8.7 Crore Indian Youth Aged 15-29 Are Neither Working, Studying Nor Training: NITI Aayog Report

A new NITI Aayog report has highlighted a challenge facing India's young population, with an approx 8.7 crore Indians aged 15 to 29 falling into the category of people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET). The findings have found new concerns around youth employability, skill development and the transition from education to the workforce.

The numbers are based on data from the 78th round of the National Sample Survey conducted in 2021 and was highlighted in NITI Aayog's report Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047. It calls for more affordable and supported training opportunities to help young people develop skills and self-employment opportunities.

8.7 Crore Youth in India Face Career Gap

According to the report, approximately 8.7 crore young Indians between the ages of 15 and 29 are outside education, employment and training.

The NITI Aayog report categorises India's workforce and learners into groups including students in school, people pursuing tertiary education, those engaged in formal and informal employment, NEET youth and women.

The NEET category is particularly significant because these young people are neither gaining additional educational qualifications nor acquiring workplace experience or vocational skills.

NITI Aayog Report of NEET: Official LINK

Cost of Education and Training Remains a Major Barrier

One of the key concerns identified by NITI Aayog is the financial barrier to skill development.

Young people who have already spent money on their education may find it difficult to pay separately for professional or vocational training. This is particularly challenging for students from low-income families, who may also have to bear expenses related to college and private tuition. 

The report noted that young people outside education, employment and training face a unique financial challenge because they have no current income while potentially carrying the cost of previous education.

As a result, some graduates may take up whatever employment provides a stable income, even if the job does not match their qualifications or career aspirations.

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Only 8.25% of Graduates Work in Jobs Matching Their Qualifications

The report also points towards a major education-to-employment mismatch in India.

According to the NITI Aayog findings, only 8.25% of graduates are employed in roles that match their qualifications. Limited exposure to practical learning and insufficient industry-aligned training are among the factors affecting employability. 

This mismatch means that obtaining a degree does not necessarily translate into employment in a field related to a candidate's education.

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NITI Aayog Calls for Affordable Skill Training

The report recommends expanding access to affordable or subsidised skill-development programmes for NEET youth and women.

It also highlights the importance of providing financial support where cost is a major obstacle. According to the report, young people should have greater opportunities to learn while earning, allowing them to build skills without completely stepping away from income-generating activities.

For people already in the workforce or outside education and employment, NITI Aayog emphasised the need for mid-career reskilling, self-employment pathways and training aligned with local demand and emerging sectors.

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Skill Development and India's Viksit Bharat 2047 Goal

NITI Aayog linked skill development with India's broader Viksit Bharat@2047 objective.

The report argues that India's long-term development will depend on creating opportunities for citizens to continue learning, earning and progressing. A stronger connection between education, vocational training and employment could help young people transition more effectively into the workforce. 

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What Does NEET Mean?

NEET stands for Not in Education, Employment or Training. It refers to young people who are neither studying in an educational institution nor engaged in employment or vocational training.

The category is used to understand the extent to which young people are disconnected from both education and the labour market.

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