Mumbai: India’s Gen Z and millennial workforce is rapidly moving from learning artificial intelligence to applying it confidently at work, according to the 15th edition of Deloitte’s Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey. The findings highlight India’s growing lead in AI adoption, workplace adaptability and skills readiness compared to global peers.
Based on responses from 806 participants in India, including 506 Gen Zs and 300 millennials, the survey found that 85% of Gen Zs and 91% of millennials in India are confident using AI in their roles, significantly ahead of global averages. More than 90% across both cohorts also reported using AI for learning and development, career guidance and managing workplace stress.
The survey reflects how AI is increasingly becoming embedded across daily work functions while also reshaping career aspirations, leadership ambitions and workplace expectations for India’s young workforce.
Commenting on the findings, Deepti Sagar, Chief People and Experience Officer, Deloitte India, said, “Gen AI and Agentic have a pivotal role to play across business domains. Equipping the workforce to add their human perspective to artificial intelligence will ensure that everyone can stay ahead of the game. The need of the hour is to have a role-specific, immersive, comprehensive AI upskilling program. That way, everyone acquires their unique Gen AI/agentic skillsets, as per whether they need it for general problem solving or for developing go-to-market solutions.”
Further emphasising the need to connect AI training with growth opportunities, she added, “Training shouldn’t be an end in itself. Companies can be incubators of innovation by having an AI-skills-based internal credentialling system. That way, teams can find the right talent for their cutting-edge projects, within the organisation’s fold. Making role-based Gen AI/ Agentic skills a part of employees’ annual KPIs will also serve as an excellent motivator.”
The report also highlighted strong momentum around AI upskilling, with 32% of Gen Zs and 35% of millennials already completing AI training programs. Interest in further capability-building remains high, with 54% of Gen Zs and 60% of millennials actively seeking additional AI learning opportunities.
Despite the optimism around technology and career growth, the survey pointed to mounting financial pressures among young Indians. Around 54% of Gen Zs and 44% of millennials said they had delayed major life decisions because of financial constraints. Home affordability emerged as a key concern, particularly among Gen Z respondents.
Unemployment continues to be the top concern among both generations, followed by issues such as climate change, cybersecurity and data protection.
The findings also indicate that leadership aspirations remain strong. While 96% of Gen Zs and 93% of millennials expressed interest in senior leadership positions, maintaining work-life balance and achieving financial independence continue to rank among their highest priorities.
Purpose-driven workplaces are also gaining importance. Nearly all respondents linked purpose to job satisfaction, while 48% of Gen Zs and 41% of millennials said they would reject employers whose values did not align with their own beliefs.
The survey further revealed the growing importance of workplace relationships in employee retention and wellbeing. Around 79–80% of respondents considered colleagues as friends, with those reporting strong workplace friendships also showing higher levels of happiness and long-term career commitment.
As AI adoption accelerates across industries, the report positions India’s Gen Z and millennial workforce as increasingly confident, adaptive and future-focused, while also highlighting the need for organisations to balance technological transformation with wellbeing, financial security and meaningful career growth.
