India has developed one of the largest skilling ecosystems globally, with over 7.67 crore individuals receiving formal skills training since the 2014-15 fiscal year. In the Union Budget for 2025-26, the government allocated approximately Rs 34,000 crore for skilling-related expenditures across various Central ministries.
Rethinking Education Outcomes in India
Pravesh Dudani, Founder and Chancellor of Medhavi Skills University, emphasized the need for a shift in focus within India’s education system. Speaking to NDTV, he pointed out that the current emphasis on enrolment numbers and certificates is insufficient. Dudani stated, “Look past the Rs 34,000 crore spent and 7.67 crore Indians trained, and the question we must ask is: what changed for the learner?” His comments highlight a growing concern about the effectiveness of educational investments and the real impact on students’ learning experiences.
The Problem Starts Much Earlier
NITI Aayog’s diagnosis goes beyond colleges. One of the biggest changes proposed by NITI Aayog is how skilling programmes should be measured. At present, much of the funding is linked to enrolment and course completion. The report argues that this needs to change.
Fewer than one in 12 secondary schools currently offer vocational subjects. This remains well below the National Education Policy’s target of exposing at least 50 per cent of learners to vocational education by 2025 and all students by 2030.
