60% of Gen Z feel upskilling burnout as AI continues to haunt

Generation Z is feeling frustrated with the rapid pace of AI, according to a report by Emeritus. The findings show that more than 60% of Gen Z respondents feel burned out while trying to upskill. The report also looks at the generation's changing preferences around work and the growing role of work-life balance in their careers and lives.

In Short

• The survey covered 1,010 respondents aged 15 to 28 across metros
• Interest in India-based international programmes was strongest among transitioning students
• Hybrid pathways with semester exchanges drew greater interest than before

More than 60% of Indian Gen Z respondents feel burned out by the pressure to continuously upgrade their skills, as the rapid pace of artificial intelligence and new workplace tools adds to the challenge of staying job-ready, according to a new report by Emeritus. The report, ‘India’s GenZ Outlook 2026: Recalculating education, ambition, and success; The No Cap Generation’, found that 75% believe that learning the right skills is important to remain competitive in the job market.

Nearly 3 in 4 Indian Gen Zs prioritise work-life balance over the conventional leadership setting, while a majority do not see becoming an executive as obligatory for a rolling in it career, says the report.

Also, 65% said a successful career does not come at the cost of subscribing to any leadership role.

The revealing point is a move in how young Indians view the long-term approach.

The report is based on responses from 1,010 people aged 15 to 28 across major Indian metros.

AI CHANGES LEARNING AND SKILLS

AI is becoming part of the way young Indians learn and build skills. As much as 82% of respondents said they use AI or GenAI tools at least weekly for learning or skill development. Simultaneously, 65% of early-career respondents said a degree alone is no longer enough to secure success in the current job market dominated by AI.

The pressure to keep on evolving is also high. 60% said they feel burned out by the need to continuously driven with the thought that it converts into a need to upgrade their skills, although 75% believe that learning the right skills will help them stay competitive.

Career decisions are not being driven by pay and titles alone. About 79% of respondents said they want their careers to contribute positively to the environment.

STUDY ABROAD LOSES APPEAL

The report also found an unusual decline connected with interest in studying abroad. Already about 48% of respondents who would consider overseas education said their interest had fallen over the year passed last.

Rising costs, visa hurdles and uncertainty over after-study work options were among the reasons cited.

The US recorded the sharpest decline in interest, according to the report.

In the same duration, India-based programmes offered by internationally ranked universities are gaining attention. India is already witnessing the opening of campuses from north to south.

About 87% of pre-college respondents and 92% of those transitioning to higher education said they would be likely or extremely likely to study such a programme in India.

Among transitioning students, 69% said they would prefer an India-based international programme over going abroad to avoid visa uncertainty and growing householda concerns aborad.

INTEREST GROWS IN HYBRID EDUCATION

The report found that students are also showing greater interest in programmes that combine education in India with exposure to an overseas university.

Interest in this pathway rose from 27% among pre-college respondents to 39% among transitioning students. Such programmes can include study in India along with home-campus exposure or semester exchanges.

“The reversal is happening much faster. Policies are moving, universities are arriving, families are taking note, and brain drain is turning,” said Ashwin Damera, Co-founder and CEO of Emeritus.

Damera said the report was aimed at understanding a generation that is “outcome-oriented, globally aware, and navigating world uncertainties in real time.”

He said the findings could help educational institutions, employers and policymakers develop education and career frameworks that better reflect the needs of young Indians.

The report is part of Emeritus’ research initiative tracking changes in education, skills and career choices. The next edition will examine parents’ perspectives on education choices in India.

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