9 hrs ago

West Bengal’s Youth Employability Crisis Threatens Its Demographic Advantage

West Bengal has many young people and many colleges.

But a large number of educated young people cannot find jobs.

Many others are not working, studying, or receiving training.

Reports also show that the state’s employability ranking has changed a lot over time.

It ranked second in 2019 but was outside the top 10 from 2023 to 2025.

Employers and young people have increasingly preferred other states for jobs.

This may reduce confidence in West Bengal’s colleges and job market.

The state’s share of young people is expected to shrink by 2036.

The article says Bengal needs to make higher education better at preparing students for available jobs.

Key facts

Educated youth unemployment: 20.21% in West Bengal, according to the India Employment Report 2024.
Youth not employed, educated, or trained: 34.40% of the state’s youth are reported to be outside employment, education, or training.
Colleges: West Bengal has approximately 1,588 colleges, the tenth-highest total in India according to AISHE 2023-24.
Youth population share: About 6.9% of India’s youth population lives in West Bengal.
Higher-education enrolment: West Bengal’s gross enrolment ratio was 24.6%, compared with the national average of 30%.
Employability ranking: The state ranked second nationally in 2019 but did not appear in the top 10 in 2023, 2024, or 2025.
Projected youth share: West Bengal’s youth population share is projected to decline to 19.6% by 2036.

telegraphindia.com · 9 hrs ago