As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to change the global workplace, Indian graduates are navigating their career paths with a mixture of enthusiasm and apprehension. According to the CFA
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to change the global workplace, Indian graduates are navigating their career paths with a mixture of enthusiasm and apprehension. According to the CFA Institute’s Global Graduate Outlook Survey 2025, more than 70% of Indian graduates believe that AI and automation will make it difficult to secure their desired jobs. Nevertheless, contradictory, the same majority looks as a powerful tool to enhance the proficiency AI proficiency. This dual emotion shows transformational changes that young professionals look at the future of work.
The survey of the CFA Institute included more than 9,000 fresh graduates globally, with 1,250 from India. While AI is seen with caution, Indian respondents were more concerned about the possible impact on job opportunities than their global peers. Despite this fear, an important 92% of Indian graduates stated that specializing in AI or automation equipment would give a major boost to their career.
Interestingly, more than 50% of Indian graduates expressed confidence in their ability to effectively use AI in the workplace. This underlines an increasing recognition that the technical flow is not only beneficial – this is necessary.
The increasing importance of AI is clear in graduates’ career preferences. Interest in AI-centered career increased from 59% in 2024 to 63% in 2025. This trend reflects a comprehensive change towards future proof career, which is a desire to remain awareness, adaptability and a rapidly changing job market.
Aarti Porwal, the head of the CFA Institute in India, said, “For this generation, AI is no longer an option. It is an essential for professional development. Graduates are aware and demanding to achieve the right skills.”
Despite the AI revolution, the finance field tops the list of career options for Indian graduates. The region saw a remarkable leap in confidence, with 38% graduates rating it as the most promising from 30% last year. It followed closely at 32%, while education remained stable at 21%.
What is this belief in finance? According to the survey, 23% of respondents see it as a stable and attractive career path, while 26% see it as the most valuable area in terms of long -term development and impact.
Dr. Professor of Patil University, Dr. Archana Singh said, “Finance sector is growing rapidly, inserts traditional roles with emerging technologies such as generative AI and blockchain. It makes it necessary to undergo skill-based training for students that align with this change.”
Another key insight from the CFA survey is the shifting perception toward education. A striking 68% of Indian graduates believe that certifications offer better career prospects than a traditional postgraduate degree. This reflects a significant shift toward outcome-driven learning, with flexibility and practical skills outweighing academic credentials.
The report also highlighted that 85% of Indian graduates feel certifications have directly improved their employability and income levels. This trend is expected to grow as more professionals choose short-term, specialized programs to stay ahead in a competitive job market.
Finally, the urgency survey to start working immediately after graduation is another strong theme. Around 40% of graduates expressed their desire to enter the workforce immediately, highlighting early financial freedom, career experience, and increasing importance of learning on extended educational activities.
CFA Institute is Global Graduate Outlook Survey 2025 presents a vivid picture of how Indian graduates are thinking about their future. The alleged threat of AI is real, but its ability is recognized. Performing attention to skill development, certificate, and technical-competent career, especially in finance and the youth of AI-India prepares both aware and further challenges.
While fear exists, they are rapidly balanced by action: apsculling, searching for emerging areas, and hugging a future where technology and talent must go by hand.
Over 70% of Indian graduates fear that AI and automation will make it harder to secure their desired jobs, as per the CFA Institute’s Global Graduate Outlook Survey 2025.
According to the survey, 92% of Indian graduates believe that gaining skills in AI or automation will enhance their career opportunities.
Finance remains the top choice at 38%, followed by IT (32%) and education (21%).
Yes, 68% of Indian graduates believe certifications offer better career progression than traditional postgraduate degrees.
Growing awareness, adaptability, and the evolving job market have led to a steady increase in interest in AI careers—from 59% in 2024 to 63% in 2025.
