India Ranks 2nd Globally in Future Job Market Readiness in QS Skills Index 2025

India has emerged as the second most prepared job market for future in-demand skills, trailing only the United States, according to the QS World Future Skills Index 2025. The index highlights India’s potential in critical sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technology, and green industries.
The inaugural Future Skills Index, released by London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), evaluates countries’ readiness to meet evolving job market demands across four areas: skills fit, academic readiness, future of work, and economic transformation. India ranks 25th overall but shines as a “future skills contender,” excelling in the “Future of Work” category with a score of 99.1, the second-highest globally, just behind the United States. Alongside Mexico, India is noted as the most prepared nation for recruiting digital roles.
“India’s outstanding GDP growth, youthful population, and burgeoning start-up culture position the country as a global leader in future-ready skills,” said Matteo Quacquarelli, QS Vice President of Strategy and Analytics. The country’s demographic advantage plays a pivotal role, with its youthful population driving its readiness for future skills, unlike nations grappling with ageing workforces.
“India’s young workforce and dynamic start-up ecosystem make it uniquely poised to lead in emerging sectors,” added Ashwin Fernandes, QS Executive Director – AMESA. India’s progress underscores its ability to prepare a future-ready workforce, even as challenges in innovation and sustainability remain.
As India continues to leverage its dynamic economy, robust educational institutions, and demographic edge, it stands poised to lead globally in digital, AI, and green sectors. The QS Index cements India’s position as a key player in shaping the future of work, reaffirming its status as a rising global powerhouse in skill development and job market transformation.