India’s education system continues to struggle in preparing young people for real-world challenges. NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer B.V.R. Subrahmanyam has cautioned that the country’s schools and colleges still treat skill development as an “extracurricular” activity rather than an essential part of learning. This, he said, has left much of India’s workforce unemployable and underpaid, despite the nation’s massive youth population.

I’m writing about this because Subrahmanyam’s remarks reflect a concern that many educators and employers have voiced for years — that our education model is too focused on exams and degrees, and not enough on employability. It’s important to highlight this issue because India is home to one of the world’s youngest populations. If we fail to provide them with relevant skills, we risk losing a generation to joblessness and frustration. His warning is not just criticism — it’s a call to action for policymakers, schools, and industries to rethink what education should truly mean.

The Warning from NITI Aayog’s CEO

Speaking at a recent event, NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam said that India’s education system produces graduates who lack practical, job-ready skills. He pointed out that while millions of students pass through the system each year, only a small percentage are considered employable. The main reason, he noted, is the outdated perception that “skilling” is optional or secondary to academics.

He explained that India’s current education model emphasises theoretical learning, memorisation, and marks — while ignoring the need for creativity, problem-solving, and technical training. The result is a mismatch between what industries need and what students are taught.

Why the Current System Isn’t Working

Experts have long observed that India’s education system focuses too heavily on rote learning. From school classrooms to university lecture halls, students are rewarded for memorising rather than understanding. This culture of cramming leaves little space for hands-on experience or skill-based learning.

Some of the key challenges include:

• Low employability: A recent study found that less than 50% of Indian graduates are considered employable by industry standards.
• Limited industry exposure: Students rarely get practical training or internships that connect classroom theory with real-world applications.
• Neglect of vocational education: Skill-based courses are often seen as inferior to traditional academic degrees.
• Rapidly changing job market: With automation and AI reshaping industries, outdated syllabi fail to prepare students for future jobs.

Skilling Should Be Core, Not Optional

Subrahmanyam stressed that skill development should be treated as central to education — not an add-on. He urged both government institutions and private sector partners to integrate vocational training into mainstream education.

For example, schools could introduce modules on communication, problem-solving, and digital literacy from an early stage. Colleges could work closely with industries to offer internships, apprenticeships, and project-based learning. He emphasised that “the future of India’s economy depends on how quickly we align education with employment needs.”

What Needs to Change

If India wants to turn its demographic advantage into economic strength, it must bridge the gap between learning and livelihood. Some practical steps include:

• Updating curricula to include critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and soft skills.
• Encouraging partnerships between industries, universities, and training centres.
• Strengthening skill missions like PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana) to reach schools and rural youth.
• Promoting vocational education as a respected career path, not a fallback option.

The Broader Impact on India’s Youth

Millions of young Indians graduate every year, but many struggle to find stable jobs. This disconnect fuels frustration and inequality. Subrahmanyam’s remarks highlight that education reform isn’t just about economic growth — it’s also about giving young people dignity, purpose, and confidence in their abilities.

Students today don’t just need to pass exams; they need to build careers in a rapidly changing world. As the economy shifts toward technology, renewable energy, and service sectors, skill-based learning will be key to ensuring that India’s youth are not left behind.