91% of Indian graduates prefer human financial advisors amid AI boom, reveals CFA Institute survey

Economic Times

5 hours ago

In an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly prevalent, a striking 91% of Indian graduates still place their greatest trust in human financial advisors for reliable financial guidance, according to a survey by the CFA Institute.
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Human advisors lead, but AI gains ground
Rising confidence in careers and certifications
Finance tops career preferences in India
Tech-driven careers and soft skills valued
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Digital platforms transform career exploration
In an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly prevalent, a striking 91% of Indian graduates still place their greatest trust in human financial advisors for reliable financial guidance, according to a survey by the CFA Institute This preference significantly outweighs trust in AI assistants, robo-advisors, and social media sources.The findings were part of the Global Graduate Outlook Survey 2025, which captured insights from over 9,000 students and recent graduates across 11 markets, including 1,250 from India.The survey explored evolving career preferences, confidence levels, and the role of professional certifications in shaping finance careers among emerging talent. Among Indian respondents, human advisors continue to hold the top spot in terms of trust, with AI-based tools and digital alternatives making steady inroads.Here's what the survey suggests:While 91% of Indian graduates trust human advisors most, 83% also trust AI assistants like ChatGPT, placing them on par with friends and family as key sources of financial guidance.Online financial education platforms were relied upon by 75% of respondents, followed by robo-advisors and social media influencers, trusted by 74% and 71% respectively.The report highlights, 'Trusted human advisors remain the preferred choice, but other options are also highly valued in India.' This diversified trust pattern reflects a growing appetite for tech-driven yet human-anchored financial literacy.According to the CFA Institute, 87% of Indian graduates feel confident about their career prospects, and 85% believe industry certifications have improved their employability and earnings. The survey found that 68% consider certifications to offer better career progression than postgraduate degrees, indicating a marked shift towards skill-based and outcome-oriented education pathways.These findings 'underscore a strong, skills-first mindset among India's emerging workforce and a clear shift toward flexible, globally relevant career pathways,' the report stated.In terms of sectoral preference, 38% of Indian graduates ranked finance as their top career choice, ahead of IT (32%) and education (21%). The preference for finance is attributed to its perceived stability, global relevance, and growth potential in India's expanding economy.Arati Porwal, Senior Country Head, CFA Institute India, commented, 'The insights clearly show a generation that is not only confident but also deliberate in the way they approach career growth. The consistently growing preference for finance and the trust placed in certifications highlight a skills-first mindset among Indian graduates.'India's youth is also embracing technology in the workplace. According to the survey, 92% feel confident using AI tools in their professional environments. Furthermore, more than half actively seek employers that provide AI training, indicating a rising expectation for tech-forward career support.While evaluating key traits for securing jobs, 64% of Indian graduates cited soft skills as most important, followed by AI skills at 56%, placing them ahead of traditional academic grades or institutional reputation.The report also noted a strong shift in how graduates approach career planning. Nearly 46% use social media to explore real-life career paths, while another 46% use it to build their professional presence. 37% use it for networking opportunities, highlighting the pivotal role of digital platforms in shaping career journeys.Additionally, 83% feel confident using AI assistants for financial advice, and 74% rely on social media influencers for insights, suggesting an increasing reliance on tech-driven, peer-reviewed platforms.