
India's Skill Gap: Why Training Doesn't Always Lead To Jobs
What Happened?
India's push for skill development faces scrutiny over the effectiveness of training in securing jobs. Economist Mitali Nikore emphasizes the need for a focus on employment outcomes.
Key points
- 24.3 lakh out of 56.89 lakh candidates certified under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana found placements, achieving a 42.8% placement rate.
- India's unemployment rate remained steady at 5.0% in September 2026, with improvements in urban labor force participation, especially among women.
- 50.3% of workers with graduate degrees are employed in semi-skilled jobs, indicating a mismatch between qualifications and job skills.
- Mitali Nikore argues that training success should be measured by job placements and wage outcomes, not just the number of trained individuals.
Key insights
- The disconnect between training programs and industry demand could hinder economic growth.
- Improving job placement rates may require collaboration between training providers and employers.
- Addressing the skills mismatch could enhance the employability of graduates.
Why it matters
The effectiveness of skill training programs is crucial for improving employment rates and ensuring sustainable livelihoods in India.
Source
Times Now

