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QS World Future Skills Index 2025
Why in News?
India ranks 2nd globally in job market readiness as per the QS World Future Skills Index 2025, reflecting its strong potential in preparing talent for future demands.
About the Index
• Purpose:
Evaluates countries' readiness to meet evolving job market demands through skill development, education, and economic transformation.
• Released By:
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a London-based agency known for education and skills-related rankings.
• Objective:
Assesses countries' preparedness to equip their workforce with future skills like digital, AI, and green capabilities.
India’s Performance in the Index
• Overall Rank:
- 25th globally; categorized as a “Contender”, showing progress in future skills readiness.
• Job Market Readiness:
- Ranked 2nd globally in preparing talent for high-demand digital roles.
Strengths
• Future of Work:
Scored 99.1, the second-highest globally, showcasing its readiness to recruit and upskill talent for digital roles.
• Youth Advantage:
A large youth population and vibrant start-up ecosystem position India for sustained economic growth.
• Digital Readiness:
Along with Mexico, India is among the most prepared nations to integrate talent into digital roles.
Weaknesses and Challenges
• Innovation:
Low scores in sustainability and future-oriented innovation highlight gaps in green skills and forward-looking solutions.
• Academia-Industry Gap:
Significant misalignment in equipping graduates with skills in AI, green technologies, and digital transformation.
• R&D Investment:
India’s research and development spending is only 0.6% of GDP, far below the global average of 2.7%.
Significance of the Index
• Global Benchmark:
A reference for countries to assess readiness for evolving job market needs.
• Skill Prioritization:
Highlights the importance of digital, AI, and green skills for future industries.
• Policy Insights:
Provides actionable recommendations for reforming education and workforce training systems.
• Strategic Roadmap for India:
Encourages India to address weaknesses and leverage its strengths (youth population, start-ups, and digital capabilities) to secure a competitive global role.
QS WORLD FUTURE SKILLS INDEX (UPSC)
