India’s professionals keen to sharpen AI skills, see productivity gains

Bengaluru: As many as 97% of Indian professionals are willing to further develop their AI capabilities, while 88% expect the technology to improve productivity and efficiency in their area of expertise, according to a new report.

The Candidate Pulse Report 2026 by Michael Page India, which draws insights from more than 3,000 professionals, highlights a significant shift in how professionals engage with artificial intelligence. AI has evolved from an emerging technology into a practical tool increasingly embedded in day-to-day work and job search activities.

The findings show strong interest in developing AI skills, alongside concerns about how the technology is used. As many as 65% cite the lack of human judgement and intuition as a concern, while 61% point to privacy and data security.


AI use is already routine, led by conversational and generative tools. About 76% of professionals use interactive AI, such as chatbots and smart assistants, often or very often, while only 3% have never used it. Similarly, 72% use generative AI and 71% use text AI often or very often.

However, specialised tools are less embedded in daily work. About 62% use analytic AI, 55% functional AI and 53% visual AI often or very often.

Across all six types of AI, professionals in India report more regular use than their counterparts in the other APAC markets surveyed, with the difference ranging from 7 to 12 percentage points. The larger share of professionals who use analytic, functional and visual AI only occasionally suggests scope for deeper adoption.

“India’s professionals are no longer asking whether to use AI; they are using it every day. What we are seeing is a workforce that is optimistic about productivity gains, but also clear about the safeguards it expects, from human judgment to the protection of data. The opportunity now is to move beyond conversational tools to AI that is built into how analysis, decisions and operations are carried out,” said Nilay Khandelwal, senior managing director at Michael Page.

“That will depend on organisations and providers giving people tools that fit their needs at a price that works, alongside the training to use them well. Those that close that gap will turn enthusiasm into real, lasting capability,” he added.

The appetite to learn is near-universal and closely linked to career growth. Nearly 97% of professionals are willing to learn more about AI. Most want to improve their efficiency and productivity and prepare for future roles. Many also see AI skills as a way to improve their employment prospects and earn higher salaries, with pay a stronger motivation in India than in the other APAC markets surveyed.

Few want to learn AI to move into other sectors, suggesting that most professionals view AI skills as a means of progressing within their current fields.

Professionals also expect practical returns from AI. About 81% expect AI tools to save time, while 71% believe they will help them find more relevant positions and personalise job applications more efficiently. Another 66% expect AI to help improve their résumés, while nearly two in three (64%) expect it to improve their interview skills. This is 17 percentage points higher than the corresponding share in the other APAC markets surveyed.

The survey covered 3,401 professionals across 11 APAC markets, including 2,550 in India.