Cognizant and Pearson report that more than one-third of routine duties for fresh graduates in India are already performed by artificial intelligence. The findings were released on June 18, 2026, and indicate the country exceeds the global average for AI adoption in entry-level roles.

A joint study titled “The AI Workforce Pulse” released on June 18, 2026, shows that 37% of tasks typically assigned to entry-level employees in India are now automated by AI systems [1]. The research, conducted by technology services firm Cognizant and education publisher Pearson, focuses on the Indian labor market and compares its automation rate with worldwide benchmarks [1][4].

The study was authored by Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) and Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L) and surveyed employers across multiple sectors, including information technology, finance, and retail [1][3]. Researchers combined employer surveys with analysis of job descriptions to quantify the proportion of routine activities—such as data entry, basic reporting, and initial customer triage—handled by AI tools [2][3]. The methodology involved cross-referencing AI capability assessments with task-level breakdowns provided by participating firms [3].

Study Findings and Scope

The report indicates that AI adoption for entry-level work in India has surpassed the global average of 28% documented in earlier international studies [4]. Among the tasks most frequently automated are document verification, inventory updates, and preliminary data analytics [1][2]. The remaining 63% of duties still require human intervention, primarily for decision-making, relationship management, and complex problem solving [1].

Employers surveyed reported a shift in hiring criteria, emphasizing candidates’ ability to supervise, interpret, and refine AI outputs rather than perform the underlying repetitive tasks [2][3]. The study notes that 58% of firms now list “AI collaboration” or “AI oversight” as essential competencies for new hires [2]. Companies also indicated that AI integration has reduced the average time to competency for fresh graduates by roughly 20% because routine onboarding tasks are handled by automated workflows [3].

Study Findings and Scope The report indicates that AI adoption for entry-level work in India has surpassed the global average of 28% documented in earlier international studies [4].

Geographically, the research covered major Indian employment hubs, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR, where technology adoption rates are highest [1]. The report highlights that firms in the technology and financial services sectors exhibit the greatest automation levels, exceeding 45% of entry-level tasks, while manufacturing and hospitality lag behind at approximately 25% [4].

Implications for Students, Educators, and Employers

The findings suggest immediate adjustments for students entering the job market. Fresh graduates will need to develop AI literacy, data-interpretation skills, and the capacity to manage AI-driven processes [1][2]. Pearson’s education division plans to incorporate AI-focused modules into its curricula, targeting interdisciplinary competencies such as critical thinking, ethics, and human-centered design [1].

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Higher-education institutions are advised to revise program structures to embed practical AI exposure, including lab work with automation platforms and collaborative projects with industry partners [3]. The report recommends that universities introduce “AI supervision” tracks within business, engineering, and liberal-arts degrees to align graduate outcomes with employer expectations [2].

Employers are expected to redesign onboarding programs, allocating more time to training on AI toolsets and less to manual task execution [3]. Several multinational firms operating in India have already announced pilot schemes that pair new hires with AI mentors—software agents that guide task completion and provide real-time feedback [4]. These initiatives aim to accelerate productivity while ensuring that human workers retain oversight responsibilities.

Policy makers are also monitoring the shift, as the automation of entry-level work raises concerns about labor market dynamics and wage structures. The Indian Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has referenced the study in recent briefings, indicating plans to fund reskilling programs that target AI-related competencies for young workers [4].

Impact on Readers

Students and recent graduates reading this report should anticipate a job search environment where proficiency in AI tools is a baseline requirement. Preparing for roles that involve supervising automated systems can improve employability across sectors. Educators can use the data to justify curriculum updates that prioritize interdisciplinary skill sets, ensuring that graduates are equipped for the evolving workplace. Employers can leverage the findings to refine hiring practices, invest in AI-training infrastructure, and align workforce development strategies with the documented automation rate.

Key Facts

The Indian Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has referenced the study in recent briefings, indicating plans to fund reskilling programs that target AI-related competencies for young workers [4].

What: 37% of entry-level tasks in India are already performed by AI.

When: Findings released June 18, 2026.

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Impact: Students must acquire AI-related skills; educators and employers need to adjust curricula and hiring practices.