India has achieved the 25th position in the recently released QS World Future Skills Index, reflecting its performance in higher education and graduate skill development. The index evaluates how well countries are prepared to address evolving global workforce demands, particularly in the context of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and economic shifts.
The QS World Future Skills Index assesses countries based on four key indicators: Skill Fit, Future of Work, Academic Readiness, and Economic Transformation. India scored 99.1 in the Future of Work category, 89.9 in Academic Readiness, 59.1 in Skill Fit, and 58.3 in Economic Transformation, culminating in an overall score of 76.6 out of 100.
The report highlights India’s emphasis on future skills and emerging job trends, positioning it as a forward-thinking nation with significant potential. The country performed well in the Future of Work and Academic Readiness indicators, underscoring its focus on preparing graduates for evolving job markets. However, challenges persist within India’s economic and academic systems. Despite having a robust economy, investment in research and development remains low, and progress towards achieving environmental policy targets has been limited.
A notable concern is the Skill Fit indicator, which measures how effectively graduates are equipped with the competencies employers seek. Indian employers have pointed out a significant gap in the workforce’s ability to adapt to the rapidly changing economic landscape. Specifically, there is a pronounced shortfall in Entrepreneurial and Innovative Mindset skills, a critical area for the country’s higher education system to address.
The report emphasises that enhanced collaboration between government, industry, and academia is essential to overcome these challenges. By fostering partnerships and aligning education with industry needs, India can better prepare its workforce to thrive in the global economy and fully capitalise on its future-focused initiatives.
