India’s education system has expanded significantly over the last 25 years, creating wider access to schools, colleges and universities. However, as the country moves towards 2035, the focus is shifting from simply increasing educational participation to ensuring that students develop the skills needed for a rapidly changing economy.
The ETEducation report “India’s Education: 25 Years On, The Road to 2035” highlights that employability and workforce readiness will become among the biggest priorities for the education sector, requiring stronger alignment between academic learning and industry requirements.
The education-employment gap emerges as a key challenge
While India has made significant progress in expanding its education ecosystem, the connection between degrees and job readiness remains a major concern.
The ETEducation survey of 300+ education leaders, including Deans, Directors, Principals, Professors, education industry leaders and government representatives, found that 69.1% respondents identified curriculum not aligned with industry needs as the biggest barrier to employability.
The finding highlights a growing concern that traditional academic pathways need to evolve to include more practical exposure, industry interaction and skills-based learning.
From degrees to skills: The changing definition of employability
For decades, higher education expansion was largely measured through the growth of institutions and enrolment numbers. However, the report highlights that the next stage of transformation will depend on how effectively education prepares students for real-world opportunities.
As industries adopt new technologies and business models, employers are increasingly seeking graduates who combine academic knowledge with problem-solving ability, digital skills, communication capabilities and adaptability.
This shift is changing the conversation around education, from only earning qualifications to building capabilities.
Higher education growth increases focus on workforce readiness
India’s higher education sector has expanded rapidly, with the number of universities increasing from 256 in 2000 to more than 1,200 by 2024. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) also increased from around 10% in 2000 to 28.4%, reflecting wider participation in higher education.
However, the report highlights that expansion needs to be accompanied by stronger career outcomes.
Only 8.9% respondents said higher education institutions prepare students “very effectively” for workforce needs, indicating that institutions need to further strengthen links between curriculum, skills and employment.
Industry-academia collaboration becomes critical
The survey also identified stronger education-industry integration as a key reform priority, with 59.1% respondents selecting it as one of the most important areas for the next decade.
The finding reflects the growing importance of partnerships between universities, companies and policymakers to create more relevant learning pathways.
These collaborations could shape areas such as:
- curriculum redesign
- internships and apprenticeships
- industry-led training
- emerging technology skills
- continuous learning opportunities
- Future skills will define India’s 2035 workforce
The next phase of India’s education journey will require a stronger focus on preparing learners for jobs that are evolving rapidly.
The report highlights the need for education systems to build capabilities around technology, adaptability and lifelong learning.
As India moves towards 2035, the success of the education system will not only be measured by the number of students enrolled or institutions created, but by how effectively it prepares learners for the future workforce.
The shift is clear, India’s education journey is moving from access to outcomes, and from degrees to skills.
Download the complete report, “India’s Education: 25 Years On, The Road to 2035”, featuring insights on India’s education transformation, AI, employability and future reforms. [Download Report]
