India’s youth, representing over 50% of our population under 25, are our greatest asset. On World Students’ Day, honoring Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, we emphasize the urgent need for holistic education. The National Economic Survey reveals that only 51.25% of youth are employable, highlighting a critical gap between education and job readiness. With 12-13 million entering the workforce each year, equipping students with practical, industry-relevant skills is vital, as 48.75% still face employability challenges.

Despite increased enrollment in higher education—from 34.2 million in 2014-15 to 43.3 million today—graduation alone doesn’t ensure employability. In 2021–22, 1.07 crore graduated, but many lack the necessary skills for the workforce. This underscores the need for a shift from traditional education to skill-oriented programs that focus on real-world application. With India aiming to create 78.5 lakh non-farm jobs annually until 2030, aligning educational programs with industry demands is essential.

Innovative solutions like apprenticeships and work-integrated learning programs can bridge the skills gap. These programs combine academic knowledge with hands-on training, equipping students for today’s competitive job market. Notably, the increasing number of women in higher education—55% of 9.1 million new enrollees in 2021-22—highlights the importance of inclusive, gender-neutral skilling initiatives.

A.R. Ramesh, CEO of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, emphasizes that integrating vocational training with theoretical education is crucial for meeting job market demands. On this World Students’ Day, we must recognize that our youth are the architects of India’s future. Addressing the challenges of talent shortages, rapid technological change, and workforce readiness is essential. Currently, only 2.2% of people aged 15–59 have received formal vocational training.

As highlighted by Sumit Kumar, Chief Strategy Officer at TeamLease, while India has made progress, the gap between education and employability persists. Today, only 47% of technical and 22% of non-technical graduates are deemed employable. Initiatives like PMKVY and NAPS are vital in bridging this gap, yet only 7% of the workforce has received structured training. Scaling up our skilling infrastructure is crucial to meet the increasing talent demand and ensure our students are prepared to drive India’s future growth.

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