71% Urban Indians adjudge Armed Forces, most trustworthy profession: Ipsos Global Trust in Professions Survey

Politicians voted most untrustworthy profession

According to a spanking new global survey by Ipsos, Armed Forces have been adjudged the most trustworthy profession by majority (71%) of urban Indians. Second and third places of trustworthiness in professions have been bagged by scientists and teachers. The survey christened Global Trust in Professions asked global citizens to rank professions by trustworthiness and untrustworthiness.

Untrustworthy professions?

At least 59% urban Indians rate Politicians as the most untrustworthy profession, followed by government ministers (52%) and advertising executives (41%).

Is it in the narrative?     

Parijat Chakraborty, Country Service Line Group Leader, Public Affairs & Corporate Reputation, Ipsos in India feels, it boils down to transparency and nobility:

Armed Forces are perceived to be a dedicated force, who are defined by values of sacrifice, commitment, discipline etc. – they serve, like their motto of service before self; likewise scientists and teachers are seen as persevering professions, contributing to nation building.”

Politicians, despite their efforts to clean up the system, have not yet won the trust of most. Also, the advertising professional, writing interesting copies and creatives, highlighting merits of brands, is viewed with skepticism,” says Chakraborty.          

 

 

Global Trustworthiness Index

Global Trustworthiness Index for each country was calculated, by taking the sum score of trustworthiness for all professions and subtracting the sum score of untrustworthiness of all professions.

The key objective being, to focus on the balance of negative and positive opinions within each country, revealing societies most marked by trust and distrust in professions. 

Interestingly, on the Global Trustworthiness Index, India has bagged the 2nd spot, after China.    

 

 

Most trustworthy professions globally?

Global citizens perceive Scientists (60%), Doctors (56%) and Teachers (52%) most trustworthy!

 

 

Most Untrustworthy professions globally?

Global citizens too rate Politicians (67%), government ministers (57%) and advertising executives (46%), most untrustworthy professions, mirroring views of Indians.

 

 

This survey is an international sample of 19,587 adults aged 16-74 (18-74 in the US, South Africa, Turkey and Canada). Fieldwork was conducted during October 2018. Approximately 1000+ individuals participated per country via the Ipsos Online Panel, except for Argentina, Belgium, Hungary, India, Mexico, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden and Turkey, where each have a sample approximately 500+.

15 of the 23 countries surveyed online generate nationally representative samples in their countries (Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Poland, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the United States).

Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Turkey produce a national sample that is more urban and educated and with higher incomes than their fellow citizens.  We refer to these respondents as “Upper Deck Consumer Citizens”.  They are not nationally representative of their country.

Where results do not sum to 100 or the ‘difference’ appears to be+-1 more/less than the actual, this may be due to rounding, multiple responses or the exclusion of don't knows or not stated responses.

The precision of Ipsos online polls are calculated using a credibility interval with a poll of 1,000 accurate to +/- 3.1 percentage points and of 500 accurate to +/- 4.5 percentage points. For more information on the Ipsos use of credibility intervals, please visit the Ipsos website.

 

The author(s)

  • Madhurima Bhatia
    Media Relations and Content lead

Related news

  • Ipsos Education Monitor 2026
    Education Survey

    India's Education Paradox: Ban Social Media & Smartphones, Embrace AI in Schools

    Ipsos Education Monitor 2026 reveals a nation that overwhelmingly supports banning social media for children under 14, while remaining one of the world's strongest advocates for AI in education. At the same time, Indians express exceptional confidence in education and greater optimism about young people's future than any other country surveyed.
  • Ipsos-GIIA Global Infrastructure Index 2026

    Almost 7 in 10 Indians satisfied with country’s infrastructure

    India ranks 2nd in pecking order on infra satisfaction;

    Indians choose Water Supply, Solar Energy, EV Charging and Digital Infrastructure as India's Top Investment Priorities;

    Indians back same infrastructure priorities shaping India's future economy, highlighting growing alignment between citizen preferences and the country's development agenda.

  • Ipsos Life Aspirations Survey 2026
    Employment Survey

    A Stable Job Remains the Cornerstone of Success for Indians

    Ipsos Life Aspirations 2026 study finds career stability, homeownership and family milestones continue to define success, while uncertainty around achieving these goals carries significant emotional consequences