New Delhi, 22nd October 2026: India’s manufacturing and services sectors are projected to generate more than 35 crore (350 million) new jobs by 2030, according to the latest estimates from multiple Sector Skill Councils and industry bodies. This surge in employment potential is matched by an urgent need for accelerated skilling, practical training, and robust collaboration between industry and academia. Industry data from various councils and government sources highlights the scale and immediacy of the challenge.
The automotive sector is expected to add between 20 and 25 lakh direct jobs by 2030 (NITI Aayog). Logistics will require an additional 47 lakh skilled workers by the same year (Logistics Sector Skill Council), while the telecom sector is projected to create 10 lakh new roles (National Telecom Policy objectives). India’s clean energy transition is likely to contribute more than 44 lakh full-time jobs by 2030 (CEEW-NRDC), and the textiles and apparel industry anticipates nearly 2 crore new jobs within the next three years (Ministry of Textiles, June 2026). These figures underscore both the magnitude of the employment opportunity and the risk that millions of positions may go unfilled unless workforce readiness keeps pace.
As industry leaders and educators recognise both the challenge and the opportunity, there is growing momentum to align India’s education and skilling systems with the evolving needs of employers. This proactive approach will take centre stage at DIDAC Skills, Asia’s Largest & India’s Only Exhibition & Conference for Skills, to be held at BIEC, Bengaluru from 25-27 November 2026. Running concurrently will be DIDAC India – Asia’s Largest & India’s Only Exhibition & Conference for the Education Sector, creating an unprecedented platform where the future of skills and education will converge under one roof.
Aditya Gupta, CEO, India Didactics Association, said, “India stands at a defining moment where emerging industries, technological advancements and new investments are creating unprecedented opportunities for employment and economic growth. However, the real challenge is not just creating jobs, but ensuring that our workforce has the skills to seize these opportunities. We must move from qualification-driven education to competency-driven learning, where practical skills, industry exposure and adaptability become central to employability. DIDAC Skills 2026 is our effort to bring industry and the skilling ecosystem together, accelerate the adoption of modern training technologies and strengthen the link between learning and livelihoods. Ultimately, India’s greatest competitive advantage will be the quality of its skilled workforce.”
DIDAC Skills 2026 will showcase sector-specific skilling through live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, technology showcases, and interactive learning experiences. This initiative is being shaped in partnership with key Sector Skill Councils, including the Furniture and Fittings Skill Council, Healthcare Sector Skill Council, Water Management and Plumbing Skill Council, Beauty and Wellness Sector Skill Council, Sports, Physical Education, Fitness and Leisure Skills Council, Capital Goods & Strategic Skill Council.
Rahul Mehta, CEO, Furniture & Fittings skill Council, said, “Interiors and Furniture Sectors are much bigger than most educators and young people imagine, it is a complete design-and-build ecosystem, from concept and design to manufacturing, installation and delivery. Every new home, office, hotel, hospital or school ultimately needs this sector to make the space functional and usable. AI and technology will change how we design and produce, but they will not replace the need for skilled people who can create, make, install and solve real-world problems.”
DIDAC Skills 2026 will spotlight India’s evolving workforce requirements across advanced manufacturing, healthcare, water management, wellness, furniture and fittings, sports and fitness, and emerging technologies, bringing industry and skilling institutions together to strengthen practical training and employability.
Varun Tandon, Chief Executive Officer, Water Management & Plumbing Skill Council (WMPSC), said, “The professionals of the future will be those who combine strong practical skills with digital proficiency across smart plumbing, water auditing, rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse and green building services. The sector offers clear pathways for progression, from technicians to supervisors, contractors, auditors and entrepreneurs, both within India and in international markets.”
The must attend exhibition brings together prominent companies, sector skill councils, industry partners, education institutions, and training organisations to highlight modern solutions, equipment, emerging technologies, and practical competencies aligned with evolving job roles and industry requirements. Special emphasis will be placed on bridging the gap between classroom learning and workplace realities by fostering partnerships, promoting hands-on and competency-based learning, updating training infrastructure, and advancing curriculum relevance, all aimed at strengthening workforce readiness and employability for India’s youth.