Project Management Institute (PMI) has launched an updated Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification exam, introducing greater emphasis on AI-enabled project delivery, business alignment, strategic decision-making and sustainability. The launch comes as India continues to lead South Asia’s PMP community, accounting for around 96 percent of the region’s active certification holders.

According to PMI, the number of PMP-certified professionals in India has grown by nearly 48 percent over the past two years, while South Asia crossed the milestone of 100,000 active PMP certification holders in January 2026. The regional PMP community has expanded by 22.1 percent since June 2025, 47 percent since June 2024 and more than 204 percent since 2016.

PMI estimates South Asia will require up to 8.5 million new project professionals by 2035 as organisations increasingly seek professionals with proven project delivery capabilities in an AI-driven business environment.

Commenting on the launch, Amit Goyal, managing director, PMI South Asia, said organisations are increasingly looking for professionals who can align projects with strategic priorities and deliver outcomes in complex business environments. He added that the refreshed PMP certification has been designed to equip professionals with skills required to manage projects in evolving workplaces.

The revised exam places greater focus on business strategy, stakeholder management, sustainability and project execution in AI-powered environments. According to PMI, it is intended to validate capabilities such as structuring work, clarifying responsibilities, measuring outcomes and maintaining project momentum.

PMI also reported growing global demand for the certification. PMP certifications issued during the first five months of 2026 increased by 36 percent year-on-year. A global customer survey by the institute found that 69 percent of PMP certification holders believe the credential gives them a competitive advantage, while 83 percent said it strengthens their resumes. Among professionals certified within the past 36 months, 75 percent reported career benefits, including greater confidence in decision-making and access to new career opportunities.

Beyond India, PMI said Nepal recorded the highest regional growth in PMP certification holders since June 2024, followed by Bhutan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Bangladesh, reflecting expanding adoption of project management certification across South Asia.

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