South Asia Surpasses 100,000 Active PMP Certification Holders, PMI Reports

NEW DELHI, Feb 10: Project Management Institute (PMI), the world's leading authority in project management, today announced a landmark achievement as the number of active Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification holders in South Asia has soared past the 100,000 milestone. This milestone reflects an unprecedented demand for skilled project leadership and cements the region's pivotal role in shaping the global project management landscape.

The significant rise in active PMP certification holders across South Asia highlights the region’s sustained expansion of project management expertise. This dynamic growth is evident in the remarkable momentum with a significant +17.8% increase since January 2025, a substantial +40% rise since January 2024, and an impressive +173% surge compared to 2016. Such trajectories position South Asia among the fastest-growing regions globally for PMP certification.

This acceleration in PMP certifications is inextricably linked to South Asia's vibrant economic expansion. As nations across the region spearhead ambitious initiatives in areas such as widespread AI adoption, pervasive digital transformation, critical infrastructure development, and industrial expansion, there is an escalating demand for disciplined and effective project delivery skills. The PMP certification has thus become the gold standard – an indispensable professional benchmark for hiring and career progression, signifying a professional's proven ability to navigate complexity, mitigate risks, and consistently deliver tangible value.

"Crossing the 100,000 active PMP certification mark in South Asia is a resounding testament to the growing confidence in formal project management as an indispensable catalyst for success," said Amit Goyal, Managing Director, South Asia, Project Management Institute (PMI). "This milestone underscores the region's increasing demand for skilled project professionals who can navigate increasingly complex transformations and drive sustainable value. For individuals, the PMP certification offers an unparalleled trajectory for career acceleration; for organizations, it ensures the robust project execution essential for India's ambitious growth trajectory and broader regional development. We are committed to continuing to build this vital skill base, elevating our world, one project at a time."

While India remains the powerhouse, accounting for approximately 96% of the region’s active PMPs, this remarkable growth is widespread. Other nations in the region are demonstrating equally compelling momentum: Sri Lanka has seen a +16% increase and Bangladesh a +11.8% rise since January 2024. Notably, Nepal has witnessed an exceptional surge of +112.94% since January 2024, reflecting a rapidly strengthening project management community, with plans actively underway to establish a PMI local chapter. Smaller markets like the Maldives (+15.4%), Bhutan (+30%), and Afghanistan (+43.6%) are also making significant contributions to this upward trajectory.

The commitment PMI has made to South Asia remains steadfast, focused on nurturing continued growth and profound impact. The organization is dedicated to further empowering project professionals in the region, equipping them with the cutting-edge skills and capabilities necessary to meet the evolving demands of a rapidly developing economy and to elevate project success across all critical sectors.