As AI tools flood Indian workplaces at unprecedented speed, a new study from KPMG and the University of Melbourne reveals a hidden fault line: complacent and risky usage habits among professionals. While 67% of Indian employees say their organizations actively use AI, the report uncovers a pattern of misuse and over-reliance that may be undermining the technology’s promise.
According to the 2025 KPMG Global AI Study, a staggering 81% of Indian workers admitted to relying on AI outputs without evaluating their accuracy, while 79% confessed to presenting AI-generated content as their own. Even more concerning, 73% acknowledged making mistakes at work due to AI tools, and 72% admitted to using AI in ways that breach organizational policies or guidelines.
These numbers point to a growing trend of complacent automation—where speed and convenience are prioritized over accuracy, ethics, and personal skill development." AI isn’t just being adopted—it’s being blindly trusted,” said an analyst familiar with the findings. “This poses serious questions about digital literacy, accountability, and the real ROI of AI integration.”
The report also reveals a troubling paradox in India’s AI-powered workplaces. While 82% of professionals acknowledge improved productivity and innovation thanks to AI, a simultaneous 93% report increased job-related stress and pressure. This contrast highlights a growing dilemma: Is AI truly enabling the workforce—or simply amplifying demands under the guise of efficiency?
As businesses rush to automate and scale, the real cost may not be inefficiency, but burnout. Organizations now face a critical question: are they empowering employees with AI, or overwhelming them?
Despite growing adoption, only 72% of organizations provide training in responsible AI use. This single figure underscores a deeper issue: a widening gap between what companies say about AI governance and what actually happens on the ground.
“There’s a clear discrepancy between organizational claims and what employees are actually doing with AI at the ground level,” the report observes. “Misuse isn’t just an exception—it’s systemic.”
Without sufficient training, even the best AI policies risk becoming performative. In sectors like finance, healthcare, and media—where stakes are high—this governance gap could invite serious risks around compliance, privacy breaches, and long-term trust erosion.
The findings come at a critical time for Indian enterprises undergoing digital transformation. While AI is credited with driving increased revenue-generating activity for 77% of organizations, the same technology is contributing to rising compliance and privacy risks, now acknowledged by most business leaders surveyed.
The data suggests the need for a shift in focus—from scaling AI adoption to ensuring ethical and effective usage.
Key Takeaways from the KPMG 2025 AI Report – Workplace Highlights (India):
| Metric | India Response |
|---|---|
| AI adoption in organizations | 67% |
| Workers who feel they can't do their jobs without AI | 71% |
| Used AI at work in inappropriate ways | 70% |
| Made mistakes due to AI | 73% |
| Relied on AI without checking accuracy | 81% |
| Presented AI-generated content as original | 79% |
| Believe AI increases innovation and efficiency | 82% |
| Report increased workload and stress | 93% |
| Organizations providing responsible AI training | 72% |
The report ends with a cautionary note: if India wants to remain a global AI leader, it must now lead not just in adoption—but in responsibility. Formal AI literacy programs, stronger governance, and user accountability are emerging as the next frontier.
As AI reshapes roles across functions—from marketing to HR to legal—the KPMG report acts as a critical mirror to India's current practices. The message is clear: moving fast isn’t enough. We must move wisely.