Over the past eleven years, the Government of India has made significant strides in empowering the youth, recognizing them as the nation’s most valuable asset. With over 65% of its population under the age of 35, India has focused on transforming its youth into a driving force for national growth through reforms in education, skilling, employment, entrepreneurship, and sports.
Revolutionizing Education
With the introduction of the National Education Policy 2020, the government aims to boost the Gross Enrolment Ratio and enhance the quality of education from preschool to university level. The number of universities has nearly doubled from 760 in 2014–15 to 1,334 in 2025, alongside significant expansions in IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS.
The number of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) has grown from 16 to 23, following the addition of seven new IITs over the past decade.
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have also seen steady growth, increasing from 13 in 2014 to 21 by May 2025, reflecting a broader push to strengthen management education across the country.
In the medical education sector, the transformation has been even more striking. The number of All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has more than tripled—from 7 in 2014 to 23. Medical colleges across the nation have surged from 387 to 2,045, now offering over 1.9 lakh medical seats as of 2024.
Skilling for the Future
Initiatives like PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana have trained over 1.63 crore youth in industry-relevant skills. The job-readiness of graduating students has seen a sharp rise from 33.9% in 2014 to 51.3% in 2024.
Expanding Employment Opportunities
Schemes like the Rozgar Mela have distributed around 10 lakh government job appointment letters, while EPFO data shows a substantial rise in formal employment, with over 3.45 crore young subscribers added since 2020.
Boosting Entrepreneurship
The Startup India programme has supported over 1.6 lakh startups, generating more than 17.6 lakh jobs. Loan disbursement under MUDRA Yojana surged, with the credit limit raised to ₹20 lakh to aid small entrepreneurs.
Building a Sporting Nation
Through Khelo India, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), and hosting major events like the National Games, India is nurturing world-class athletes. Notable achievements include 6 medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a record 29 medals at the Paralympics.
Youth Engagement in Nation-Building
The Agnipath scheme and the National Youth Festival 2025 have provided platforms for leadership, service, and innovation, connecting youth directly with national development goals.
Conclusion
India’s focused efforts over the last decade have laid a solid foundation for empowering its youth. By investing in education, skills, jobs, entrepreneurship, and sports, the government is unlocking the vast potential of young Indians to lead the country toward a prosperous and developed future.