How Will AI Impact Assessments In The Future? Know From Experts – News18

Last Updated:February 07, 2025, 17:26 IST

AI and skill development are transforming education in India. Experts discuss AI literacy, skill-based learning, and effective assessments to bridge skill gaps and enhance workforce readiness.

The education landscape in India and globally is undergoing significant transformation, with AI and skill development at the forefront of this evolution. As traditional educational models face challenges in preparing students for an increasingly digital and automated workforce, experts are advocating for a shift towards skill-based learning and AI integration.

In an exclusive interview with News18.com, Ratnesh Jha, Global General Manager of Institutional Products at ETS, and Michelle Froah, Global Chief Marketing & Innovation Officer at ETS, shared their insights on how AI is reshaping education and skill-building, particularly in India. They discussed the role of AI literacy, the skills-first approach in higher education, and the need for effective assessments to address skill gaps and enhance workforce readiness.

How do you think AI will transform the educational landscape in India, and how can institutions contribute to promoting AI literacy and awareness among schoolchildren?

Ratnesh Jha: This is a very fundamental question, and there are key principles outlined in the NEP 2020. What India needs to do is execute the NEP effectively. There is a wealth of knowledge and skills in storage, and enough emphasis on skill-building is included in the policy. As long as we focus on developing skills such as resilience, empathy, critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability to work in diverse cultures, we will create a new generation of skilled individuals. If we have the basic knowledge and build new skills on top of it, we will always remain relevant. While the cognitive aspect of intelligence can be automated, emotional intelligence is a vital part of humanity. Therefore, these skills, which essentially help us stay relevant, are critical for children to develop.

What is the Skills-First Approach, and how is it shaping the future of higher education and skilling in India?

Michelle Froah: India is increasingly adopting a skills-first education model, where traditional degrees are no longer seen as the only pathway to career success. Instead, there is a growing emphasis on continuous learning and micro-credentials. As per the 2025 Human Progress Report:

• 82% of professionals believe that higher education should focus on ongoing upskilling rather than a fixed-duration degree.
• 85% of graduates feel the need to enhance their skills within two years of completing their education to remain competitive in the job market.
• 87% of employees agree that skills-based credentials significantly improve their career prospects, and 90% of workers who earn additional credentials secure better-paying jobs or promotions.

How does TOEIC support India’s skill development imperatives, particularly for its youth population?

Ratnesh Jha: India’s burgeoning youth population represents a significant asset, yet the country faces challenges in aligning educational outcomes with industry requirements. TOEIC addresses this gap by providing a standardized, objective assessment that benchmarks candidates against international proficiency levels. This not only aids in individual career advancement but also supports organizations in making informed hiring and training decisions, thereby enhancing workforce readiness.

How do assessment solutions help address challenges related to quality education and skill gaps?

Michelle Froah: One of the biggest challenges in any education system is ensuring that students graduate with skills that align with industry demands. Many degree programs focus on theoretical knowledge, leaving students underprepared for the workforce.

Assessment solutions bridge this gap by evaluating critical skills beyond academic performance. These assessments measure problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, communication skills, and practical application of knowledge. By identifying skill gaps early, assessments help students and professionals take targeted steps to improve their competencies.

How are assessments and credentialing evolving to meet the demands of an AI-driven global skills economy?

Michelle Froah: As AI and automation redefine job roles, employers shift their focus from degrees to validated skills. Traditional assessments that test memory-based learning are no longer sufficient. Instead, new-age assessments are evolving in several ways:

AI-Powered Adaptive Testing: These assessments adjust difficulty levels based on a test-taker’s performance, providing a more accurate measure of their skills.

Real-World Simulations: Instead of answering multiple-choice questions, candidates engage in job-specific tasks, demonstrating their ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Competency-Based Credentialing: Employers now prefer certifications that validate specific skills, such as data analysis, coding, or leadership, rather than broad degrees.

AI-Driven Personalized Learning Paths: Assessments help individuals understand their strengths and weaknesses, guiding them towards tailored upskilling opportunities.

By making assessments more practical and data-driven, these innovations help individuals stand out in a competitive job market while enabling organizations to make smarter hiring and promotion decisions.

How will AI impact assessments in the future? What major shifts can we expect?

Michelle Froah: AI is set to transform the way skills are assessed, making the process more interactive, adaptive, and personalized. Key developments include:

Adaptive Learning & Testing: AI-driven assessments will adjust in real-time, providing a more customized evaluation experience.

Job-Specific Simulations: Candidates will be tested through real-world job tasks, offering a more accurate measure of their abilities.

Instant AI Feedback: Test-takers will receive immediate insights on strengths and improvement areas, helping them continuously enhance their skills.

Blockchain for Secure Credentials: Employers will have instant access to verified digital credentials, reducing hiring time and improving transparency.

As AI-powered assessments become mainstream, they will not only measure knowledge but also an individual’s ability to apply it in dynamic environments.

Looking ahead, what kind of partnerships do you envisage for ETS in the context of TOEIC?

Ratnesh Jha: We wish to partner with both Governments and Enterprises to enable workforce mobility for Indian talent. We are seeing a huge uptake for TOEIC in Southeast Asian markets and are hopeful that this world-class solution can be deployed in India across organizations to build proficiency levels in English and monitor employee development through assessments. We are confident that TOEIC will become a benchmark for language proficiency building, as India aspires to become a hub for global talent.