A recent report indicates that many Indians fear becoming obsolete due to automation and AI transforming jobs. The best way to respond to FOBO? Upskilling. To remain pertinent in a changing job market, Indian employees are seeking out certifications and training in AI.
FOBO (the fear of being obsolete) is emerging as a worldwide problem. As various sectors undergo transformation due to AI and automation, numerous workers are concerned that their skills may soon be obsolete and that they could lose their jobs. However, India is viewing it from a different perspective.
The ETS Human Progress Report 2025 states that as competition in the job market intensifies, the importance of ‘Evidential Currency’—credentials and real-time skill assessments—grows, with 60% of employees experiencing FOBO.
Gen Z professionals are the most anxious — 65% fear being replaced by AI and automation. But instead of giving in to uncertainty, they are almost leading the way in upskilling and earning new credentials. India has a similar stance.
According to the ETS report, 80% of Indians claim they have “already developed new skills by using AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Google Gemini).” This figure is significantly above the global average of 61%. Thus, Indians are not only enhancing their skills but are also utilizing AI for this purpose. Such a position is likely to lead to an increase in AI-related upskilling initiatives throughout the country.
EMPLOYEES REALIZE THEY HAVE TO ADJUST
AI is beyond the domain of only technology specialists. AI is impacting nearly every industry, from finance to healthcare. A report by McKinsey in 2024 states that by the year 2030, AI could automate up to 27% of current working hours in Europe and 30% in the United States.
The demand for AI skills has increased by 33% across 14 countries, with significant shortages in Advanced IT, Programming, and Critical Thinking Skills.
With conventional jobs vanishing and those driven by AI expanding, the job market is changing at a swift pace. Workers globally are aware that failing to enhance their skills and adjust to this speed will result in being left behind.
According to an ETS Human Progress 2025 report, 88% of respondents agree that continuous training is important for success in modern society. Additionally, 67% received at least one accounting skill to remain relevant. 72% of GENZ and 76% of millennials report the same. This shows that employees are actively trying ways to protect their careers in the future.
What skills do you need to avoid staying behind?
The labour market now combines technical and sustainable skills, particularly AI literacy, with people’s abilities such as creativity and communication.
Among respondents, these skills are essential to stay competitive in the job market (AI/digital literacy (33% selected), creativity (26% selected), and communication (23% selected).
Over six in 10 employees have expressed interest in acquiring skill securities for these main skills.
In addition to AI literacy, language skills become extremely important around the world. Depending on the OECD 2023 skill outlook, four of the 10 vacancies posted online in 2021 in non-English speaking European countries require knowledge of English.
Furthermore, language experts’ use has almost tripled in the US over the past 20 years.
AI TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS ARE THE LEADING SOLUTIONS
So, what is the Indian response to FOBO? The solution is to acquire new skills, especially in the areas of AI and digital literacy. The report identifies a growing number of workers choosing to pursue certifications in technical skills, problem-solving, and AI literacy—areas that are gaining value.
This shift is also being acknowledged by employers. To guarantee that their workforce continues to be adaptable, companies are putting money into AI training programs and reskilling efforts. The emergence of skills-first hiring (similar to the Elon Musk approach) rather than emphasizing traditional degrees demonstrates the significance of ongoing education.
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