Bridging the urban-rural divide: How universities and industries can transform skill-based education in India

In the rapidly evolving global economy, the greatest asset of any nation is its youth. India, with one of the world’s youngest populations, stands at a crucial juncture, where the choices made today in education and skill development will determine whether its demographic dividend becomes a demographic disaster.

The key lies in building strong bridges between universities, industries, and rural institutions to ensure that every young Indian is equipped not just with a degree but with the skills needed to thrive in the modern world.

The need for skill-based education

India produces over a million engineering¹ graduates every year, yet a large proportion of them remain unemployable due to a lack of practical, industry-oriented skills. While universities in urban centers have access to better infrastructure, technology, and faculty, rural engineering colleges often struggle with limited resources.

The result is a glaring urban-rural divide in higher education, where talent in villages remains untapped and underprepared for industry demands.To bridge this gap, collaboration between universities and industries must become the cornerstone of higher education policy. Skill-based education, rooted in real-world applications, must complement traditional degree programs. This approach can transform theoretical knowledge into employable competencies.

Industry as a catalyst for change

Several forward-thinking corporations have already recognized their role in shaping India’s skilled future. Bajaj, for instance, has established BEST (Bajaj Engineering Skill Training) Labs in top-ranked universities like Symbiosis. These labs are not exclusive to students of these universities, they are open to students from rural engineering colleges as well. This inclusive model ensures that young people from underprivileged or remote areas gain exposure to the latest technologies and industry practices, significantly enhancing their employability.Similarly, Infosys has set up Makers Labs in institutions such as Symbiosis and others, nurturing innovation and entrepreneurial qualities among students. These initiatives prove that when industries invest in the skill development ecosystem, they not only create a stronger workforce but also contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.However, these examples must become the norm rather than the exception. Every large industry must consider allocating a significant portion of their CSR funds to skill training and education of rural youth.

Building technical labs, incubation centers, and mentorship programs in partnership with educational institutions can transform India’s employment landscape.

Universities as mentors for rural colleges

Urban universities with strong academic and industrial linkages can play a pivotal mentoring role. By partnering with rural engineering colleges, they can share faculty resources, conduct joint workshops, and offer certification programs. Technology-enabled learning, such as online labs, virtual internships, and blended learning models, can further minimise geographical barriers.

This networked approach ensures that quality education is not confined to metropolitan campuses but reaches even the most remote corners of the country.

Realising Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s vision of PURA

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s dream of Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA)² remains as relevant as ever. He envisioned a self-reliant rural India where technology, education, and infrastructure would empower local communities. A skilled youth population in villages would not only find employment but also drive rural entrepreneurship, creating jobs and improving living standards within their own regions.To achieve this, academia and industry must come together as equal partners in nation-building. Universities must open their doors to rural students, and industries must extend their expertise and resources to create a learning ecosystem that transcends boundaries.

The way forward

A youth with a degree but no job is a symbol of wasted potential and growing frustration. To harness the demographic dividend effectively, India must ensure that its youth are trained, employable, and empowered.

Skill development should not be viewed as an adjunct to education, but as its very foundation.When industries, universities, and rural colleges collaborate, the impact goes beyond employment, it fuels innovation, inclusivity, and national growth. If India’s 6 lakh villages³ progress together with its cities, India will not just be a developing nation; it will be a truly developed one.

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The article has been contributed by Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis International University, Principal Director, Symbiosis Society, TEDx SpeakerDisclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.