90% of Indian students choose careers blindly.

 Here's why that's a crisis

The career counselling crisis in India is real when only 1 in 10 students receive professional advice, according to the study by the UN. The problem persists in career choices, with decisions often based on advice from cousins, uncles, or prevailing trends rather than a student's true capabilities or what they want to do. From private to government schools, this issue remains widespread. In this article, we discuss what experts say about it, the factors behind it, and possible solutions.

MASSIVE TALENT, MINIMAL GUIDANCE

India has the world’s largest youth population and one of the largest education systems, but career counselling is treated as an afterthought.

WHEN CAREER CHOICES BECOME A SHOT IN THE DARK

India’s higher education enrolment has crossed 28%, but the numbers hide a deeper crisis.

Just 10% of students know the cost of their courses, while 8 in 10 struggle to make career choices because they lack clear information about options, institutions, and prospects.

HOW INDIA CAN BRIDGE THE CAREER COUNSELLING GAP

Compare this to developed nations, wherein career counselling is included in education.

In Australia, Canada, or the UK, students are compelled to pass through a series of aptitude tests, career fairs, and formal grooming before settling for courses at a university.

It's not a matter of avoiding risk but of giving direction. India does not do it this way and leaves it to chance, or to the neighbourhood uncle.

Rishabh Chauhan

New Delhi,UPDATED: Sep 28, 2025 22:15 IST

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE