Adoption of artificial intelligence gathered pace through 2025 and looks set to become an everyday feature of life across India and other BRICS+ nations in 2026. What began as a set of experimental tools is now widely used to draft emails, build presentations, generate images and polish resumes. Firms are also integrating AI into recruitment and performance monitoring, pushing the technology from support functions to decision-making roles.
AI in 2026 and what to expect
By 2026, AI assistants are likely to do much more than answer queries or draft text. They could manage calendars, book travel, handle basic finances and anticipate routine needs. In healthcare, systems may help clinicians analyse scans more quickly, flag early signs of disease and reduce administrative burdens. In education, personalised tutors could adapt lessons to each students pace and preferred learning style. For small businesses and freelancers, automated tools will take on accounting, marketing and customer support tasks that once required dedicated teams.
At home, connected devices may adjust energy use, order supplies and manage security systems with less human intervention. For many households this could deliver savings and convenience, and expand access to services that were previously costly or scarce. Companies developing these systems include major global suppliers as well as domestic firms across BRICS+ markets, and the competition is accelerating model development and deployment.
But the benefits are not evenly distributed. Firms can use AI both to boost productivity and to monitor staff. Recruitment software already filters candidates at scale and so-called bossware tracks activity, raising concerns about workplace surveillance and fairness. The debate over whether increased productivity will create net jobs is unresolved. Nvidias chief executive has said roles will change, while leaders at major AI companies warn that whole classes of work may disappear as systems improve.
Cybersecurity is an immediate worry. As tools become more capable, malicious actors can automate phishing, produce convincing deepfakes and exploit personal data. In 2025 IBM reported average losses of around $650,000, or roughly Rs 5.82 crore, per AI-associated breach, a figure that could rise unless organisations invest in stronger defences. Privacy concerns will grow as always-on assistants listen and observe in the background of everyday life.
Experts offer a range of responses. Some, such as the AI researcher Yoshua Bengio, emphasise skills that remain inherently human, notably empathy and care, arguing that these qualities will gain value as routine tasks are automated. Business figures in India have stressed that current AI systems still require massive infrastructure to match human judgement and creativity, creating time for workers to adapt.
Policymakers and businesses across BRICS+ countries will face choices about regulation, reskilling and data protection. Investments in training programmes, clearer rules on workplace monitoring and stronger cybersecurity standards could help manage transition costs. Public debate will also be important to set norms around where human oversight is essential, especially in healthcare and other services that depend on trust and human contact.
AI in 2026 promises both practical gains and significant challenges. Governments, employers and educators will need to act to harness benefits while protecting privacy, jobs and security. How well they do so will shape whether the next phase of AI enhances opportunity across BRICS+ nations or widens existing inequalities.
Key Takeaways:
- AI in 2026 will move from a productivity tool to active assistants handling schedules, finances and home systems.
- Healthcare, education and small businesses in India and other BRICS+ nations stand to gain from faster diagnosis, personalised learning and automation.
- Risks include job displacement, increased cybercrime and privacy erosion as always-on systems collect more data.
- Experts urge reskilling, stronger regulation and protection of the human touch in care and education.
