The Karnataka government has launched Pragati 2025, a new programme focused on bridging the growing gap between classroom learning and real-world job skills. The initiative will work across schools, colleges, and industries to improve employability among students and equip them with the right mix of academic knowledge and practical experience. Pragati 2025 is not just another education policy—it is a targeted plan to match what is taught in institutions with what the market actually needs.
I am writing about this because I believe this is the kind of change our education system badly needs. For too long, students have been getting degrees without skills, and employers have been struggling to find job-ready candidates. As someone who keeps track of education reforms and youth employment issues, I see Pragati 2025 as a step in the right direction. It focuses not only on skill-building, but also on bringing together educators, government, and industries to work as a team. This is why it’s important for parents, students, and teachers alike to understand what this programme is all about.
What Is Pragati 2025?
Pragati 2025 is a state-level roadmap launched by the Government of Karnataka to align the education sector with future job markets. It is part of a broader skill development push and will work in coordination with the National Education Policy (NEP) and existing skilling schemes.
The main aim of Pragati 2025 is to:
- Make education more practical and job-oriented
- Help students from schools and colleges get real exposure to work environments
- Reduce the skill mismatch that is currently common in many sectors
- Partner with industries and tech firms to bring in-demand skills into the curriculum
This plan will be rolled out gradually with specific focus on high-demand sectors like IT, electronics, healthcare, hospitality, and construction.
Key Features of the Programme
What makes Pragati 2025 different is its focus on collaboration. It is not limited to a single department—it brings together education, higher education, skill development, labour, and industries departments.
Some highlights include:
- Career Awareness Programmes in high schools and PU colleges
- On-the-job training and internships for college students
- District-level skill gap surveys to understand local employment needs
- Faculty training to help teachers stay up to date with changing job trends
- Industry tie-ups to develop updated training modules
Government officials have also said that emphasis will be placed on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where access to quality skill education is usually limited.
How It Will Work at the Ground Level
At the heart of Pragati 2025 is the plan to make changes visible in classrooms and training centres. The state will set up District Skill Development Cells (DSDCs) that will track the implementation of the plan.
Here’s how it will work:
- In Schools: Career counselling and life skills sessions from Class 9 onwards
- In Colleges: Students will be offered electives and practical modules linked to local industry
- At Skill Centres: Courses aligned with actual job demand—short term, modular, and practical
- In Rural Areas: Mobile skill units and outreach camps to train students and dropouts
Students will also be guided towards job fairs, placement drives, and entrepreneurship training. This is to ensure that learning does not end with a certificate but continues until a job or livelihood is secured.
Why This Matters Now
The current situation across India shows a clear disconnect. Lakhs of students graduate every year, but many of them either remain unemployed or settle for low-paying jobs that do not match their education. Employers, on the other hand, say that finding skilled candidates is a big challenge—even for entry-level roles.
Some data to understand the gap:
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Unemployment among educated youth in India (2023) | Over 17% |
| College graduates in Karnataka yearly | Approx. 7.5 lakh |
| Skilled candidates as per employer surveys | Only 45% job-ready |
This is exactly the problem Pragati 2025 is trying to fix.
Role of Industry and Private Sector
Private companies and industry associations are being asked to partner actively in this initiative. They can help in designing short courses, offering internships, sponsoring training labs, and even hiring directly from government-supported programmes.
Some expected partners include:
- IT and software companies in Bengaluru
- Manufacturing clusters in Peenya and Dharwad
- Hospitality groups in Mysuru and Coorg
- Healthcare institutions in Mangaluru and Hubballi
The government has promised ease of collaboration and regular review meetings to keep the programme moving in the right direction.
What Students and Parents Should Know
If you’re a student or parent reading this, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Don’t just chase degrees—check what skills are needed for your career goals
- Look for opportunities to join short courses, projects, or industry-linked internships
- Stay informed about job trends—Pragati 2025 will soon have online updates and student dashboards
- Teachers and career counsellors in your area may also receive special training under this scheme
It’s a good time to make use of this new model while it’s being shaped.
