NITI Aayog report: 87 million young Indians are not studying or working

A report by NITI Aayog, titled ‘Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047’, reveals that approximately 87 million Indians aged 15 to 29 are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

Based on 2021 National Sample Survey data, the report highlights a significant mismatch between formal education and the labor market, noting that only 8.25% of college graduates are employed in roles aligned with their qualifications. The findings suggest that limited exposure to practical, industry-aligned training constrains employability even among the formally educated.

To address these challenges, NITI Aayog recommends providing affordable or subsidized training and financial support, particularly for NEET youth and women. The report emphasizes the need to integrate skill development into school curricula and align training with emerging sectors and self-employment opportunities to allow students to ‘combine learning with earning’.