Indian Managers See AI Training Becoming Core Team Responsibility Within Five Years

A new nationwide survey has revealed a significant shift in workplace capability building, with 63% of Indian managers stating that AI training will become a core team responsibility within the next five years. This finding marks a clear transition in how organisations anticipate future workforce needs, reflecting the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence across industries.

The study highlights growing confidence among managers in the transformative potential of AI. As organizations accelerate the integration of intelligent tools into daily operations, leaders believe that AI proficiency will soon be as essential as digital literacy. Managers also reported that AI skills are no longer restricted to IT teams; instead, every function — from HR and finance to sales, marketing, and operations — will require foundational to advanced AI capabilities.

Interestingly, 93% of Indian business leaders indicated plans to deploy AI agents within the next 12–18 months, suggesting an urgency to build workforce readiness. With AI automating routine tasks, employees will increasingly be expected to focus on higher-value responsibilities such as problem-solving, decision-making and innovation. The shift also aligns with India’s broader ambition to position itself as a leading AI-driven economy.

However, the survey highlights a key challenge: the skills gap. While leaders are optimistic, many employees feel they are not adequately prepared for AI adoption. HR departments are now expected to play a strategic role in bridging this gap by designing structured AI-upskilling roadmaps, incorporating continuous learning, and promoting cross-functional skill mobility.

Experts believe this trend will redefine learning and development in organisations. AI-enabled training platforms, personalised learning paths, micro-learning modules, and project-based AI labs are set to become mainstream. Companies that prioritise early training will gain a competitive advantage in productivity, innovation and talent retention.

As India moves toward a digitally empowered workforce, AI training is no longer optional. It is becoming an essential, shared responsibility — one that managers expect every team to embrace as a core capability for future success.