As an entrepreneur in the education and skilling space, I see the skill gap not just as a hiring problem-but as an educational emergency. Despite the growing youth population and expansion of higher education institution in India, we continue to face a widening chasm between academic output and industry readiness.
In today’s fast evolving global economy, the phrase “skill gap” is no longer just an HR jargon-it is a real and pressing concern impacting businesses, education systems and entire economies.
Understanding the Gap
Skill gap refers to the mismatch between the skills employers need and the skills job seekers possess.
India produces over 3.5 million graduates annually, yet only 46% are deemed employable(India skills report 2024). This gap is even more pronounced in technical and digital domains where rapid innovation outpaces curriculum updates. The issue is deep rooted in our education system’s heavy emphasis on rote learning, theoretical knowledge, and exam performance rather than real world skills, adaptability, or critical thinking.
The world economic forum’s report predicts that over 50% of all employees worldwide will need reskilling by 2027.
Entrepreneurial Challenges and Observations
As someone building solutions in the education space, I see the challenges not just in the skill delivery but also in mindsets. Many learners approach education as a theoretical exercise rather than a means to solve real world problems. On the flip side, companies often lack structured internship programs or real-world learning pipelines to support fresh talent.
Moreover, in tier 2 and 3 cities of India there is a glaring lack of exposure to global standards and opportunities. Abroad, although the infrastructure is maybe better, rapidly changing technologies still leave many professionals scrambling to catch up.
To bridge the gap we need systematic interventions led by educational institutions and corporates alike.
-
Curriculum redesign with skills in focus: Incorporate 21st century skills -like problem solving, creativity, collaboration-into mainstream education, right from the school level. Most curricula are outdated and do not reflect the pace of change in area like AI, Data science and green energy.
-
Access to quality education: While digital education is booming, the digital divide still prevents students in rural and semi urban areas from accessing high quality tools, content and mentorship.
-
Career guidance and early exposure: Institutes should introduce structured career orientation programs from high school, helping students explore future skill trends and personal strengths early.
So, the skill gap is not merely a supply demand mismatch-it’s a signal to reimagine education from the ground up. Its not just a challenge – it’s an opportunity to reimagine learning, reshape hiring, and rebuild economies on the foundation of future ready talent.
As entrepreneurs, we have the agility innovation and grassroots access to drive this change.
Lets build an education system that doesn’t just teach-but transforms.
About the Author
Smita Suhasaria is the Founder of Brain Labs Academy, an institution dedicated to fostering holistic learning environments and nurturing both academic and emotional intelligence. With a deep passion for education and well-being, she brings years of experience in working with students, educators, and school systems. Smita is committed to creating school cultures where compassion, collaboration, and mental wellness take center stage, enabling both staff and students to thrive.