Only 8.25% of Indian Graduates Work in Their Field: Niti Aayog

Niti Aayog has drawn attention to a critical employment challenge facing India's vast graduate workforce, revealing that merely 8.25 per cent of degree holders work in roles corresponding to their qualifications. The stark figure underscores a systemic disconnect between academic training and labour market requirements across the country.

The policy body's findings point to multiple structural gaps impeding graduate employability. Key among these are inadequacies in practical skill training, limited exposure to industry standards during education, and insufficient bridges between educational institutions and employers. The mismatch suggests that while India produces large numbers of graduates annually, a substantial proportion lack the specific competencies demanded by their chosen sectors.

The implications extend beyond individual career prospects. The employment mismatch represents underutilised human capital at a time when India seeks to expand its knowledge-based economy and compete globally. Addressing the gap requires coordinated efforts to align curricula with industry needs, enhance vocational components in degree programmes, and strengthen internship and apprenticeship frameworks.

The Niti Aayog assessment reflects growing concerns among policymakers about graduate unemployment and underemployment across India. Stakeholders including educational regulators, industry bodies, and government agencies are expected to examine the findings as they shape strategies for improving workforce readiness and economic productivity.