Your degree could include on-job training as NITI Aayog pushes 'apprenticeship for all'

NITI Aayog has proposed an apprenticeship-for-all model linking degrees with workplace learning. The report frames it as a way to improve employability, skills alignment and career mobility.

In Short

• Report links graduate employability concerns to weak practical learning and industry exposure
• NITI Aayog cites outdated curricula and generic degrees as employability barriers
• Survey data shows workers struggle with digital and communication skills

A college degree could increasingly come with hands-on work experience as NITI Aayog pushes an “Apprenticeship for All” model to make workplace learning a more integral part of higher education.

In its report, Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047, NITI Aayog has proposed expanding apprenticeships and apprenticeship-embedded degree and diploma programmes to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry requirements. It also recommends flexible, modular and industry-linked programmes that allow students to learn while gaining work experience.

The proposal comes amid concerns over graduate employability. The report says 34% of students cite lack of skills as a key challenge while pursuing their degrees, while 18% point to inadequate interview preparation. It also flags gaps in practical learning and industry exposure.

NITI AAYOG WANTS APPRENTICESHIPS TO BECOME A MAINSTREAM COLLEGE PATHWAY

The report calls for wider adoption of Apprenticeship Embedded Degree/Diploma Programmes (AEDP), work-integrated degrees and “earn-while-you-learn” models.

The aim is to move higher education beyond a system focused mainly on credentials and towards one that combines academic learning with industry exposure and job-linked skills. NITI Aayog notes that outdated curricula and the dominance of generic degrees continue to affect employability.

The skills gap is also visible among workers. According to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s State of Skills Survey 2024, cited in the report, 36% of workers face challenges with digital skills and 18% with communication skills while looking for jobs.

EMPLOYABILITY GAP AND ENTREPRENUERSHIP

The employability gap also extends to entrepreneurship. The report says 61% of higher-education students who aspire to become entrepreneurs are unaware of the pathways available to them.

It notes that schools, colleges and ITIs do not systematically provide business-readiness modules, mentorship or local incubation support. NITI Aayog has called for stronger career counselling and clearer information on skilling pathways, career outcomes and the return on investment of different programmes.

FROM GENERIC DEGREES TO INDUSTRY-LINKED PROGRAMMES

NITI Aayog's apprenticeship push is part of a broader plan to align higher education with labour-market demand.

The report recommends moving towards applied, industry-aligned specialisations while expanding apprenticeship-embedded degrees, work-integrated learning and flexible programmes. These pathways could allow students to combine learning with earning and move more easily between academic, vocational and workplace learning.

It also proposes greater industry participation through public-private partnerships and stronger recognition of workplace learning under the National Credit Framework.

The report proposes a State Apprenticeship Platform to bring apprenticeship and internship opportunities together and make them easier for students and employers to access.

“Apprenticeship for All” is listed among its key reforms, alongside skills-first hiring, work-integrated degrees, outcomes-based financing and adoption of the National Credit Framework.

NITI Aayog has also proposed a Digital Skills Passport carrying digitally verified credentials, allowing individuals to maintain recognised records of their skills and qualifications across education and employment.

29 CRORE STUDENTS, 65.4 CRORE LABOUR FORCE

The scale of the challenge is significant. India has around 29 crore students across its education system, while its labour force stands at 65.4 crore, according to the report. Of the labour force, 58.4% are self-employed, 21.7% are regular wage or salaried workers and 19.8% are casual labourers.

NITI Aayog says India's young population makes it critical to build education and skilling pathways that keep pace with changing employment opportunities. AI, automation and climate-related changes are also reshaping job requirements, making it necessary to rethink how skills are developed and delivered.

MISMATCH BETWEEN SKILLING PROGRAMMES, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The report also flags a mismatch between skilling programmes and local employment opportunities.

Learners may acquire new skills but still struggle to find jobs in their region that match their training. NITI Aayog therefore calls for industry-aligned curricula, internships and apprenticeships in tertiary education, along with learning opportunities linked to local demand and emerging sectors.

The proposed model envisages smoother movement between school, college, vocational training, apprenticeships and employment.

Instead of completing a degree and seeking work experience separately, students could earn academic credentials while gaining workplace experience. The National Credit Framework could help them move between different learning and qualification pathways, supported by work-integrated degrees, flexible vocational routes, micro-credentials and early exposure to skills.

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