National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) flags 8.7 crore Indian youth as NEET

Exam-focused facts from the 27 August 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

NITI Aayog has estimated that 8.7 crore Indian youth aged 15-29 fall under the NEET category, based on the 78th round of the National Sample Survey conducted in 2021.
The NITI Aayog report, titled 'Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047', emphasises the need for affordable or subsidised training options for NEET youth and women.
Only 8.25 per cent of graduates are employed in roles aligned to their qualifications, according to the report.
Over 7.67 crore individuals have been trained since 2014-15, as per the NITI Aayog report.
The report recommends skilling pathways aligned with local demand and emerging sectors for workforce and NEET youth.