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@article{190281,
        author = {Riddhiba Jadeja},
        title = {Vocational Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship in India: A Strategic Framework Aligned with NEP 2020},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {},
        volume = {12},
        number = {no},
        pages = {265-272},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=190281},
        abstract = {India’s evolving socio-economic landscape demands an educational model that seamlessly integrates vocational skills, entrepreneurship, and mainstream academic learning. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes competency-based education, experiential learning, and nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets across disciplines. This paper examines the systemic gaps in India’s skill ecosystem, identifies research problems related to employability, regional disparities, and persistent skill mismatch, and evaluates the effectiveness of current vocational and incubation frameworks. It further explores sector-specific opportunities in tourism, hospitality, rural entrepreneurship, creative industries, handicrafts, and applied technologies, highlighting how these sectors can serve as engines for inclusive growth.
Using a qualitative descriptive methodology supported by policy analysis, literature review, field observations, and case-based insights, the study proposes a multi-layered strategic framework to strengthen India’s vocational and entrepreneurial education. The expanded analysis also considers the challenges posed by digital divides, inadequate teacher preparedness, limited industry linkages, and fragmented skill standards across states. The findings underscore the need for stronger institutional collaboration, standardized competency frameworks, industry-linked curriculum design, digital skill integration, and localized innovation ecosystems that cater to rural and urban learners alike.
The paper concludes that aligning vocational education with NEP 2020, building robust incubation networks, and promoting entrepreneurship-driven learning pathways can accelerate inclusive economic development, improve employability outcomes, and equip India’s youth with future-ready competencies.},
        keywords = {Vocational Education, NEP 2020, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, Applied Technologies, Rural Innovation},
        month = {},
        }