No work, no study, no training: 8.7 crore Indian youth caught in a career gap
A Niti Aayog report reveals that 8.7 crore Indian youth aged 15 to 29 are currently not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The report identifies financial barriers and a mismatch between skills and job market demands as primary drivers of this crisis.
Why it matters
This data highlights a significant structural challenge for India's economy, suggesting that current skilling initiatives may be failing to integrate a large portion of the youth workforce.
More than 8 crore Indian youth are caught in a difficult spot — with no job, no education and no training.According to a Niti Aayog report, an estimated 8.7 crore Indians aged 15 to 29 fall into this category. The figure, based on the 78th round of the National Sample Survey conducted in 2021, was highlighted in Niti Aayog's report Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047.It called for subsidised training programmes to help young people move towards self-employment and develop skills that match local demand and emerging sectors.The report divided India's workforce and learners into five broad groups: those in schooling, tertiary education, formal and informal work, not in education, employment and training (NEET) youth, and women.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in