QS future skills report frames the Indian challenge

Context: India was ranked second in terms of preparedness for jobs of the future
including artificial intelligence (AI) and green skills, only behind the United
States, as per the QS World Future Skills Index 2025. But in terms of economic
transformation, India was 40^th and 37^th in terms of the
workforce having the desired skills for future jobs, as per the index. Overall,
India ranked 25^th across all indicators, which also include the
alignment between skills and employer’s needs, academic readiness, and economic
transformation. India’s youth population, start-up ecosystem, and digital transformations
are its strengths

Key points

·       Understanding
the QS Index: The QS World Future Skills Index, developed by
London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)—renowned for its university
rankings—aims to assess how prepared countries are to meet the demands of a
rapidly evolving global job market.

·       Challenges
in Skill Development: Low Employability Standards - According to
the World Economic Forum, only 25% of management professionals, 20% of
engineers, and 10% of graduates meet employability benchmarks.

Limited Access
to Higher Education - India’s vast youth population faces challenges in
accessing tertiary education, especially in skills-intensive fields.

·       Opportunities
for Growth: Harnessing Demographics - With a large and youthful population,
India has the potential to emerge as a global leader in skill-based industries,
while many nations grapple with ageing workforces.

Technological
Integration - Leveraging advancements in digital learning and AI to align academic
curricula with industry demands.

·       Recommendations
for Improvement: Align Academia with Industry Needs - Universities
and training institutions must focus on delivering skills in AI, green
technologies, and digital sectors to meet employer demands.

Enhance R&D
and Innovation - Increasing R&D investment is critical to fostering forward-looking
innovation and sustainable practices.

·       Conclusion: India’s
performance in the QS World Future Skills Index showcases its potential to lead
in the global job market for emerging skills. By addressing the challenges,
India can ensure sustainable growth and establish itself as a global leader in
future-ready skills.

Key Highlights from the QS Index

·       Rank
and Classification: India is ranked 25th overall and categorized as a
"contender" in the index, reflecting its ongoing progress in future
skills readiness.

·       Strengths: Future of
Work - Scored 99.1, the second highest globally, demonstrating its
preparedness to recruit talent for high-demand digital roles.

Youth Advantage
-
India’s large youth population and robust start-up ecosystem position it
uniquely for sustained economic growth.

·       Weaknesses
- Future-Oriented Innovation - Scored low on metrics for
sustainability and forward-looking solutions.

Misalignment in
Academia and Industry - Gaps in equipping graduates with AI, green, and
digital skills remain significant.