A strong career often begins long before a student enters college.

A recent NITI Aayog report, Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047, highlights an important challenge for India: around 8.7 crore young people aged 15–29 are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

The report points toward an important solution—start building skills early, rather than waiting until students reach higher education or the job market.

Start the Foundation from Class 6

According to the report, employability skills should be introduced from Class 6, with opportunities for deeper vocational learning as students progress through school.

The idea is simple: a strong base can make the higher journey easier.

Students can gradually develop communication, digital skills, problem-solving, creativity, teamwork and practical understanding alongside academic learning.

From Marks to Skills

Academic knowledge remains essential, but today’s world also demands the ability to apply knowledge in real situations.

If students discover their interests and develop useful skills early, they may enter higher education with greater confidence and a clearer sense of direction.

The Bigger Message

India’s skilling challenge is not only about preparing young people for jobs after graduation. It is about creating a system where education, skills and careers grow together from an early stage.

The NITI Aayog report therefore raises a powerful thought:

Don’t wait for the future to teach young people the skills they need for it. Start building the foundation today.

Final Thought

A strong education system does more than produce graduates—it prepares young people to participate, adapt and create opportunities.

Build the foundation early. Strengthen the skills continuously.
Then higher education can become a launchpad for the future, not the starting point.

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