India has made substantial progress in expanding access to higher education for its young (15- to 29-year-olds) population, ensuring a movement out of agriculture into industry and services, and reduced gender and caste-based disparities, according to the ‘State of Working India 2026’ report. However, challenges remain and the extent to which the large, increasingly educated, and aspirational cohort is absorbed into the labour market will determine whether India’s demographic dividend translates into an economic dividend.
 

L-R: Amit Basole, Rosa Abraham & Tamoghna Halder from Azim Premji University
 

“More young people today are educated, informed, and ambitious than ever before. These are real achievements of which we can be proud,” noted Indu Prasad, President, Azim Premji Universities.
 

The report draws on official databases going back four decades to see how youth participation in education and employment has changed, how well we have been able to use this demographic dividend, and the challenges and opportunities that arise in integrating them into the workforce.

Rosa Abraham, lead author of the report and Associate Professor of Economics at Azim Premji University said, “The report traces the journey of a young worker – from education to job search and employment, and how this transition has evolved over the last forty years. We hope the report will lay out some of the foundational work that will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges in this transition and enable coordinated policymaking.”

Key Findings

• Demographic dividend nearing peak: India’s working-age population share will begin declining after 2030. The pace of job creation in the coming decades is critical to ensure that the demographic dividend translates into an economic one.

• Rising educational attainment: Youth education levels have increased significantly over four decades, especially among women. India’s tertiary enrolment rate (28%) is comparable to countries with similar per capita incomes.

• Drop in male tertiary enrolment: The share of young men in education fell from 38% in 2017 to 34% in late 2024, with a large share citing the need to support household incomes as reason for their withdrawal.

• Expansion of higher education institutions: College availability increased from 29 per lakh youth (2010) to 45 (2021), mainly driven by private institutions. However, regional disparities remain large.

• Teacher shortages: Faculty growth has not matched rising student numbers. Against AICTE norms of 15–20 students per teacher, private colleges average 28 and public colleges 47. Hiring and filling up vacancies remain crucial to ensure that learning outcomes are not compromised due to resource constraints.

• Rapid expansion of vocational institutes: The number of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) has grown by nearly 300% since the 2010s, largely due to private providers. But, institutional quality, especially among private ITIs, has fallen.

• Higher education has become increasingly democratised but financial barriers remain: Between 2007 and 2017, the share of students in tertiary education who belong to the poorest households increased from 8 percent to 15 percent.

• Financial barriers in accessing professional courses: Students from richer households are far more likely to pursue engineering and medicine, as the cost of these degrees often exceeds the annual per capita expenditure of poorer households.

• Difficult education-to-employment transition: Graduate unemployment among the 15- to 29-year-olds remains high – nearly 40% among the 15- to 25-year-olds, and 20% among the 25- to 29-year-olds; and, only a small share secure stable salaried jobs within a year of graduation.

• Strong graduate wage premium: Graduates earn roughly twice as much as non-graduates at entry, and the earnings gap widens over their careers.

• Stagnating male graduate earnings: Entry-level salaries for young male graduates have slowed in growth since 2011, while gender gaps in graduate earnings have narrowed.

• Shift away from agriculture: Young workers are leaving agriculture faster than older cohorts and moving into manufacturing and services. Young women are increasingly employed in IT, automobile manufacturing, and business services.

• Declining caste and gender occupational segregation: Younger cohorts are less concentrated in occupations traditionally linked to their caste or gender.

• Migration as a labour market response: Youth migration helps balance regional disparities – poorer states and those with a younger population remain major labour sources, while richer states with a predominantly older population rely increasingly on migrant youth.
   

For media queries contact:

Rosa Abraham

Email: rosa.abraham@apu.edu.in

Ph: +91-9901957009
 

Sony Shetty

Email: sony.shetty@azimpremjifoundation.org

Ph: +919820900036
 

Sumit Jain

Email: sumit.jain@k2communications.in

Ph: +91 9886021715
 

About Azim Premji University

Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, was established under the Azim Premji University Act 2010 of the Government of Karnataka. Azim Premji University, Bhopal, was established under the provisions of Madhya Pradesh Niji Vishwa Vidyalaya (Sthapana Avam Sanchalan) Dwitiya Sanshodhan Adhiniyam, 2022. Azim Premji University in Ranchi is being established under the Azim Premji University Act, 2022, enacted by the Government of Jharkhand.
 

Azim Premji Foundation, the sponsoring body, set up all three Universities as fully philanthropic entities, with a clear social purpose of contributing to the realisation of a just, equitable, humane, and sustainable society.

Moscow is once again embracing its role among the world’s leading fashion centers, hosting designers from across the globe — including talents from China, Turkey, Spain, Armenia, and Russia. Running until March 19, Moscow Fashion Week brings together promising brands and emerging designers, creating a platform for new discoveries while shaping the future of the global fashion landscape.

Madame & Mister Sibarita at Moscow Fashion Week

Many collections by Russian designers showcased this season at Moscow Fashion Week have sparked considerable media attention and drawn the interest of fashion industry experts. The brand Koss focused on a play of textures and a contrasting palette in its new collection, combining classic New Look–inspired silhouettes with airy chiffon and rich velvet. Designers of Capparel explored the idea of physical presence and material memory, turning folds and imprints of body movement into the central elements of the collection’s architectural structure. The brand MME showcased a collection that harmoniously blends precision and sculptural structure with softness, capturing the inner strength and understated elegance of the contemporary woman. XakaMa – Fashion House of Lena Makashova, which celebrated its 35-year anniversary, presented a collection enriched with avant-garde details – intricate straps, asymmetrical multi-tiered folds, dresses with vests, voluminous accent trousers and an interplay with pockets. The Ammonit collection featured flowing silhouettes and soft fabrics designed to provide comfort and confidence in the rhythm of the modern city.

The global spirit of the event was reflected in the participation of the Spanish label Madame & Mister Sibarita. Designer Patricia Emma Fernandez Ortiz draws inspiration from Indian aesthetics, incorporating its vibrant colors and rich craft traditions into the brand’s collections.

“Our brand offers something truly distinctive: a fusion of cultures and aesthetics. Madame & Mister Sibarita combines the rich textile traditions of India with a contemporary Western vision, creating pieces that are not only luxurious but also unique and full of personality. The Russian market is particularly receptive to fashion with character, craftsmanship, and story. For us, this represents a significant opportunity to introduce our differentiated approach, while for the Spanish fashion industry, it opens doors to showcase creativity, quality, and innovation on a new international stage”, – shared Patricia Emma Fernandez Ortiz.

Moscow Fashion Week has long been a most effective platform for the development of emerging brands, opening doors for up-and-coming designers to enter new international markets. A great example of this is Russian label Hatsibana, a regular participant at Moscow Fashion Week, which proudly showcased its collection at Lakmé Fashion Week in India last October.

“This trip was more than just a runway show for me — it became a true dialogue of cultures, a moment when the heritage of the Caucasus was expressed in a language understood around the world. We didn’t simply present our brand; we laid the foundation for future collaborations and for entering one of the world’s most promising markets,” said Fatima Shogenova, designer and founder of Hatsibana.

Moscow Fashion Week is now in full swing, with many remarkable shows and exciting collections still to come. The event continues to serve as a space where local traditions meet the global demands of the fashion industry, helping designers connect with audiences around the world.

World Public Summit. India will take place from 23 to 26 March 2026 in New Delhi, positioning India at the forefront of global dialogue on emerging frameworks of international cooperation. Organized by the World Peoples Assembly in cooperation with the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Summit opens the international cycle of regional public summits in 2026. Following events in India, the Arab World, Latin America, Africa and Europe, it will develop practical civil society initiatives and proposals for the World Public Summit in Moscow in September 2026.

Hosting the Summit in India reflects the country’s growing role in shaping a new architecture of international cooperation. Held under the theme “New World: India in the Architecture of a Shared Future”, the Summit highlights India’s position as one of the key centres of the emerging multipolar world, actively participating in global humanitarian initiatives and holding the BRICS presidency in 2026.

Secretary General of the World Peoples Assembly, Andrey Belyaninov, noted, “The Indian Summit continues the ideas of the ‘New World of Conscious Unity’ and opens the series of regional Summits in 2026. India, a country that embodies the principle of unity in diversity, becomes a platform for dialogue on the values that shape our shared future. Holding the Summit will allow us to mobilize the intellectual, cultural and social potential of the country to develop practical initiatives and meaningful proposals. We are confident that the New World is built on trust, respect and cooperation.”

The Summit is anchored around key objectives that include clarifying and providing practical content to the values of the New World of Conscious Unity by drawing on the Indian experience, developing a package of regional initiatives and working models from Asia and the Global South for inclusion in the agenda of the Second World Summit “New World: Values that Unite”, strengthening the network of public diplomacy in the region by engaging Indian NGOs, academia, business communities and youth organizations, and developing long-term cooperation with Indian partners.

Vice President of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sameep Shastri, said: “India has always adhered to the philosophy that the whole world is one family. This Summit brings that vision into reality by bringing us together to explore how our diversity of perspectives can help build a more responsible and sustainable future for all.”

Following the Summit, the Delhi Declaration is expected to be adopted, contributing to the global agenda. Key themes span culture and spiritual heritage as the foundation of a shared future, leadership of the New World of Conscious Unity, tradition and innovation, media and humanitarian dialogue, partnership economy and social responsibility, and integration formats and public diplomacy.

Programme highlights include the Plenary “India: Unity in Diversity — the Architecture of a Shared Future. Values that Unite”, along with panel sessions on “Peace through Culture,” “Leaders of the New World,” and “Culture of Trust”. The programme will also feature international round tables on UNESCO, cultural diplomacy, youth, space, women, media, and more.

The Summit will bring together representatives from civil society, academia, business communities, international organizations and youth initiatives, serving as a platform for engagement and collaboration aimed at advancing public diplomacy and humanitarian cooperation. The World Peoples Assembly forms a humanitarian platform based on trust, respect, and shared values.

The School of Law at Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Chennai, successfully organized the 8th Thiru. Isari Velan Memorial Moot Court Competition 2026 from March 12 to March 14, bringing together talented law students from across the country to showcase their legal research, advocacy, and courtroom argumentation skills.
 

N. Mala, Judge of the Madras High Court and Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder- Chancellor of Vels University, presented awards to winners at the 8th Thiru. Isari Velan Memorial Moot Court Competition
 

The prestigious national-level moot court competition witnessed participation from 22 teams representing prominent law colleges across India, reaffirming VELS University’s commitment to promoting excellence in legal education and advocacy training.
 

The competition was inaugurated by A. Kulasekaran, former Judge of the Madras High Court, who encouraged students to cultivate strong legal reasoning, analytical thinking, and persuasive advocacy skills to succeed in the legal profession.
 

The final round, held on March 14, was presided over by N. Mala, Judge of the Madras High Court, along with R. Srinivasan, Professor at Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University.
 

Prof. Dr. S. Ambika Kumari, Dean of the Vels School of Law, presented the annual report and explained the rules and structure of the competition. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. T. Sasipraba Vice Chancellor VISTAS, who greeted the distinguished guests, faculty members, and student participants.
 

At the prize distribution ceremony, Dr. Ishari K Ganesh, Founder – Chancellor Vels University & Chairman Vels Group of Institutions & Companies, delivered the presidential address and distributed prizes to the winners.
 

In his speech, he remarked that law has always been very close to his heart and expressed pride in identifying himself as a lawyer in addition to being an educationist. He advised students to continuously develop their advocacy skills and legal knowledge to excel in the profession.
 

Dr. Ishari K Ganesh, Founder – Chancellor Vels University & Chairman Vels Group of Institutions & Companies also announced that from 2027 onwards the first prize amount for the competition will be increased from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000, which was warmly welcomed by the participants.
 

Justice N. Mala’s Inspiring Message

Delivering the special address, Justice N. Mala began her speech with the well-known quote:
 

“What we have learned is a handful; what we have not learned is the size of the world.”
 

She emphasized that young lawyers should listen carefully to senior advocates, learn through observation, and develop the ability to work independently. She also highlighted the importance of courage, dedication, discipline, and perseverance in building a successful legal career.
 

Winners of the Competition

The winners of the 8th Thiru. Isari Velan Memorial Moot Court Competition 2026 were:

• First Prize: Saveetha School of Law – Trophy, medals, and Rs. 50,000 cash prize

• Second Prize: Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College – Rs. 30,000 cash prize

• Best Memorial Award: Bharath Law School – Rs. 15,000 cash prize

• Best Speaker Award: Ms. S. Shalini from Saveetha School of Law – Rs. 15,000 prize money
   

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Rohan Kumar, Head of Department at the Vels School of Law, marking the successful completion of the competition.
 

The event once again reflected the commitment of Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies to nurturing future legal professionals and strengthening academic excellence in legal education.

About VELS University
VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) continues to be recognised as one of the best deemed university in Chennai, distinguished by its prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation and UGC Category I status. Home to over 20,000 students and supported by a dedicated faculty strength of 1,220 members, VISTAS offers more than 150 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across a wide spectrum of disciplines. These include Medicine, Engineering, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Management, Law, Mass Communication, Maritime Studies, Aviation, Physiotherapy, and Computing Sciences, among others. With its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and holistic development, VISTAS remains a premier destination for quality higher education in India.

For more information, please visit www.vistas.ac.in.

The fifth edition of the India Global Innovation Connect (IGIC), India’s leading international platform for innovation and technology collaboration, will take place on May 6–7, 2026, in New Delhi bringing together some of the world’s most influential leaders shaping the future of technology and innovation.

The theme for this year’s annual gathering is “India in the age of AI”. IGIC 2026 will convene global decision-makers from industry, government, venture capital, startups, academia, and policymaking circles to explore India’s rapidly expanding role in the global innovation ecosystem and in frontier technologies, as a new hub for next-generation technologies.

Organized by Smadja & Smadja Strategic Advisory and supported by key ecosystem stakeholders, including partner organizations such as TiE Delhi NCR and the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) IGIC 2026 will serve as a powerful platform to strengthen collaboration between India’s vibrant venture capital and innovation ecosystem and its global counterparts.

The two-day event will feature high-profile keynote addresses, fireside conversations, and panel discussions with prominent global and Indian business leaders, technology pioneers, investors, and policymakers. Discussions will focus on some of the most transformative sectors shaping the global economy, including artificial intelligence, fintech, aerospace, sustainability, semiconductors, data centres, defence technologies, biotech, healthtech, and strategies for scaling breakthrough startups.

IGIC 2026 is expected to welcome international delegations and participants from North America, Europe, Asia, and emerging innovation hubs worldwide, further strengthening its position as a truly global forum for dialogue, partnership, and technology collaboration.

“India has become one of the most dynamic innovation ecosystems in the world, driven by its entrepreneurial talent, digital infrastructure, and growing investor interest. IGIC provides a unique platform where global investors, corporates, startups, and policymakers can come together to explore new partnerships and accelerate the development of transformative technologies,” said Claude Smadja, Chairman of Smadja & Smadja Strategic Advisory.

Through its platform, IGIC aims to expand technology and business interactions between India’s and global startup ecosystems, provide actionable insights on accelerating technology innovation in India, support the conversion of innovative ideas into market-ready products and services, identify opportunities emerging from global technology and business trends, highlight India’s rise as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, and assess the impact of policy and regulatory developments on business and innovation.

Confirmed speakers for IGIC 2026 include Ashishkumar Chauhan, Managing Director & CEO National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), Avi Avula, President & MD, Corporate Vice President Semiconductor Products Group Asia, Applied Materials India, USA, Will Poole, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Capria Ventures, USA, Thierry Porté, Managing Director & Vice Chairman, JC Flowers & Co LLC, USA, Sanjeev Sanyal, Member, Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council; Baijayant “Jay” Panda, national Vice president and spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Member of the Lok Sabha; Ruchir Dixit, Vice President & Country Manager, Siemens EDA; Amarjeet Singh Makhija, Markets Lead Advisory, PwC India;; Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Aarin Capital; Satish Shukla, Co-Founder, Addverb Technologies; Umakant Soni, Chairman, AI Foundry; Sudhir Rao, Managing Partner, Clesta Capital; Yunpeng Qu, Founder & CEO, Yaya Zhixian Technology; and Rachelle Jensen, CEO, Luminis Water Technologies.

For more information and registration details, visit: indiaglobalinnovationconnect.com