8.7 crore Indians aged 15-29 are not studying, working or training: NITI Aayog

An estimated 8.7 crore Indians aged 15 to 29 are not studying, working or undergoing training, according to a NITI Aayog report that called for greater access to affordable skilling and stronger links between education and employment.

The report, Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047, is based on data from the 78th round of the National Sample Survey conducted in 2021. It categorises India’s young population into groups including those in school, tertiary education, formal and informal employment, women and those not in education, employment or training (NEET).

NITI Aayog said young people in the NEET category face particular difficulties because they lack income while also having already incurred costs associated with education.

“NEET youth are constrained by the absence of income and the sunk cost of prior education,” the report said, adding that students often cannot take up paid skilling programmes alongside existing financial commitments.

The report said NEET youth and women should be provided affordable or subsidised training as well as financial support. It also called for skilling programmes to be aligned with demand in emerging sectors and opportunities for self-employment.

“Across segments, the ability to combine learning with earning remains a central requirement,” it said.

Education not translating into suitable jobs

The report also highlighted a mismatch between formal education and employment.

Only 8.25% of people who have graduated from college are employed in roles aligned with their qualifications, according to the report.

“Limited exposure to practical learning and industry-aligned training continues to constrain employability, even among formally educated youth,” it said.

NITI Aayog noted that young people from low-income households often cannot afford additional training alongside college expenses. As a result, many take up whatever work provides a stable income after graduation, even when the job is poorly paid.

Others who are unable to find suitable employment can end up outside both education and the workforce, contributing to the NEET population.

Skilling from school

The report recommended introducing skill development much earlier in the education system instead of treating it as an option only after formal schooling.

It proposed that Universal General Employability and Entrepreneurship Skills be taught from Class 6 to Class 12, alongside structured vocational pathways beginning from Class 9.

The report said such an approach could help students develop practical and employment-related skills while continuing their formal education.

It also stressed the need to connect learning with earning opportunities, particularly for young people who face financial barriers to pursuing additional education or training.