The Central Government’s decision to introduce vocational education from Grade 6 under the ‘Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan’ signals a long-overdue shift towards skill-based learning. However, unless this reform is backed by robust infrastructure and industry collaboration its purpose may be defeated
The Union Government’s initiative to integrate vocational education starting from Grade 6 under the ‘Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan’ is a progressive step aimed at addressing the ongoing gap between academic learning and employability. As India strives to become a $5 trillion economy, it is essential to equip its youth with skills early on. However, without a solid strategy, strong alignment with industry needs, and adequate infrastructure, this initiative risks becoming another well-intentioned yet poorly executed reform.
The Stark Skills Gap
The India Skills Report 2024 indicates that only 47.2 per cent of Indian youth are deemed employable, primarily due to a mismatch between the skills taught in educational institutions and those needed in the job market. A mere 4.1 per cent of individuals aged 15 to 59 have received any formal vocational training, compared to over 75 per cent in Germany and 50 per cent in China. This highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of India’s vocational education system, from early integration in schools to the development of market-relevant skill training programs.
Learning from Global Leaders
India has the opportunity to learn valuable lessons from the German Dual System, which effectively combines classroom education with practical apprenticeships in various industries. Approximately 50 per cent of German students opt for vocational pathways after completing secondary school. Similarly, China boasts 11,300 vocational institutions and nearly 31 million enrolments, producing 10 million skilled graduates each year.
These graduates support sectors ranging from services and manufacturing to artificial intelligence (AI). South Korea’s impressive 96 per cent employment rate among vocational graduates is a result of rigorous standardisation and quality assurance. These examples serve as replicable blueprints, particularly in terms of industry collaboration and co-creating curricula.
Patchy Progress Across States
West Bengal’s Utkarsh Bangla Scheme, which offers vocational courses in nearly 2,000 schools, is an ambitious model. Annually, over 600,000 students are trained across various sectors, including electronics, hospitality, information technology, and healthcare.
However, limited engagement with industry partners diminishes job placement opportunities.
In contrast, states like Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu maintain close collaboration with industries and polytechnic institutes, facilitating smoother transitions from school to work.
States such as Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have taken a step further by aligning their vocational courses with future-oriented fields, including renewable energy, AI, robotics, and wellness. This initiative aligns with the Skill India Digital Vision 2024.
Infrastructure and Implementation
The National Education Infrastructure Survey 2023 reveals that 38 per cent of Government secondary schools still lack essential laboratory and workshop facilities. In Punjab, urban areas generally perform better, while rural regions continue to struggle with faculty shortages and outdated equipment.
The poor effectiveness of previous initiatives, such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), highlighted that high enrollment numbers did not necessarily lead to employment, primarily due to inadequate training quality.
A phased implementation model — starting with urban centres and gradually expanding to rural districts — can ensure that infrastructure, faculty, and educational content develop in tandem.
Bystander to Stakeholder
A 2023 survey by FICCI and EY reveals that 70 per cent of employers in India are facing skill shortages, yet only a small percentage are actively participating in vocational training programs. In Gujarat, effective Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) have successfully developed demand-driven courses and updated curricula.
Karnataka’s collaboration with major tech companies, such as Infosys, Wipro, and Bosch, to train high school students in coding, data analytics, and mechatronics serves as a scalable model for other states. On the other hand, West Bengal remains dependent on Government-led initiatives and needs to enhance industry collaboration, not only for curriculum design but also for internships, apprenticeships, and certifications.
Quality Through Accountability
Since 2015, the Skill India Mission has certified over 1.3 crore individuals; however, only about 50 per cent of these individuals have secured employment. One of the main challenges is inconsistent quality. There is an urgent need for third-party audits, employer-validated certifications, and real-time tracking of placements to ensure transparency and accountability.
Singapore’s Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) system is considered a benchmark, as industry councils update training modules quarterly in response to labour market needs.
India must invest in similar National Skill Registries and adaptive learning platforms aligned with the vision outlined in the National Education Policy.
A Five-Point Reform Agenda for the Future
1. Curriculum Modernisation: Shift the focus from traditional trades to high-growth sectors such as electric vehicle (EV) maintenance, renewable energy, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and healthcare technology.
2. Mandatory Industry Partnerships: Each school offering vocational courses must partner with an industry or sector skills council to co-design the curriculum and conduct evaluations.
3. Digital-First Infrastructure: Utilise the upcoming Skill India Digital Platform to provide virtual labs, remote mentorship, and modular learning opportunities, even in rural areas.
4. Quality Assurance Mechanisms: Establish a National Vocational Education Quality Council (NVEQC) to oversee standards, conduct audits, and implement employer feedback systems.
5. Incentivising Adoption: Offer tax benefits to companies that provide apprenticeships and performance-linked grants to schools based on their placement records.
Need for Deeper Reforms
India boasts one of the youngest populations globally. To transform this demographic dividend into a developmental advantage, practical skills must start early. Integrating vocational education from Grade 6 is a positive step; however, without significant reforms, it risks repeating past mistakes.
Vocational education should not be considered a fallback option for students who struggle academically.
With the right policy initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and strong corporate partnerships, vocational education can lead India’s human capital revolution. It is time to move from intention to implementation, as skills will become the new currency in the future of work.
Vijay Garg Retired Principal Educational columnist Eminent Educationist street kour Chand MHR Malout Punjab |
