India Readying A Diverse Globally Competitive Workforce

Finally all skill development and vocational training initiatives in India, including government and private organisations, seem to be paying off well. Employability among graduates has seen a steady seven per cent rise this year, reaching 54.81 per cent in 2025, up from last year’s 51.25 per cent. With 65 per cent of the Indian workforce aged less than 35 years, the country’s youthful and dynamic talent pool is uniquely aligned to meet the demands of industries across Gulf countries, Southeast Asia, Europe and Africa.

The skilled professionals, particularly in technology, healthcare, renewable energy and AI, are driving global innovation and economic growth. At least that’s what India Skills Report 2025, a joint effort by Wheebox ETS and CII, indicates. The steady rise reflects the success of central and state government initiatives and institutions like AICTE, UGC and AIU, apart from reforms like Skill India Mission and NEP 2020, and State Skilling and education bodies which emphasize vocational training and industry-aligned education. With 50 per cent of secondary and tertiary students expected to receive vocational training by 2025, the country is setting the stage for a globally competitive workforce.

Experts think that this increase in employability is not just a statistic-it’s a testament to the ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive in an interconnected world. Governments have to initiate a large scale internationally acceptable and certified skilling and employment initiative for the world. The report clearly reveals an upward trend in hiring intent, with organizations across technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and e-commerce gearing up to on-board fresh talent. The India Hiring Intent Survey for 2025 showcases optimism among over 1,000 corporations spanning 15 industries, particularly for entry-level roles.

Key states like Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi emerge as leaders, while cities such as Pune, Bengaluru and Mumbai stand out as hubs for employable talent. This decade belongs to India as a leader in global talent mobility. The focus must be on quality of skills training that makes for a stark difference for international mobility.

Long term and internally certified skill programs with embedded language training will be the best bet to provide early work opportunities. The skilled and certified talent from India provides a unique advantage and leverage given that the workforce is bridging skill gaps worldwide, creating transformative opportunities in a rapidly evolving global economy.

That’s what experts feel. In reality, when it comes to vocational training, the country is experiencing an overwhelming access to industry-specific training across states with the focus being on high-demand skills like AI, cybersecurity, and green energy. In case of cross-border collaboration, what is seen distinctively is the strengthening of partnerships with countries facing aging population and skill shortage.

When it comes to technology integration, India is leveraging AI and automation in education and assessments to prepare graduates for future roles. A major standout is the country’s thrust on diversity and inclusion by way of a balanced workforce, with women now comprising 47.53 per cent of the employable talent pool.