Why 74% of Indians Are Hesitant to Learn New Skills—and What It Means for Jobs

India’s development depends on both the capacity to work and the willingness to adapt. Economic progress cannot occur in isolation—it is driven by a workforce ready to learn, innovate, and embrace change.

Recent data indicate that 74% of Indians are reluctant to acquire new skills or change their job routines. Many remain in familiar roles, content with modest earnings, and hesitant to take risks. While this demonstrates a degree of stability, it poses challenges for the nation’s economic growth and competitiveness.

The India Jobs on the Rise 2026 report by LinkedIn India highlights key trends in the employment landscape:

• Job Transition vs. Preparedness: Approximately 72% of professionals are considering new opportunities, yet 84% feel unprepared for the challenges ahead. Many desire change but lack the technical confidence to pursue it.

• Rising Competition: Compared to 2022, applications per job have more than doubled, intensifying competition. The recruitment process has also become more complex, with 77% of professionals noting increased procedural demands and 66% describing it as highly mechanised.

• Employer Challenges: About 74% of employers find sourcing the right talent increasingly difficult. Rapid technological advancements require continuous skill updates, making it challenging to maintain a workforce aligned with evolving job requirements.

The Role of Technology and AI

Artificial intelligence is no longer a support tool—it is now central to business operations. Emerging roles include:

• Prompt Engineers: Specialists who combine coding and language expertise to generate precise outputs using AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and cloud-based tools.

• AI Engineers: Professionals designing, training, and fine-tuning AI models for organizational needs.

• Software Engineers: Though still essential, their roles now involve collaboration with AI to build secure, reliable, and adaptive applications.

• Cybersecurity Experts and Strategic Advisors: As technology adoption grows, demand rises for professionals capable of managing risks, securing digital assets, and guiding data-driven decisions.

Human-Centric Roles

Despite technological growth, human expertise remains critical. Behavioral therapy, mental health support, lifestyle consultancy, veterinary services, and brand strategy are witnessing rising demand. Additionally, sales specialists are expected to integrate AI tools effectively into business strategies, reflecting a blend of automation and human insight.

Adapting for the Future

Experts emphasize that staying relevant in the modern job market requires continuous skill development and the adoption of AI tools. The workforce must align with technological advancements while remaining adaptable to dynamic economic and professional landscapes.

The India Jobs on the Rise 2026 report offers a detailed look into these trends and highlights how skill gaps, technological adoption, and workforce preparedness are shaping India’s future employment ecosystem.

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