QS WORLD FUTURE SKILLS INDEX 2025

India ranks second globally in the QS World Future Skills Index 2025, demonstrating readiness for the global job market. Despite its young population, strong economic growth, and dynamic start-up ecosystem, India faces challenges like skilled workforce gap, low employability standards, and limited access to higher education. Recommendations include collaboration, research, equitable access, and regional disparities.

Last Updated on 21st January, 2025
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India has been ranked second globally in the QS World Future Skills Index 2025.

About the QS World Future Skills Index 2025

It was developed by London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) to evaluate how countries are prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global job market.

The index aims to evaluate nations' willingness to adopt emerging job trends like Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and green technologies.

The index evaluates nations across four dimensions:

  1. Skills Fit: It measures how well workforce skills align with job market demands.
  2. Academic Readiness: It examines the capability of educational institutions to prepare graduates for future challenges.
  3. Future of Work: It assesses the adoption of skills and technologies needed for emerging industries.
  4. Economic Transformation: It evaluates the ability of economies to adapt and thrive in new paradigms.

Performance of India

According to the QS World Future Skills Index 2025, India ranks second globally in terms of job market preparedness.

It focuses on India’s potential to meet emerging job market demands, especially in sectors like Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital industries, and green sectors.

India ranked 25th across all indicators, achieving the honour as a “future skills contender.” 

In the “Future of Work” category, India secured the second-highest global score (99.1), just behind the United States.

Key strengths of India  

The young population, strong economic growth, and dynamic start-up ecosystem placed India in an excellent position to lead in future-ready skills.

India ranks highly in AI, digital, and green industries, which makes it one of the most prepared nations for recruiting digital roles.

Challenges India face in the context of future skills

Despite its strong performance, India faces challenges in a few areas. One significant issue is the gap between higher education institutions and industry needs. There is a need to improve industry partnerships to ensure that graduates have the skills required by employers.

India scores low on metrics related to sustainable practices and innovation, indicating a need for more focus on sustainability and forward-thinking solutions.

Challenges India Faces in Skill Development

Skilled Workforce Gap: A National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) study found a 29-million worker shortage. Key sectors like healthcare, AI, semiconductor manufacturing, green jobs, and food processing face acute shortages.

Low Employability Standards: Only 25% of management professionals, 20% of engineers, and 10% of graduates meet employability benchmarks.

  • According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), 47% of Indian workers, which includes 62% of women, are underqualified for their jobs.

Limited Access to Higher Education: Many youths struggle to access tertiary education, particularly in skills-intensive fields.

Recommendations made in the Report

  • Strengthen the collaboration between educational institutions and industries to ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills that employers demand.
  • Boost research and development capabilities to encourage innovation and forward-thinking solutions.
  • Ensure equitable access to quality education across all regions of the country, especially in rural areas.
  • Universities and training institutions must deliver skills in AI, green technologies, and digital sectors.
  • Increasing R&D investment will foster innovation and sustainable practices.
  • Address regional disparities by creating modular and flexible learning pathways.
  • Partnerships between the government, private sector, and academia can drive targeted skilling and innovation.

Way Forward

India ranked 25th overall in the QS World Future Skills Index 2025, the global job market is due to its ability to prepare a workforce for the future, particularly in digital, AI, and green sectors. With a strong demographic advantage and economic foundations, India has the potential to shape the future of work. Its focus on education, industry integration, and innovation will strengthen its position in emerging industries. 

Must Read Articles: 

WEF's Future of Jobs Report 2025

Source: 

FINANCIAL EXPRESS

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