A new NITI Aayog report has highlighted a major challenge facing India's young population: an estimated 8.7 crore people aged 15 to 29 were not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET), according to data from the 78th round of the National Sample Survey conducted in 2021. The findings have renewed the focus on India's skilling system and the need to create more accessible pathways from education to employment.
The findings are part of NITI Aayog's report titled “Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047.” The report argues that India's approach to skilling needs to move beyond the traditional idea of completing education and then entering a job. Instead, it proposes a system in which people can continuously move between education, training and employment throughout their careers.
Nearly 88% Involved in Domestic Duties
One of the most significant findings is that nearly 88% of the 8.7 crore NEET population is engaged in domestic duties. This indicates that the issue extends beyond conventional unemployment and includes people who are outside formal education and employment because of household responsibilities and other barriers.
Women face particularly significant obstacles, including caregiving responsibilities, household work, mobility restrictions, safety concerns and limited access to suitable training opportunities. NITI Aayog has therefore called for affordable and flexible skilling options that can accommodate different circumstances.
Only 8.25% of Graduates in Jobs Matching Qualifications
The report also raises concerns about the connection between higher education and employment. According to NITI Aayog, only 8.25% of graduates are employed in roles aligned with their qualifications. Limited exposure to practical learning and industry-oriented training is identified as one reason why formally educated young people can still struggle to find suitable employment.
For young people who have already left education or employment, the report recommends subsidised training, financial support, self-employment opportunities and courses linked to local labour-market demand.
NITI Aayog Calls for Lifelong Skilling
The policy think tank has proposed a broader skilling architecture covering approximately 60 crore citizens across five groups: school students, tertiary-education learners, formal and informal workers, NEET youth and women. States are expected to play an important role by adapting training programmes to regional industries and employment opportunities.
NITI Aayog has also proposed a Digital Skills Passport, which could bring verified educational credentials, training records, skills and work experience together in a single digital account linked to the APAAR identifier.
The report says India's ambition of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 will depend heavily on whether citizens can continuously learn, earn and improve their skills. Since 2014-15, more than 7.67 crore people have been trained, according to the report.
The 8.7-crore figure is based on 2021 survey data, so it should not be interpreted as a real-time count for 2026. Nevertheless, the findings highlight the scale of India's challenge in connecting its young population with education, skills and sustainable employment.
