New Delhi: India has ranked 11th among 56 Commonwealth countries in the 2026 Commonwealth Youth AI Readiness Index, with a score of 60.6 out of 100.
The study estimates that artificial intelligence could increase India’s GDP by approximately $79.1 billion over 10 years under a moderate-growth scenario, giving it the second-largest potential economic gain among Commonwealth nations.
Published by the Ayre Think Tank, which is affiliated with the Calvin Ayre Foundation, the index examines how prepared young people aged 15 to 29 are to benefit from artificial intelligence. It draws on 1,128 research sources and assesses countries across areas including digital access, education, employment, enterprise and AI safeguards.
The study sets a readiness benchmark of 53, with 15 countries meeting or exceeding it.
India’s youth population and AI adoption
India’s large youth population is a significant factor in its AI readiness. The report estimates that approximately 382 million Indians are aged between 15 and 29, accounting for more than half of the Commonwealth’s 732 million young people.
The study also found considerable enthusiasm for AI among young Indians. According to the survey data examined by researchers, 88.8 per cent expected to use AI for education or work within the following year, while 60.1 per cent said they were confident in their ability to control their interactions with the technology.
However, gaps in digital access and employment remain significant challenges. Although India has widespread 4G coverage and relatively inexpensive mobile data, only 66.5 per cent of young people were found to own a mobile phone.
The report also found that 30.4 per cent of young people were not in employment, education or training, while 85.8 per cent of young workers were employed informally.
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AI could add up to $119 billion to GDP
The study outlines three possible scenarios for AI’s economic impact on India over the next 10 years.
Under the conservative estimate, AI could increase the country’s GDP by $39.6 billion. The moderate scenario puts the figure at $79.1 billion, while the optimistic estimate reaches $118.7 billion.
These figures represent potential changes in GDP levels after 10 years, rather than annual growth or guaranteed economic gains.
Calvin Ayre, founder of the Ayre Think Tank, said the benefits of AI would depend on whether young people had the skills and opportunities to participate in the changing economy.
“What matters is giving young people the skills and the chance to get ahead – whether to start businesses, find jobs or build something for themselves,” he said in a statement to PR Newswire Canada.
Government initiatives and priorities
The findings come as the Indian government expands its AI skills initiatives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans in August 2026 to train 10 million youth in AI skills within a year. In September, the government also launched training programmes in partnership with Intel India.
The report identifies five priorities for improving youth AI readiness: affordable and reliable digital access; practical, skills-based education; better pathways from training to employment; AI tools adapted to local languages and needs; and safeguards that allow young people to question automated decisions.
(Edited by Maryam Hassan)