continuous learning and skill validation to stay competitive.
Globally, 67% of workers reported at least one major workplace disruption, but India was one of the worst-affected markets. Nearly 98% of workers here say they face at least one obstacle to career success, underscoring the pressure to continually upskill.
However, India also stands out for its resilience. The country’s Human Progress Index score is 114.4, well above the global average of 96.7.
The report shows that Indian workers are actively preparing for the future. Nearly nine in 10 say they are developing new skills, and 90% believe proven credentials are critical as skills needs change.
“Workers are adapting rapidly in the face of changing work environments,” said Amit Sevak, CEO of ETS. “Adaptability is becoming the new ‘must-have’ skill.”
A key driver of this transformation is artificial intelligence. Indian workers estimate that more than 42% of tasks involve AI tools, higher than the global average, and 78% say they use AI primarily to stay competitive rather than out of choice.
The report states that globally, the skills gap is widening. Employees face a 19-point gap between the importance of AI skills and actual proficiency, with 88% expecting their employer to support upskilling but only 71% actually doing so.
Stress is turning into anxiety. Another structural gap is emerging around credential access. While 73% of workers globally want to obtain a skills certificate, only 45% are able to obtain one, indicating affordability and availability barriers.
The broader global picture is one of continued disruption. The report, based on more than 32,000 respondents across 18 countries, noted that workers are “trying to aim for an unclear future” even as they develop skills in real time.
