As India gears up for Budget 2025, education leaders across the country are voicing their expectations, urging the government to prioritise skill development, industry collaboration, and innovation-driven ecosystems. With a focus on bridging the talent gap and preparing the workforce for the evolving job market, their insights underline the critical need for transformative policies in education.
Addressing the Skills Gap
Dr Prabhu Aggarwal, Dean of Badruka School of Management (BSM), Hyderabad, highlighted the alarming skills gap in India’s workforce. Referring to the findings of the World Economic Forum report, he noted, “As the data stated, out of 13 million individuals entering the workforce annually, only one-fourth of management professionals possess the necessary skills to succeed in the job market. This significant gap between educational qualifications and employment necessitates innovative solutions.”

Dr Aggarwal emphasised the importance of collaborations between government bodies and private institutions under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. “We must put immense focus on strengthening the Education 4.0 Revolution, fostering industry-academia collaboration and funding research projects to enhance the employability of Indian youth,” he added.
Strategic Investments in Education
Echoing similar sentiments, Prof. Radhika Shrivastava, Executive Director of Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB), New Delhi, expressed optimism about strategic investments in education. “In light of the upcoming budget, we anticipate strategic investments in education, particularly in skill development and advanced learning technologies, to empower the future workforce. As the demand for industry-ready talent increases, it is crucial to encourage greater collaboration between academia and industry,” she stated.

Prof. Shrivastava also highlighted the importance of promoting entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and vocational training, particularly for women. “A focus on creating an innovation-driven ecosystem that integrates academic learning with real-world applications will not only address the talent gap but also boost India’s competitive edge in the global market,” she remarked.
Fostering Innovation Through Design Education
From a design perspective, Nien Siao, Dean of JS Institute of Design, underscored the growing demand for skilled professionals in fields like product design, user experience, and digital design. “As India strives to solidify its position as a global innovation hub, we emphasise the need for stronger investments in design education to fuel innovation across industries,” she said. Nien Siao called for increased resources for research in innovation, experiential products and services, and human-centred design. She also urged the government to establish centres of expertise across states to enhance faculty training, mentoring, and incubation for design startups.

“By investing in a design ecosystem, India can progress to the competitive global stage, ensuring long-term economic growth and innovation,” she concluded.
A Unified Vision for Education
The unified call from academic leaders highlights a shared vision for an education sector that bridges gaps, fosters innovation, and equips India’s workforce to meet global standards. As Budget 2025 looms, all eyes will be on how the government responds to these pressing concerns.