India’s electronics sector is set to undergo a transformative phase, targeting a manufacturing output of USD 500 billion by 2030. This ambitious goal requires the industry to grow fivefold in the next five years, bridging a USD 400 billion production gap. According to a report by TeamLease, this expansion is projected to create 12 million jobs by 2027, including 3 million direct and 9 million indirect employment opportunities.
Currently, domestic production in the sector stands at USD 101 billion, with mobile phones contributing 43 per cent. Other contributors include consumer and industrial electronics (12 per cent each), electronic components (11 per cent), and emerging fields like auto electronics, LED lighting, wearables, and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs).
Despite the promising outlook, a critical talent gap poses a challenge to achieving these ambitious goals. Meeting the demand for skilled professionals in areas such as AI, machine learning, and data science is vital. Direct employment opportunities will require nearly 1 million engineers, 2 million ITI-certified professionals, and 200,000 specialists in advanced technological domains.
To address this, the industry is focusing on targeted skilling programs, apprenticeship initiatives, and collaborations between academia and industry. Scaling apprenticeship enrollments, which are growing at a 55 per cent CAGR, is expected to play a key role in creating a robust talent pipeline.
AR Ramesh, CEO of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, emphasized the importance of aligning workforce skills with industry needs and scaling apprenticeship programs to 2 million apprentices by 2027. Sumit Kumar, Chief Strategy Officer at TeamLease, highlighted the significance of capacity-building measures such as in-house training centres and Work-Integrated Learning Programs (WILP).
India’s journey to becoming a global leader in electronics manufacturing will require a multi-faceted approach. Investments in skilling, infrastructure, and policy interventions, combined with reskilling and upskilling over 50 per cent of the workforce, can empower the sector to overcome its talent shortages and sustain its rapid growth trajectory.
