World Bank Ranks India Among Top 10 in AI Readiness

The World Bank ranked India among the top 10 emerging-market performers in artificial intelligence readiness on 6 October 2026. The assessment appeared in the report titled India and Artificial Intelligence: Seizing the Development Opportunity. The report linked India’s position to its technical workforce, globally integrated information technology sector, and digital public infrastructure.

AI Readiness and Investment in India

Artificial intelligence readiness refers to the capacity of an economy to adopt, deploy, and scale AI through infrastructure, skills, regulation, and enterprise use. In India, private investment in AI rose from USD 1.2 billion in 2024 to USD 4.1 billion in 2025. The number of professionals employed by Global Capability Centres in India increased from 1.9 million in 2024 to 2.36 million in 2025.

World Bank Report on Policy Measures

The World Bank report stated that the long-term economic and labour market impact of AI remains uncertain as of 6 October 2026. It recommended cross-cutting policy measures to deepen AI-enabling infrastructure, improve the business environment, broaden access to AI, and strengthen labour capacity. The report also linked AI adoption with productivity and public service delivery in India.

AI Adoption and Growth Forecast

As of 6 October 2026, around 23% of Indian firms reported using some form of AI. The corresponding figure for the United States was about 43%, and the gap was wider in more advanced AI applications. The World Bank also raised India’s FY27 growth forecast to 7.1% on 6 October 2026.

Important Facts for Exams

• The World Bank is an international financial institution that publishes country reports and development assessments.
• Digital public infrastructure in India includes large-scale digital systems used for identity, payments, and service delivery.
• Global Capability Centres are overseas-linked units that provide technology, analytics, finance, and business services.
• Artificial intelligence readiness is often assessed through skills, investment, infrastructure, and enterprise adoption.

Key Exam Points

India’s AI-related private investment crossed USD 4 billion in 2025. The World Bank report was released on 6 October 2026 and focused on development use of AI in India.