India has emerged as the global frontrunner in generative AI (GenAI) adoption, with 92 per cent of employees regularly using these tools—well above the global average of 72 per cent, according to a new report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

The findings, published in BCG’s latest study ‘AI at Work 2025: Momentum Builds, But Gaps Remain’, highlight that AI has become deeply integrated into day-to-day work activities. However, the report points out that only a select group of companies are unlocking the full value of AI by going beyond tool deployment to reengineering workflows and processes.

Based on a survey of over 10,600 employees across 11 countries, the third edition of BCG’s annual report notes that while AI adoption is rising, frontline adoption remains flat, with only 51 per cent of such workers using AI regularly.

India and Global South Lead Adoption, But Also Express Deepest Concerns
India and the Middle East lead the world in GenAI usage, with adoption levels at 92 per cent and 87 per cent, respectively. However, these high-usage regions also reflect the highest levels of concern regarding automation. Nearly half (48 per cent) of Indian workers fear job displacement within the next decade, compared to the global average of 41 per cent.

“India also ranks among the top three globally for integrating AI agents into workflows, with 17 per cent of employees reporting such usage,” said Nipun Kalra, Managing Director and Senior Partner at BCG and India Leader – BCG X. “Yet, only one in three employees in India feels adequately trained to fully harness AI’s potential. As we transition from early adoption to real impact, it’s crucial for Indian enterprises to prioritise structured training, in-person coaching, and leadership enablement to scale AI responsibly.”

Key levers for unlocking AI’s full potential

The BCG report outlines three major factors that influence AI adoption and value generation in the workplace:

Training Deficit: Just 36 per cent of global employees feel adequately trained to use AI. Those who undergo five or more hours of hands-on, preferably in-person training are far more likely to become consistent users.

Tool Accessibility and Risks: Over half (54 per cent) of employees would use AI tools even if not formally authorised—particularly Gen Z and Millennials—raising concerns over “shadow AI” and potential security threats.

Leadership Engagement: Only 25 per cent of frontline workers feel their leaders provide sufficient AI guidance. In organisations where leadership actively supports AI integration, both adoption and employee confidence are significantly higher.

“Rolling out GenAI tools alone will not drive transformation,” said Sylvain Duranton, Global Leader of BCG X and coauthor of the report. “Real returns come when businesses redesign workflows, empower leaders, and upskill their people.”

As India leads the global shift toward GenAI, the challenge now lies in bridging training gaps and addressing anxieties around job security—ensuring that AI-driven transformation is both sustainable and inclusive.