Pathways to Progress: Career Guidance for Youth

India is home to the world’s largest youth population, yet approximately 32.9 per cent of young people are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). This demographic advantage is currently hindered by a systemic absence of structured career guidance, which leads to educational misalignment, high dropout rates, and poor job retention. In the absence of timely support, students often make irreversible decisions based on limited social circles rather than labour market realities. Research across the ecosystem reveals a “cycle of disconnection”. Students report limited access to reliable information regarding work conditions and growth pathways. Educators observe that “unrealistic expectations” about salaries and roles contribute to high attrition when these notions are not met in the workplace.

Furthermore, employers experience a shortage of suitable candidates and high turnover, often because fresh recruits lack the mental preparation for workplace discipline and requirements.

Career guidance serves as a crucial solution to bridge the gap between student aspirations and market demands. It must be viewed as a continuous process that equips youth to navigate a dynamic labour market. While the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recognises this gap, the current landscape relies heavily on non-governmental organisations to fill systemic voids through mentorship and industry exposure. To achieve long-term impact, India must institutionalise proven models within national and state policies. The path forward requires implementing structured interventions such as workplace visits, career talks, and application skills training. Additionally, the state must build supportive infrastructure, including updated labour market information systems and dedicated certification for career counsellors. Failing to act risks wasting India’s demographic dividend, whereas a comprehensive guidance system will build a skilled, adaptable, and future-ready workforce.