According to the India Skills Report 2026, what is India’s employability rate, and which gender group has surpassed the other in job readiness for the first time?

• The 13th India Skills Report (2026) recorded India’s national employability rate at 56.35%, marking a steady rise from 46.2% in 2022. • For the first time, women (54%) surpassed men (51.5%) in job readiness due to higher digital skilling access and hybrid work opportunities. • This shift reflects India’s transition toward a skill-first workforce, supported by rising adoption of generative AI, growing gig employment, and increasing hiring intent across key job-creating sectors such as BFSI, tech, manufacturing, renewables, and healthcare.