The India Skills Report 2026, published by ETS, highlights that India’s employability has reached a record high of 56.35%. Notably, for the first time, women have surpassed men in this metric, and AI skills have significantly benefited the nation’s youth. The report reveals that 71% of Gen Z freelancers are now trained in AI, with job opportunities projected to grow by 40% in 2026-27. From tier-2 cities to the manufacturing and tech sectors, India is swiftly progressing towards becoming the “Skill Capital of the World.” The country’s overall employability has improved from 46.2% in 2022 to 56.3% in 2026. (Representative/Getty)

The report, collaboratively compiled by ETS, CII, AICTE, and AIU, analysed data from over 100,000 candidates and more than 1,000 companies across the country. It states that training in technology, digital skills, and AI has empowered the youth people. India holds 16% of global AI talent, which is projected to reach 1.25 million professionals by 2027, it added. (Representative/PTI)

India’s gig and freelance workforce is projected to reach 23.5 million by 2030, with project-based hiring increasing by 38% last year. The leading sectors in hiring include technology, BFSI, Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, and Healthcare, while AI, Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity are emerging as top skills. Over 90% of employees in India use Generative AI tools, indicating accelerated digital integration, the report stated. (Representative Image/File)

This time, the most significant achievement in the report was for women. For the first time, female employability in India (54%) surpassed that of men (51.5%). Hybrid work and digital skills have boosted women’s job prospects. This clearly shows that India’s labor market is moving towards gender balance, it added. (Representative Image/File)

Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka are the top three states with the highest employability. Skill development is now flourishing not only in metropolitan cities but also in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Lucknow, Kochi, and Chandigarh are emerging as new skill hubs, and the skills gap between rural and urban areas is rapidly closing. (Representative Image/File)
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