India faces a paradox of a burgeoning, increasingly educated youth population struggling with high unemployment, despite significant educational advancements.

• 367 million young people (15-29) represent the world's largest youth population, yet nearly 40% of graduates aged 15-25 are jobless.
• The State of Working India report by Azim Premji University highlights this critical mismatch between education and employment.
• Despite a surge in higher education enrollment and job creation, many new jobs are low-productivity or informal, with a growing trend of educated young men supporting family incomes rather than pursuing stable careers.