Recent data indicates that India's youth unemployment rate (ages 15–29) stood at 10.2% in 2023-24, a decrease from 17.8% in 2017-18. While this decline is positive, youth unemployment remains a critical concern, especially among educated individuals. The India Employment Report 2024 highlights that the proportion of unemployed youth with secondary education or higher increased from 54.2% in 2000 to 65.7%.

Addressing youth unemployment in India requires a comprehensive understanding of its trends, underlying causes, and the multifaceted challenges contributing to the issue. Beyond the sheer availability of jobs, several factors contribute to youth unemployment that is directly linked with education.

First, there is this the skill mismatch where there is a significant gap between the skills imparted by educational institutions and those demanded by the job market. Many graduates lack practical skills and industry-specific knowledge, leading to employability. Corporate companies complain that the candidates they interview have theoretical knowledge but do not have the practical skills and aptitude that makes a good employee. That leads to the quality of education that the students get exposed to. Subpar educational quality, particularly in rural areas, results in graduates who are not adequately prepared for the workforce's demand. A lack of emphasis on vocational and technical training limits opportunities for youth to gain hands-on experience and practical skills valued in the job market.

We cannot however ignore the economic and social factors that have led to the increase of unemployment of the youth. Economic slowdowns, dominance of the informal sector, and insufficient growth in key industries have reduced job creation that has affected youth employment. To add to that, factors such as gender disparities, rural-urban divides, and cultural expectations have also restricted certain demographics from accessing employment opportunities.

To effectively tackle youth unemployment, a multifaceted approach is essential. It is important to enhance skill development and align educational curricula with industry needs and emphasize vocational training to equip youth with relevant skills. We need to improve the quality of education and we can do that by first investing in teacher training and infrastructure, especially in rural areas, to ensure students receive quality education.

The government has a crucial role play and needs to implement active labour market policies and introduce policies like job search assistance, career counseling, and internships to bridge the gap between education and employment. It is important to promote entrepreneurship and encourage self-employment through access to credit, mentorship programs, and supportive policies. We need to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and facilitate partnerships between educational institutions and industries to ensure curricula remains relevant and provides students with practical experience.

By addressing these areas, India can better prepare its youth for the workforce, ensuring they possess the skills and understanding necessary to secure suitable employment. The author will present a small example of what one NGO has been doing for more than 20 years in ensuring that schools can prepare job-ready students from the slums that has changed the trend and impacted many lives.

Keywords: Education, development, unemployment.