New Delhi, 03 November 2026: Michael Page India has released the India findings of its Candidate Pulse Report 2026, drawing insights from the more than 3000 professionals. The report highlights a significant shift in how professionals engage with artificial intelligence. AI has evolved from being an emerging technology to a practical tool that is increasingly embedded in day-to-day work and job search activities. As many as 97% of professionals are willing to further develop their AI capabilities, while 88% expect the technology to improve productivity and efficiency within their area of expertise.
The findings show strong interest in developing AI skills, alongside clear concerns about how AI is used. While 88% expect AI to improve efficiency and productivity, 65% cite the lack of human judgment and intuition as a concern, and 61% cite privacy and data security.
AI use is already routine, led by conversational and generative tools
- 76% of professionals use interactive AI, such as chatbots and smart assistants, often or very often, and only 3% have never used it
- 72% use generative AI and 71% use text AI often or very often
- Specialized tools are less embedded: 62% use analytic AI, 55% functional AI and 53% visual AI often or very often
Across all six types of AI, India's professionals report more regular use than their counterparts in the other APAC markets surveyed, by between 7 and 12 percentage points. The larger share of those who use analytic, functional, and visual AI only occasionally points to room for deeper adoption.
According to Nilay Khandelwal, Senior Managing Director at Michael Page, "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. 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."
Optimism is strong, but professionals want human judgment and data protection safeguarded
Professionals see clear value from AI in their area of expertise:
- 88% expect improved efficiency and productivity
- 73% expect automation of repetitive tasks
- 68% expect enhanced decision-making capabilities
However, concerns center on how AI is used rather than on job loss. Professionals are most wary of losing human judgment and intuition, and of risks to privacy and data security, while worry about job displacement is noticeably lower than in the other APAC markets surveyed.
Overall, most see AI as beneficial but not without significant risks, and a large share view it as a game-changer for their industry. Very few consider it overhyped.
Appetite to learn is near-universal and tied to career growth
97% of professionals are willing to learn more about AI. Their motivations are clear:
- Most want to improve their efficiency and productivity and prepare for new roles in the future
- Many also see AI skills as a way to improve their chances of being hired and to earn a higher salary, with pay a stronger motive in India than in the other APAC markets surveyed
- Few want to learn AI to move into other sectors, which suggests that most professionals see AI skills as a way to progress within their current field
AI is becoming part of the job search
Familiarity with AI in the job search is high, and tool use is widespread:
- 71% are familiar with AI and its applications in the job search and application process, and a further group has heard of it but knows little about how it applies
- 80% of those aware of it have used an AI tool, such as job-matching tools, résumé builders, or AI-powered interview coaching
Professionals also expect practical returns:
- 81% expect AI tools to save time
- 71% expect them to help find more relevant positions and personalize applications more efficiently
- 66% expect to improve their résumé
- Nearly two in three (64%) expect to improve their interview skills, which is 17 percentage points higher than in the other APAC markets surveyed
The Candidate Pulse survey covered 3,401 professionals across 11 APAC markets, including 2,550 in India.
