The youth of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) constitute a dynamic and transformative demographic, characterized by rising educational attainment, expanding digital access, and increasing entrepreneurial aspirations. Despite this progress, the Union Territory faces significant challenges, including more than 3.70 lakh educated unemployed youth recorded as of early 2025 and a youth unemployment rate of nearly 17.4%. Here, we examine the socio-economic context of youth aspirations, the evolving landscape of education and skills, the emergence of start-up culture, the impact of digital transformation, and the potential of youth-driven social cohesion and nation-building. It concludes by offering a policy-oriented roadmap for creating sustainable opportunities and harnessing youth potential for a progressive and prosperous Jammu & Kashmir. Introduction
Youth commonly defined in Indian policy as individuals between 15 and 29 years constitute a substantial proportion of the population of Jammu & Kashmir. Recent estimates suggest that the region is home to approximately 2.50 million young people. This demographic represents not just numerical strength but a transformative potential empowered by rising aspirations and educational advancement.
The present research paper explores how these aspirations can be channeled toward the socio-economic progress of the region. It identifies emerging challenges, assesses opportunities, and proposes strategic recommendations for maximizing the role of youth in shaping a progressive J&K.
Socio-Economic Context: Youth, Education & Unemployment
Education and Enrollment Trends
Over the past decade, Jammu & Kashmir has experienced noteworthy expansion in its education sector. New degree colleges, universities, professional institutes, and upgraded schools have strengthened access to higher education. Increasing numbers of young people are pursuing professional degrees in engineering, information technology, hospitality, healthcare, business administration, and other skill-oriented domains.
The proliferation of private coaching centers and advanced learning platforms has also broadened academic exposure. This progression signifies a shift in youth aspirations from traditional academic streams toward modern, employable, and globally relevant fields.
Unemployment Among Educated Youth
Despite improvements in education, unemployment continues to be a pressing issue. As of January 2025, more than
370,811 educated youth were registered on the official employment portal of Jammu & Kashmir. These included
66,628 graduates, 47,114 postgraduates, and thousands of diploma and professional degree holders.By September 2025, the number of registered educated unemployed youth stood at 361,146, with the Kashmir division accounting for more than 2.08 lakh and the Jammu division for 1.52 lakh. The youth unemployment rate of 17.4%—significantly above the national average—highlights a critical gap between rising education levels and available employment opportunities.
Gender and Regional Disparities
Youth unemployment exhibits significant gender and regional disparities:
- Gender gap: Approximately 65% of registered unemployed youth are male and 35% female, pointing to barriers in female workforce participation.
- Regional variation: Districts such as Srinagar, Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam, and Kathua report higher unemployment rates, while Kishtwar and Reasi report comparatively lower numbers.
- These disparities underline the need for localized, targeted policies that address structural inequalities.
Education & Skill Development: Foundations of Aspirations
Education remains the bedrock of youth aspirations and their quest for economic mobility. In Jammu & Kashmir:
- Expansion of public colleges, universities, and private institutions has increased access.
- Technical and vocational programs have gained prominence.
- Youth are increasingly aware of the need for skill-focused professional training.
- However, several challenges persist:
- Curriculum–industry mismatch: Many academic programs lack alignment with current market requirements.
- Deficit of career counselling: Students often lack guidance about career pathways, employment trends, and skill opportunities.
- Limited innovation ecosystems: Opportunities for research, incubation, and global exposure remain insufficient.
- Bridging these gaps is essential to convert educational participation into meaningful employment.
Entrepreneurship & the Rise of Start-up Culture
In response to limited formal employment opportunities, a growing number of youth in J&K are exploring entrepreneurship as a viable alternative. This shift is reinforced by supportive government initiatives and increased digital exposure.
Government-Backed Schemes
A wide range of youth-focused initiatives have been implemented, including:
- Mission Youth / Mission YUVA
- Mumkin Scheme (transport-sector livelihoods)
- Tejaswini Scheme (women entrepreneurship)
- PMEGP and REGP (enterprise promotion)
Since 2021, these programs have collectively facilitated around 9.58 lakh self-employment opportunities, including 1.36 lakh in the fiscal year 2024–25. Mission Youth alone aims to establish 1.35 lakh business units to create employment for 4.5 lakh youth.
Youth-led Ventures and Start-ups
Young entrepreneurs today are increasingly venturing into E-commerce for local crafts, Tourism and hospitality services, Agritech and agro-processing, Digital services, freelancing, and home-based enterprises, Renewable energy and environmentally sustainable ventures. These emerging sectors reflect a growing culture of innovation, self-reliance, and local resource-driven enterprise.
Entrepreneurial Challenges
Despite progress, several obstacles hinder entrepreneurship including, Limited access to capital and financial literacy, Inadequate mentorship and business-support networks, Restricted market connectivity, especially in rural areas, High preference for traditional government jobs, Overcoming these barriers is vital to strengthen J&K’s start-up ecosystem.
Digital Transformation & New Opportunities
The rapid expansion of internet connectivity since 2020 has redefined access to information, employment, and learning opportunities in Jammu & Kashmir.
Digital Literacy and Access
Youth increasingly utilize online platforms for education, skill development, and remote work. Digital resources help bridge geographical limitations, especially for students in remote districts.
Emerging Digital Career Pathways
Digitalisation has opened opportunities in Remote IT work and freelancing, Software development and web design, Digital marketing and content creation, E-commerce and online business management, Online teaching and academic content production. These sectors create flexible income sources and reduce reliance on traditional job markets.
Despite progress, challenges that remain include uneven internet quality in rural and hilly areas, low awareness of cyber security and digital professionalism, uncertainty regarding long-term livelihood stability in digital sectors. Strengthening digital infrastructure and literacy can significantly expand opportunities.
Youth, Social Cohesion & Nation-Building
Beyond economics, the youth of J&K play an essential role in strengthening social harmony, cultural identity, and nation-building.
- Young people actively participate in:
- Sports activities and cultural events
- Volunteer work and community service
- Youth clubs, NGOs, and civil society initiatives
Such engagement fosters unity, confidence, leadership, and constructive civic participation. As youth gain exposure to education, technology, and national platforms, their sense of belonging and social responsibility grows stronger.
Empowering youth socially and economically thus contributes directly to long-term peace and social stability in Jammu & Kashmir.
Policy Interventions: What Needs to Be Done
- Strengthen Skill and Vocational Training
- Support Entrepreneurship and Start-ups
- Promote Inclusive Employment & Women Participation
- Engage Youth in Governance
- Monitor Policies Using Data
- Roadmap for a Progressive Jammu & Kashmir
Recommendations
- Strengthen Skill Development:
Introduce targeted vocational and digital-skills programs to improve youth employability.
- Promote Entrepreneurship:
Provide micro-loans, mentorship, and incubation support to encourage small business growth.
- Enhance Career Guidance:
Establish counseling cells in schools and colleges to guide students toward suitable career paths.
- Improve Job Accessibility:
Create better linkages between job seekers and employers through digital job-portals and employment fairs.
- Support Rural Employment:
Expand livelihood programs and promote local industries to create stable income opportunities in rural areas.
Conclusion
Jammu & Kashmir stands at a decisive moment in shaping its socioeconomic future. The aspirations of its youth—supported by education, digital exposure, and a rising entrepreneurial spirit—form a foundation for lasting progress. Yet significant challenges persist, including high unemployment, uneven access to resources, and systemic gaps in skills and guidance .By implementing comprehensive, youth-centered policies focused on employment, innovation, digital growth, inclusivity, and civic participation, the region can transform its demographic dividend into a powerful driver of peace, prosperity, and development. Investing in youth today is the surest path toward a progressive and harmonious Jammu & Kashmir—a future built by its own young citizens. By adopting comprehensive, youth-centric policies and building an enabling environment, J&K can transform its demographic strength into economic and social progress. Empowered youth will not only shape a prosperous future for themselves but also contribute significantly to the development and nation-building of the region.
