The year 2025 holds immense potential for science and technology and is anticipated to be a landmark year, offering global recognition to India in this field. Domestically, too, numerous milestones and achievements will be set, with several more within reach. It will be a year of assessment, progress evaluation, and preparation for future goals in science and technology. In particular, fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, semiconductor technology, micro-electronics, digitalization, space, defense, renewable energy, and data science will dominate the news.
One of the significant events in India will be the Kumbh Mela, held between January 13 and February 26, 2025. This largest gathering in the world will be heavily monitored using cutting-edge technologies like AI, GPS, and live streaming. Surveillance technology will be employed to monitor real-time activities, including cleanliness in toilets, live broadcasts of religious events, and 3D mapping of the entire event. Mobile apps will be used to ensure seamless communication between the administration and attendees, offering a blend of spirituality and technological advancement in Prayagraj.
In early 2025, the India Science Festival will be held in Pune's Ferguson College on January 11-12. This event aims to promote scientific awareness and curiosity among all age groups. Scientists, policymakers, industrialists, and government officials will come together to foster a scientific temper. The festival’s success will be an indicator of the nation’s scientific ecosystem.
India is currently home to numerous innovators across technological sectors, and 2025 promises significant advancements in tech innovation. In 2014, technology accounted for 5% of India's GDP, which grew to 10% in 2022. The government's target is to raise it to 20% by 2025-26. With the GDP expected to reach $5 trillion by 2025, the technology sector's contribution could hit $1 trillion. While ambitious, this goal is not entirely unrealistic, given the sector's annual growth rate of around 8%.
India is expected to be at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) development among G20 nations, with AI contributing $500 billion to India's GDP by 2025. The country's AI market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35%. With projections for the AI market to reach $17 billion by 2027, the 2025 target appears achievable. Generative AI alone is expected to grow at an annual rate of 28%, and by 2030, it could contribute $400 billion to the Indian economy.
Data science will also emerge as a critical sector in 2025, with applications spanning defense, healthcare, insurance, logistics, and education. The country invested $60 billion in this sector last year, with projections of an $80 billion investment in 2025, driven by expanding digital infrastructure. Major cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru will emerge as hubs for data centers. Robotics, AI, and data science will bring about remarkable advancements, and the electronic manufacturing services industry could exceed $125 billion by 2025 with a CAGR of 20%. Cloud architect design and web application development will see increased demand.
India's 5G user base, currently at 250 million, is expected to reach 300 million by March 2025. While 5G penetration may not yet be universal, this growth will drive average data consumption per customer from 20GB to 30GB per month.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will remain in the spotlight in 2025, launching satellites for the Indian Army, Navy, and Railways, along with the Gaganyaan mission. ISRO plans to launch the NISAR satellite, developed in collaboration with NASA, in March 2025. Despite previous delays, this mission will be a significant accomplishment in the global space arena. Additionally, ISRO plans to execute a lunar flyby as part of the Gaganyaan mission, aiming to send astronauts into low Earth orbit and return them safely. ISRO will also focus on the Chandrayaan-4 mission, aiming to bring samples from the moon. By the end of 2025, India’s space economy is expected to reach $13 billion, fueled by growing demand for startups and small satellite launches.
India's Deep Ocean Mission, spearheaded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is set to send a manned mission 6,000 meters deep into the Indian Ocean in 2025. This mission will be a significant achievement in deep-sea exploration.
On the education front, 55% of Indian graduates will be eligible for global employment by 2025, with engineering and science graduates leading the charge. Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi will become key talent hubs. As new technologies develop, especially those based on fundamental science, the country will see an increase in innovation-driven jobs.
However, with the rapid rise of AI and automation, there is concern that human jobs will be displaced by machines. According to the World Economic Forum, this could lead to a 16-19% reduction in the workforce by 2025, posing a significant challenge for India. Unemployment could become a pressing issue this year.
A major concern in 2025 will be the rise of deepfakes and disinformation, facilitated by generative AI. These technologies could be used to manipulate public perception, spread falsehoods, and incite hatred and fear. Without a corresponding increase in scientific awareness and rational thinking, these developments could overshadow the advancements in science and technology. Thus, while 2025 holds great promise, it will also demand vigilance and responsibility to ensure that technological progress is not misused for malicious purposes.