India faces a severe youth unemployment crisis as millions of graduates struggle to find quality jobs despite robust economic growth. This mismatch between education and employment is fueling widespread discontent and protests.
Bank of America's Rahul Bajoria identifies job creation as India's primary long-term structural challenge. He highlights underemployment and the need for a decade-long collaborative effort from government, private sector, and households to leverage the demographic dividend. Bajoria also notes AI's challenges and opportunities, stressing the importance of revamping skilling and education.
India's demographic advantage—65% of population under 35—faces mounting pressure from weak job creation, skill gaps, and rising youth unemployment, which accounts for 83% of total joblessness. Urban youth unemployment stands at 18.8%, with only 51% of graduates employable. Economic pressure is pushing young workers into gig roles (up 55% to 12 million), creating a cycle of short-term decision-making without upward mobility. Mental well-being rankings place India's 18-34 age group in the 'distressed' range.
