English Proficiency Emerges as a Strategic Priority for Indian Employers, ETS Report Finds

• English proficiency is increasingly critical for productivity and global competitiveness.

• 97% of Indian employers say its importance has grown over five years.

• 98% believe better English assessments would boost hiring efficiency.

• 94% link global collaboration to stronger language needs.

• 87% say AI adoption heightens English requirements.

• Globally, 90% view English as vital to organisational success.

A sweeping new global study has found that Indian employers are placing unprecedented importance on English language skills—viewing them as central to productivity, global competitiveness, and the effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace.

According to the TOEIC Global English Skills Report released by Educational Testing

Services (ETS), nearly all HR leaders surveyed in India believe stronger English assessment during recruitment would significantly improve organisational efficiency. The findings are based on an online survey of 87 HR decision-makers across India and form part of a broader international study covering 1,325 HR leaders in 17 countries.

ETS, headquartered in Princeton and widely recognised for administering exams such as TOEFL and GRE, conducted the research to better understand how English proficiency is shaping hiring and talent development worldwide.

Rising Importance of English in India

The report underscores a clear shift in employer expectations. An overwhelming 97 per cent of Indian respondents indicated that English proficiency carries more weight today than it did five years ago. At the same time, 94 per cent noted that expanding global collaboration has intensified the need for strong English communication skills within their organisations.

Despite many companies already incorporating language evaluations into hiring processes, HR leaders report lingering challenges. Concerns persist around the quality and affordability of available assessments, as well as practical obstacles such as integration with existing systems, time constraints, and scalability.

A striking 98 per cent of Indian HR leaders said their organisations would operate more efficiently if more effective English assessments were implemented at the recruitment stage. Additionally, 84 per cent believe inadequate English skills place companies at a competitive disadvantage in today’s marketplace.

AI Is Not a Substitute for Language Skills

The findings also reveal scepticism about AI’s ability to compensate for language gaps. Most HR leaders surveyed in India expressed the view that artificial intelligence tools cannot offset weak English proficiency among employees.

In fact, 87 per cent of respondents said the growing integration of AI technologies is increasing—not reducing—the need for strong English skills. As businesses rely more heavily on digital platforms and cross-border communication, language competency appears to be a critical enabler rather than an optional attribute.

India’s Expanding Global Role

Ajay Pratap Singh, Regional Director for South Asia at ETS, highlighted India’s expanding influence in international business and technology sectors. He noted that as companies broaden their global footprint and adopt advanced technologies, language preparedness is becoming an essential component of workforce capability.

According to Singh, employers are increasingly seeking structured and reliable ways to evaluate English proficiency, aiming to build teams equipped for international collaboration and evolving workplace demands. The research, he explained, points to a growing movement toward more formalised language assessment in both recruitment and talent development strategies.

A Global Trend

The emphasis on English skills is not unique to India. Across the 17 countries included in the survey—ranging from Brazil and China to Germany, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and the UAE—90 per cent of employers described English proficiency as vital to organisational success. Globally, 81 per cent reported that the rise of AI tools has heightened the demand for stronger English communication in professional settings.

Ratnesh Jha, Global General Manager of Institutional Products at ETS, emphasised that language skills are increasingly viewed as foundational rather than supplementary. He argued that English proficiency now plays a direct role in enabling cross-border collaboration, unlocking the full value of AI technologies, and maintaining workforce relevance in a rapidly evolving economy.

In this context, companies investing in language capability are effectively strengthening productivity, innovation, and long-term global competitiveness.

A Core Workforce Capability

Taken together, the report’s findings suggest a decisive shift in how employers perceive English skills. No longer treated as a soft skill, language proficiency is emerging as a strategic asset—one that supports efficiency, technological adoption, and international growth.

As Indian businesses continue to integrate into global networks and adopt advanced digital tools, the demand for clear, consistent, and high-quality English assessment appears set to grow even further.