Why does india struggle with educated unemployment despite a growing economy?

13/08/25

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Degrees Without Jobs: Why is Educated Unemployment a Particular Problem in India?

India is thriving and has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. With urbanisation in the tech hubs to prospering start-up ecosystems, our country looks unstoppable. While progress is evident, addressing educated unemployment in India still remains the key to achieving a brighter future.

At Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children India), we work closely with communities and young individuals to empower them through education and skill-building. However, we often listen to the voices of India’s youth and search for answers to just one question that echoes every time: “Why can I not find a job, even after completing my degree?”

So, let us begin with an exploration of finding a solution to the query: “What is educated unemployment?” Not to ignore the fact that it has indeed become a pressing concern. Meanwhile, learning about the collective efforts we put forth as a child education NGO to address the root of this problem.

What is Educated Unemployment?

A situation where citizens with formal education, and sometimes even higher education, fail to secure jobs that match their qualifications is called educated unemployment. Imagine it as the case of a pilot who ends up driving a rickshaw because there are no planes to fly. These are people who have invested years in education and, due to various mismatches, are unable to apply their skills in the workforce.

What is educated unemployment a peculiar problem of India is a concern that not only affects your confidence and personal financial stability but also showcases that there is still scope for improvement in how we create educational systems for our children. With changing times our systems should also adapt to reflect evolution and ensure the children of our nation receive the best possible educational environment to grow.

Why is Educated Unemployment a Problem in India?

There are several factors that can contribute to a nation’s employment issue, but the question is: “Why is educated unemployment a peculiar problem in India?” The concern is peculiar as it creates a paradox. The logic of development does not fit right when people are not getting the job for which they studied and trained. Here’s why this disruption occurs:

• Skill Mismatch: Academic courses often focus on theory and outdated syllabi, leaving graduates unprepared for real-world work.
• Lack of Vocational Training: There is insufficient focus on skill-based learning, internships, and job readiness programmes.
• Urban-Rural Divide: Opportunities are concentrated in urban areas, making it difficult for rural youth to compete or migrate.
• Overdependence on Degrees: Society often values degrees over skills, creating a pool of graduates without practical capabilities.
• Limited Job Creation in the Formal Sector: Most job creation is in the informal sector, which does not always require or utilise educational qualifications.

Read Also: What Is the Role of Education in Human Capital Formation & Progress

The Youth’s Dilemma: Education Without Opportunity

We are all spectators who watch millions of people appear for competitive exams each year, and year after year, with the hope of securing one job. However, only a handful of them get the position, and the journey from college to career does not seem as smooth as it may have been a few decades back.

You must wonder why is educated unemployed a peculiar problem in India when there are so many educational schemes all across the country. The answer lies in the fact that educational access alone can not make a difference; you need to have better quality and relevance of education as well. The employability of these skills remains limited, even when the number of children going to school has risen more than ever before.

A young graduate with a degree and certificate often lacks communication skills, digital literacy, or even problem-solving abilities; they struggle to fit into today’s dynamic job market.

Why Is Educated Unemployment a Particular Concern of India’s Development Story?

Growth is visible, but certain areas require more effort; the one that particularly affects the tale is educated unemployment in India. So, here are some of the main reasons why is educated unemployment a particular problem of India:

• Wasted Potential: When the aspirations of educated youth go unfulfilled, it leads to frustration, low self-esteem, and loss of productivity.
• Rising Dependence: Unemployed youth often depend on their families, increasing the financial burden.
• Migration Pressures: Many migrate to cities for better prospects, resulting in overcrowded urban centres with limited resources.
• Social Unrest: Persistent unemployment can induce feelings of injustice and social unrest among youth.

How Bal Raksha Bharat Helps Children Prepare for the Future

At Bal Raksha Bharat, we believe that the solution to this problem starts in childhood. As a leading child welfare NGO, we are committed to laying strong foundations for children’s futures, academically, socially, and emotionally. Our programmes focus on:

• Holistic Learning: Going beyond textbooks, we integrate life skills, digital education, and creative thinking into learning.
• Career Awareness: We help adolescents understand career paths early and guide them towards realistic goals.
• Vocational Skills: Through skill-building workshops and partnerships, we support youth with hands-on experiences that improve employability.
• Gender-Inclusive Education: We ensure that both girls and boys are equally empowered to explore career aspirations.

By intervening early, we aim to create a generation of confident, capable, and job-ready individuals who can lead India’s growth story forward.

A Way Forward: Hope Through Collective Action

The question of what is educated unemployed is not merely statistical—it is deeply human. Behind every number is a young person with dreams, and it is our collective responsibility to help them realise those dreams. Some ways to address the challenge:

• Education must move from rote learning to real-world problem-solving.
• Joint efforts between the government, NGOs, and industries can enhance skill-based training.
• Families and communities must support children’s aspirations and encourage non-traditional career paths.
• We must continue to work in alignment with government policies like NEP 2020, which emphasise skill development and experiential learning.

Conclusion

The puzzle of educated unemployment in India is indeed complex, but it is not unsolvable. If we understand why is educated unemployed a peculiar problem in India, we will also find that the solution lies not in just fixing jobs but in fixing the way we educate, guide, and support our youth.

At Bal Raksha Bharat, we are proud to contribute to this solution through our child-centred education initiatives that empower future generations to not just dream but also achieve. Together, let us build a future where education always leads to opportunity.

Naveen Kumar

“Naveen is an SEO expert and digital marketing analyst at Bal Raksha Bharat with a passion for helping businesses grow online. With a data-driven approach, he specializes in boosting search rankings, driving traffic, and optimizing digital strategies. Follow for tips on SEO, content, and marketing trends."