A new study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) suggests that India’s youthful workforce may be the defining factor in closing the world’s looming labour shortfall. By 2047, as many advanced economies grapple with shrinking populations and ageing workers, India’s expanding talent pool could fill millions of open roles across industries.
The report highlights that the country is already adding 10–12 million entrants to the labour market each year, with over 600 million people currently between 18 and 40 years of age. This demographic weight could prove decisive in addressing the projected 200–250 million global worker deficit.
For Indian employees, this presents a generational chance to participate in jobs linked to emerging sectors like green energy, healthcare, digital services, and artificial intelligence. But BCG cautions that this opportunity hinges on urgent investments in skilling, higher education quality, and drawing more women into the workforce.
If India succeeds, its workers will not only power domestic growth but also help sustain industries worldwide. If not, experts warn the demographic dividend could turn into a missed promise, leaving millions of young Indians underemployed.