President Droupadi Murmu will confer the National Teachers Awards 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on September 5, Teachers’ Day, with 82 teachers from school education, higher education and skill development set to receive the national honour.

The awards will recognise 48 school teachers, 21 teachers from higher education and 13 teachers associated with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, highlighting contributions across different levels of education and training. The Ministry of Education will also broadcast the programme live.

For the school education category, the Department of School Education and Literacy selected 48 teachers through a three-stage process at the district, state and national levels. The awardees represent 27 states, seven Union Territories and six Central Government organisations. Among the 48 school teachers, 26 are male and 22 are female.

President Murmu to Present Awards on Teachers’ Day

The National Teachers Awards ceremony is organised annually by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, on September 5. The awards are intended to recognise teachers whose commitment and work have contributed to improving the quality of education and making a meaningful difference to students.

Short documentaries showcasing the work and achievements of the 48 school-teacher awardees will also be screened during the ceremony.

Teachers’ Day in India is observed on September 5, the birth anniversary of former President, philosopher and educationist Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. The national observance has been associated with his birthday since 1962.

48 School Teachers Selected for National Award

The school-teacher awardees were selected after eligible teachers were invited to submit online self-nominations between June 15 and July 20, 2026.

The selection process involved scrutiny at the district, state and national levels. The Ministry has stated that the final list is not arranged according to any particular order of merit.

The 48 teachers come from a wide range of institutions, including government schools and schools associated with organisations such as the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, Eklavya Model Residential Schools and Sainik Schools.

Madhya Pradesh Gets Two School Teacher Awardees

Madhya Pradesh has two teachers among the 48 school-teacher recipients of the National Teachers Awards 2026.

Dr Archana Shukla has been selected from Government Mahatma Gandhi Sandipani Higher Secondary School, BHEL, Bhopal.

Shailendra Pratap Singh has been selected from Government Middle School Kanjwar in Sidhi district.

Their inclusion gives Madhya Pradesh representation among the teachers being recognised at the national ceremony in New Delhi.

Awardees From Across India

The school-teacher list includes educators from states and Union Territories across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, northeastern states, southern states and several regions of northern and central India.

The list also includes teachers working with institutions under Central Government organisations. Among them are educators associated with Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Eklavya Model Residential Schools and Sainik Schools.

The broader National Teachers Awards 2026 programme will additionally recognise teachers from higher education and skill development, taking the overall number of awardees to 82.

National Ceremony to Be Telecast Live

The September 5 ceremony will be available to viewers through multiple government broadcasting and digital platforms.

The Ministry of Education has said the programme will be telecast live on Doordarshan and the SWAYAM PRABHA channels. It will also be streamed on the government's webcast platform and through the Ministry of Education's social media channels.

The live programme will allow students, teachers and members of the public to follow the national recognition of educators.

National Teachers Awards 2026: Key Details

• Date: September 5, 2026
• Venue: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
• Presented by: President Droupadi Murmu
• Total awardees: 82
• School teachers: 48
• Higher education teachers: 21
• Skill development teachers: 13
• School-teacher male awardees: 26
• School-teacher female awardees: 22
• School-teacher representation: 27 States, 7 Union Territories and 6 Central Government organisations
• Madhya Pradesh school-teacher awardees: Dr Archana Shukla and Shailendra Pratap Singh
• School-teacher selection: District, State and National-level process
• Live coverage: Doordarshan, SWAYAM PRABHA and government webcast platforms

 With nearly 65 per cent of India's population below the age of 35, the government has placed youth empowerment at the centre of its long-term development strategy, focusing on education, skills, employment, entrepreneurship, sports, health and civic participation.

The government said these initiatives are aimed at turning India's demographic advantage into a development dividend and enabling the country's young population, described as the “Amrit Peedhi,” to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

MY Bharat Expands Youth Participation

At the centre of the youth-focused approach is Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), a technology-driven platform launched in October 2023 for young people aged 15 to 29.

The platform brings volunteering, experiential learning, leadership development, skill-building, career support and civic participation under a nationwide ecosystem.

As of July 2026, more than 2.22 crore young people had registered on the platform. More than 1.52 lakh volunteering opportunities have been made available, covering community service, environmental activities, cultural initiatives and public programmes.

The platform has also facilitated more than 24,900 experiential learning programmes, connecting young people with sectors including governance, healthcare, media, technology and public service.

Education Gains Digital Push

The government highlighted improvements across India's education system, with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 placing learners at the centre and seeking closer links between school education, higher education, skills and employment.

India has around 14.67 lakh schools, serving 24.72 crore students and employing more than 1.02 crore teachers.

The secondary-level dropout rate declined from 14.54 per cent in 2013-14 to 7 per cent in 2025-26, according to the government.

Digital infrastructure has also expanded. More than 1.49 lakh schools had been covered under ICT and digital initiatives by 2025-26, while over 1.76 lakh smart classrooms and 1.79 lakh ICT laboratories had been approved by March 2026.

The government also said more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have engaged over 1.1 crore students and supported more than 16 lakh projects.

Higher Education and Innovation

Higher education enrolment increased from 3.4 crore students in 2014-15 to 4.5 crore in 2023-24. Female enrolment rose by 42.2 per cent over the 2014-15 level to reach around 2.2 crore in 2023-24.

Innovation infrastructure has expanded as well. The government said 85 Atal Incubation Centres have supported more than 2,900 startups and helped generate over 32,000 jobs.

More than 700 universities and 7,500 affiliated colleges have adopted the National Credit Framework.

The Academic Bank of Credits has connected 3,123 institutions, while more than 35.27 crore APAAR IDs had been issued by August 12, 2026.

The SWAYAM platform offered more than 20,370 courses and recorded over 6.5 crore enrolments as of August 12.

Skills, Jobs and Startups

The government said its skill-development programmes have empowered more than 6 crore people.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, more than 1.64 crore young people have received training across four phases since 2015, including programmes related to artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, electronics and green energy.

The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme had enrolled more than 54.41 lakh apprentices by March 2026.

India's startup ecosystem has also expanded sharply. The number of recognised startups rose from around 350 before 2014 to more than 2.47 lakh by August 2026, making India the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, according to the government.

The Prime Minister's Internship Scheme had offered 1,64,902 internship opportunities across 31 sectors as of August 12.

Sports Infrastructure Expands

Youth development has also been linked with sports and fitness.

Under the Khelo India programme, 349 sports infrastructure projects worth ₹3,176 crore have been approved, alongside 1,067 Khelo India Centres and 267 academies.

The programme currently supports 2,745 athletes, while more than 63,000 athletes have participated in Khelo India Games across youth, university, winter, para, beach, water sports and tribal categories since 2018.

The Target Olympic Podium Scheme supports 51 core athletes, 52 para-core athletes and 130 development athletes.

For the period from 2026-27 to 2030-31, a total outlay of ₹36,441 crore has been earmarked for the revised Khelo India scheme and enhanced assistance to national sports federations.

Focus on Health and Wellbeing

The government has also highlighted adolescent health, mental healthcare and substance-abuse prevention as key components of youth empowerment.

The number of Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics increased from 6,619 in 2014-15 to 7,203 in 2021-22. Registrations at these facilities have also increased substantially.

Tele-MANAS had handled more than 43.70 lakh calls through 53 cells as of August 12, 2026, with support from mentoring institutions and regional coordination centres.

The government said the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan had reached more than 30.05 crore people, including 11.86 crore young people, by August 12. More than 28.56 lakh activities had been conducted in educational institutions, while over 28.29 lakh people had received treatment and rehabilitation support.

Building the Amrit Peedhi

The government said the expansion of education, skills, employment, entrepreneurship, civic participation, sports and healthcare is contributing to a broader transformation in India's youth demographic.

The focus is increasingly shifting from young people being beneficiaries of government programmes to becoming participants and co-creators in development.

According to the government, digital platforms, institutional reforms and targeted programmes are creating the foundation for a generation capable of contributing to India's long-term development goals.

The initiatives are being positioned as part of the broader effort to enable India's Amrit Peedhi to play a central role in shaping Viksit Bharat@2047.

Classrooms need to move beyond marks and memorisation as employers increasingly value practical skills, adaptability and problem-solving

For decades, the path to success appeared straightforward—study hard, earn good marks, secure a degree and land a stable job. That formula no longer holds true. Across industries, employers are discovering that academic qualifications alone are not enough to meet the demands of an economy driven by artificial intelligence, automation and rapid technological change.

Today's students are graduating into a world where jobs are evolving faster than college curricula. Many employers report that fresh graduates possess theoretical knowledge but lack the practical skills needed to contribute from day one. This widening gap between education and employment has become one of the biggest challenges facing young professionals.

India produces millions of graduates every year from schools, colleges and universities. Yet many struggle to find meaningful employment. The issue is not simply a shortage of jobs—it is often a mismatch between what students learn and what the workplace expects.

Traditional education systems continue to prioritise examinations, rote learning and textbook-based assessments. While these remain important for building academic foundations, they rarely prepare students for solving real-world problems, working in teams or adapting to changing technologies.

The workplace of 2026 values a very different set of abilities. Communication skills, analytical thinking, creativity, digital literacy, emotional intelligence and the ability to learn continuously have become as important as technical expertise. Employers increasingly seek candidates who can collaborate, think critically and respond to new challenges rather than simply recall information.

Artificial intelligence has accelerated this transformation. Routine tasks across industries—from customer service and accounting to software development and content creation—are becoming increasingly automated. Rather than replacing every job, AI is changing how work is performed. Professionals who understand how to work alongside AI tools will have a significant advantage over those who resist technological change.

This means students must begin developing practical skills much earlier. Internships, industry projects, research work, entrepreneurship programmes and volunteer activities provide valuable exposure that classrooms alone cannot offer. Building a portfolio of work often matters more than listing certificates on a resume.

Digital competence has also become essential regardless of career choice. Whether pursuing medicine, journalism, engineering, law, commerce or the arts, students are expected to understand digital platforms, data, online collaboration tools and responsible use of AI. The future workforce will not compete against artificial intelligence—it will compete alongside people who know how to use it effectively.

Soft skills are another area where education requires urgent reform. Confidence in public speaking, professional writing, teamwork, leadership, negotiation and time management are increasingly influencing hiring decisions. Many employers believe these skills are difficult to teach after recruitment and therefore prefer candidates who already demonstrate them.

Educational institutions also have a responsibility to evolve. Colleges should strengthen partnerships with industries, update curricula more frequently, promote interdisciplinary learning and provide career guidance that reflects changing market realities. Schools, meanwhile, should encourage curiosity, creativity and problem-solving rather than focusing exclusively on examination scores.

Parents and students also need to redefine success. A high percentage in board examinations remains valuable, but lifelong employability depends on continuous learning. The most successful professionals today regularly upgrade their knowledge through online courses, certifications and practical experience long after formal education ends.

The future belongs to learners rather than degree holders. In a rapidly changing economy, adaptability has become the most valuable qualification of all. Students who embrace new technologies, build practical skills and remain curious throughout their careers will be better prepared for opportunities that may not even exist today.

Education should no longer be viewed merely as preparation for examinations. It must prepare young people for solving problems, creating value and thriving in an unpredictable world where learning never truly ends.

India's higher education system has expanded at an unprecedented pace over the past two decades. Universities have multiplied, private colleges have flourished, and every year millions of students graduate with degrees in engineering, management, arts, commerce and science. Yet behind this impressive growth lies an uncomfortable reality—earning a degree no longer guarantees meaningful employment.

For many young Indians, unemployment is no longer defined by the absence of education. Instead, it is increasingly becoming a crisis of educated aspirations. Across cities and towns, graduates spend months—or even years—preparing for government examinations, applying for limited vacancies, accepting jobs far below their qualifications or leaving the workforce altogether. The result is not merely economic hardship but a growing sense of frustration, uncertainty and declining confidence in the promise of higher education.

The challenge extends beyond unemployment to underemployment. Thousands of engineering graduates work in sectors unrelated to their field of study. Postgraduates often compete for clerical or entry-level positions requiring far lower qualifications. Competitive examinations for a few hundred government posts routinely attract lakhs of applicants, many holding master's degrees, professional certifications and years of preparation. Such trends reveal a widening gap between educational attainment and labour market demand.

One of the core issues is the disconnect between academic curricula and industry expectations. While institutions continue to produce graduates in large numbers, employers frequently report shortages of candidates with practical, technical and problem-solving skills. Rapid advances in artificial intelligence, automation and digital technologies are reshaping workplaces faster than many educational institutions can adapt. Consequently, graduates may leave college with theoretical knowledge but without the skills required for emerging industries.

The problem is particularly acute in rural and semi-urban India, where quality employment opportunities remain limited. Many educated young people migrate to metropolitan cities hoping for better prospects, only to encounter intense competition, rising living costs and uncertain career paths. Others return home after unsuccessful job searches, adding to the silent burden of educated unemployment that often remains invisible in official statistics.

Mental health is another dimension that deserves greater attention. Continuous examination cycles, repeated recruitment delays, cancelled tests and prolonged uncertainty have taken a psychological toll on millions of aspirants. For many families, higher education represents years of financial sacrifice. When expected employment fails to materialise, disappointment affects not only individuals but entire households.

Addressing the crisis requires more than announcing new vacancies. India needs stronger collaboration between universities, industries and policymakers to ensure that education remains relevant to changing economic realities. Curricula must evolve alongside technological advancements. Apprenticeships, internships and vocational training should become integral components of higher education rather than optional additions. Entrepreneurship must be encouraged not merely through slogans but through easier access to finance, mentorship and market linkages.

Equally important is improving the transparency and efficiency of public recruitment. Timely examinations, faster recruitment processes and stronger safeguards against paper leaks can restore confidence among job seekers. Delays and irregularities not only postpone careers but also erode trust in public institutions.

The private sector also has a significant role to play. Investment in labour-intensive manufacturing, green technologies, healthcare, logistics and digital services can create employment opportunities for graduates from diverse educational backgrounds. At the same time, continuous upskilling and lifelong learning should become a normal part of professional careers, enabling workers to adapt to rapidly changing economic conditions.

India's demographic dividend remains one of its greatest strengths. With one of the world's youngest populations, the country possesses immense human capital capable of driving innovation and economic growth. However, this advantage can quickly become a liability if education continues to produce degrees without corresponding opportunities.

A university degree should represent more than a certificate of academic completion. It should provide young people with the confidence, skills and dignity to build meaningful careers. Bridging the gap between education and employment is therefore not only an economic necessity but also a social imperative. Until that happens, the country's unemployment challenge will remain hidden behind rising graduation numbers—leaving millions of educated young Indians searching not just for jobs, but for the dignity that meaningful work provides.

India proudly calls itself the world's youngest major nation. With more than 65% of its population below the age of 35, the country possesses what economists describe as a once-in-a-century demographic dividend. On paper, this youthful workforce should be India's greatest economic advantage. In reality, however, a growing mismatch between education and industry expectations is turning this dividend into a challenge.

Every year, millions of students graduate from schools, colleges and universities carrying degrees that promise opportunity. Yet employers across sectors—from manufacturing and healthcare to information technology and retail—continue to report shortages of job-ready talent. The contradiction is striking: India has no shortage of educated youth, but it continues to face a shortage of employable professionals.

The heart of the problem lies not in the number of graduates but in the nature of education itself.

For decades, India's academic culture has been built around examinations, memorisation and marks. Success has often been measured by the ability to reproduce textbook answers rather than solve real-world problems. While this system may help students clear competitive examinations, it frequently leaves them underprepared for workplaces that increasingly value communication, adaptability, teamwork, digital literacy and critical thinking.

The consequences are visible during campus recruitment drives. Many graduates possess theoretical knowledge but struggle with practical application. Employers consequently invest significant time and resources in retraining new recruits before they become productive. Smaller businesses, unable to afford extensive training programmes, often prefer experienced workers over fresh graduates, creating another barrier for young job seekers.

This disconnect becomes even more evident outside metropolitan cities. Students from smaller towns frequently face limited exposure to industry, technology and professional environments. Even those with strong academic records often lack opportunities to develop practical competencies through internships, apprenticeships or hands-on projects.

India's education policy has already acknowledged these shortcomings. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasises experiential learning, multidisciplinary education and vocational exposure from school onwards. It represents an important shift in philosophy. However, translating policy into classroom practice remains a long-term challenge that requires coordinated efforts from governments, educational institutions and industry.

Vocational education deserves far greater importance than it currently receives.

In many developed economies, technical education and apprenticeships enjoy social respect comparable to university degrees. Germany's dual vocational training model, Switzerland's apprenticeship system and several East Asian skill-development frameworks demonstrate that practical education can produce highly productive workforces while maintaining low youth unemployment.

India, by contrast, continues to attach disproportionate prestige to conventional academic degrees. Families often encourage engineering, medicine or government jobs while viewing vocational trades as second-choice careers. This mindset limits both individual potential and national productivity.

The future job market also demands a different set of skills than previous generations required. Automation, artificial intelligence, robotics and digital transformation are rapidly changing employment patterns. Routine tasks are increasingly being automated, while demand is rising for workers capable of creativity, problem-solving, innovation and continuous learning.

Educational institutions therefore need stronger partnerships with industry. Curricula should be updated regularly based on emerging economic needs. Internships, live projects, industry mentorships and mandatory apprenticeships should become integral components of higher education rather than optional additions. Students must experience workplaces before graduation, not after.

Equally important is strengthening career guidance. Many students pursue degrees without understanding labour market realities or future employment trends. Better counselling at school and college levels could help align educational choices with evolving economic opportunities.

Teachers also require continuous professional development. Modern classrooms cannot rely solely on lectures and textbooks. Project-based learning, collaborative assignments, digital tools and experiential education should become central to teaching methods across disciplines.

India's demographic advantage remains one of its greatest strategic strengths. But demographics alone do not guarantee economic success. A young population becomes an asset only when it possesses the skills, adaptability and confidence needed for a rapidly changing world.

The country's next education revolution should therefore move beyond merely increasing enrolment or graduation rates. The real measure of success will be whether students leave classrooms ready to contribute meaningfully in factories, laboratories, hospitals, startups, farms and global corporations.

Degrees may open doors, but skills determine whether young Indians can build sustainable careers behind them. Unless education shifts decisively from rote learning to practical competence, India risks producing millions of qualified graduates who remain disconnected from the jobs the economy actually needs.

The demographic dividend is still within reach. The question is whether India's classrooms can evolve quickly enough to unlock it.

Madhya Pradesh is set to host the MP Youth Conclave 2026 on Saturday at the Brilliant Convention Centre, Indore, bringing together around 5,000 young participants from across the state. The day-long event aims to encourage youth leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, skill development, and active participation in nation-building.

Organised under the theme "Ideas Today, Impact Tomorrow", the conclave seeks to provide a common platform for students, entrepreneurs, artists, innovators, athletes, professionals, and young leaders to exchange ideas, learn from experts, and collaborate on initiatives that contribute to the state's development.

According to the event details released by the organisers, the conclave will begin at 9:00 AM and feature a series of keynote sessions, panel discussions, interactive workshops, networking opportunities, cultural performances, and motivational talks.

The programme will also include youth bike and cycle rallies, aimed at promoting community participation and inspiring young people to engage in social and developmental activities.

The organisers said the conclave has been designed to encourage innovation and strengthen the role of youth in shaping Madhya Pradesh's future. Participants will have opportunities to interact with policymakers, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and professionals from diverse sectors.

The event is expected to attract students from educational institutions, startup founders, MSME representatives, technology enthusiasts, social workers, and professionals interested in leadership and public engagement.

The promotional campaign highlights the message "Be There. Be the Change.", encouraging young citizens to actively contribute to the state's growth through innovation, collaboration, and responsible leadership.

Several government departments and partner organisations associated with youth welfare, entrepreneurship, digital governance, tourism, skill development, sports, and employment are expected to participate by showcasing various schemes and opportunities available for young people.

Registration for the conclave was opened through an online Google Form shared by the organisers.

The MP Youth Conclave is expected to serve as an important platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and showcasing initiatives focused on employment generation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, sustainable development, and youth empowerment.

The Akhila Sevak Samaj Council (ASSC), a newly established national-level social service organisation, has formally announced its launch with a focus on advancing social justice, community empowerment, and inclusive development through the principle of Nishkam Seva—selfless service.

Rooted in the philosophy “Seva Parmo Dharmah” (Service to Humanity is Service to God), the Council seeks to build a structured platform that connects grassroots communities with institutional support systems, including government welfare programmes and civil society initiatives. As an organisation in its formative stage, ASSC is laying the foundation for long-term, scalable interventions across both rural and urban India.

Vision and Approach

Guided by the civilisational ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family), ASSC positions itself as a facilitative bridge—enabling access, awareness, and implementation of welfare-driven initiatives at the grassroots level. Its work is anchored around five core areas: social justice, community empowerment, skills development, health and wellness, and cultural preservation aligned with Indian values.

The organisation aims to adopt a collaborative model that integrates community participation, institutional partnerships, and policy alignment to ensure meaningful and sustainable impact.

Speaking on the vision behind the organisation, Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, National Chairman , ASSC, said, "The vision of the Akhila Sevak Samaj Council is rooted in the idea that service must move beyond intent and translate into structured, measurable impact. Through Nishkam Seva, we aim to build a platform where communities are empowered, and governance reaches the last mile in a meaningful way."

He further said that, "Our focus is on building efficient systems that ensure programmes are implemented with accountability and consistency. At this stage, we are strengthening coordination mechanisms so that our efforts remain aligned with community needs as well as institutional frameworks."

Emphasising sustainability and partnerships, Dr. Mallappa, said, "Sustainable development at the grassroots requires both financial discipline and local collaboration. We are working towards creating transparent processes and partnerships that can support long-term social impact across sectors like health, education, and rural development."

ASSC has initiated groundwork in key areas such as community outreach, awareness drives, skill-building initiatives, and support for public welfare schemes. The organisation is currently focused on building partnerships, strengthening on-ground networks, and developing scalable programme models that can be expanded in the coming years.