Indian workers want to embrace AI. Yet many still do not know how to use it at work. A new survey shows a sharp gap between awareness and action, despite high motivation across the country.
The findings come from Udemy’s report, Ready or Not: The Emerging Gap Between Awareness and Action in AI Transformation, conducted by YouGov in four major economies, including the US, UK, India and Brazil.
Workers want to learn, but still need direction
Indian employees show some of the world’s strongest interest in upskilling. In fact, 87% say they feel motivated to build job-related skills. This is nearly equal to their motivation to save money or pick up new hobbies.
However, many still struggle with practical usage of Artificial Intelligence. 44% need help choosing and learning different AI tools. And 38% cannot easily incorporate AI into daily workflows. Ethical confusion also persists. 42% want clearer guidance on responsible use.
These numbers show a workforce eager to learn but unsure where to start.
Training is widespread, but real understanding remains uneven
India leads the group in access to formal AI training. Surprisingly, 43% of workers have completed employer-provided AI courses. Meanwhile, only 14% say they have received no training at all — the lowest across all surveyed countries.
Yet employees still lack clarity on real-world application. Many know the basics but struggle to link AI tools to actual tasks. So, despite strong training access, execution gaps remain.
Employees overestimate their own skills
Managers see a very different picture than employees. For instance, 41% of Indian managers believe entry-level workers lack communication skills, but only 11% of workers agree. Similar gaps appear in leadership and critical thinking.
This mismatch creates confusion. Workers think they are ready for Artificial Intelligence integrated workflow. Managers think they are not. And companies struggle to design the right training as a result.
Indians understand the risks, but still need role-specific guidance
Indian workers show a realistic view of AI disruption. 72% worry about the impact on society, and 66% fear personal job loss. This is far more balanced than in the US or UK, where people believe AI threatens “others” more than themselves.
Even so, employees still lack clarity on how AI will reshape their own jobs. They know disruption is coming. They simply do not know how to prepare for it.
AI skills are growing fast, but guidance must keep pace
India leads globally in Artificial Intelligence confidence. 29% of workers say they already have adequate AI skills, the highest among all four countries. Still, this means most workers remain uncertain or underprepared.
The report suggests that India now needs sharper, clearer workplace rules. Employees want step-by-step guidance. They want examples. And they want practical workflows that show exactly where AI fits.
India has motivation. It has training. And it has the hunger to lead. But without clearer guidance, the country risks slowing its own momentum right when the Artificial Intelligence race is accelerating.
