By IETeam In a world where skepticism about educational systems is prevalent, India stands out as a beacon of hope. The latest Educational Testing Service (ETS) Human Progress Report, released on February 4, 2025, highlights India’s exceptional optimism regarding its education system and socioeconomic mobility. Conducted across 18 countries, the survey reveals that while only 30% of global respondents express confidence in their nation’s education, a remarkable 70% of Indians hold a positive outlook.
This optimism extends into the future, with 76% of Indians anticipating further improvements in education, compared to a global average of 64%. However, beneath this hopeful perspective lies an acute awareness of existing challenges. A significant 84% of Indian respondents acknowledge the difficulty in accessing quality education, and 78% recognize that educational opportunities are often skewed toward privileged groups. Additionally, 74% point to a shortage of teachers as a major bottleneck in the nation’s educational progress.
When compared to global averages, Indians more frequently cite the lack of high-quality educational programs (34% vs. 22%) and institutions (29% vs. 20%) as barriers. Despite these hurdles, India exhibits a favorable attitude toward non-profit organizations, with 26% agreeing that such entities can play a role in improving access to high-quality education, compared to 19% globally.
India’s confidence is not limited to education alone; it extends into the realm of socioeconomic mobility. Nearly 69% of Indians believe in their current opportunities for upward mobility, compared to a global average of 55%. Looking ahead to 2035, 72% of Indians expect improvements, surpassing the 62% optimism observed in other countries.
However, economic barriers persist. More Indians than their global counterparts cite job shortages (40% vs. 34%), expensive education (33% vs. 28%), and lack of advancement knowledge (29% vs. 22%) as key hurdles. Notably, fewer Indians (19%) feel that a lack of connections hinders their opportunities, compared to the global average of 28%.
Amit Sevak, CEO of ETS, remarks, “India has made impressive strides in foundational learning, but disparities persist between urban and rural areas and across states. One of the biggest factors influencing student outcomes is teacher quality.”
The workforce in India is rapidly adapting to new skill requirements, with upskilling becoming a widely accepted necessity. About 91% of Indians believe lifelong learning will become a career standard, significantly higher than the global norm. Moreover, 88% anticipate that credentials and certifications will gain more importance than university degrees in the coming years, compared to 75% worldwide. The influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the job market is a major concern, with 88% of Indians recognizing its transformative impact on essential skills.
In conclusion, while India showcases remarkable optimism and confidence in its educational system and socioeconomic mobility, it remains cognizant of the challenges that lie ahead. Addressing issues such as accessibility, teacher shortages, and economic barriers will be crucial in ensuring that this optimism translates into tangible progress for all segments of the population.
Key Survey Findings: India vs. Global Averages
| Aspect | India (%) | Global Average (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Optimism about current education system | 70 | 30 |
| Anticipation of future educational improvements | 76 | 64 |
| Belief in current upward socioeconomic mobility | 69 | 55 |
| Expectation of improved mobility by 2035 | 72 | 62 |
| Perception of job shortages as a barrier | 40 | 34 |
| View of expensive education as a barrier | 33 | 28 |
| Belief in lifelong learning as a career standard | 91 | N/A |
| Anticipation of credentials over degrees | 88 | 75 |
| Recognition of AI’s impact on job skills | 88 | N/A |
Note: N/A indicates data not available in the report.
These findings underscore India’s unique position in the global landscape, highlighting both its optimism and the critical areas that require attention to ensure inclusive and equitable progress.