India’s Electronics Sector to Create 12 Million Jobs by 2027: Report

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 29th Dec. India’s electronics sector is set to create 12 million jobs by 2027, according to a report released by TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship. The anticipated roles include 3 million direct jobs and 9 million indirect positions, reflecting the sector’s growth potential and its contribution to the country’s economic development.

Direct employment opportunities are expected to involve nearly 1 million engineers, 2 million ITI-certified professionals, and 200,000 specialists in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and data science. Additionally, the sector is expected to generate 9 million indirect jobs in non-technical roles, emphasizing its significant role in boosting employment across various skill levels.

The electronics industry is aiming to achieve $500 billion in manufacturing output by 2030. To meet this ambitious target, the sector must grow five-fold over the next five years, narrowing a $400 billion production gap. Currently, India’s electronics production stands at $101 billion, with mobile phones accounting for 43%, followed by consumer and industrial electronics at 12% each, and electronic components at 11%.

Emerging segments such as auto electronics (8%), LED lighting (3%), wearables and hearables (1%), and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) (1%) hold substantial growth potential, the report highlights.

Sumit Kumar, Chief Strategy Officer at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, stated, “India’s electronics sector, valued at $101 billion, is swiftly positioning itself as a global electronics hub, contributing 3.3% to global manufacturing and 5.3% to India’s total merchandise exports in FY23.” However, despite its modest 4% participation in global value chains, the sector holds immense growth potential by expanding beyond final assembly into design and component manufacturing.

To meet the rising demand for skilled workers, a multi-pronged approach focusing on apprenticeships, reskilling, and upskilling is crucial. Capacity building is essential, especially since current ITI enrollment stands at only 51%. Employers and industries can strengthen these efforts by establishing in-house training centers and collaborating with academic institutions through Work-Integrated Learning Programs (WILP) and degree apprenticeships.

AR Ramesh, CEO of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, emphasized that the sector’s growth is driven by government initiatives like ‘Make in India,’ the ‘National Electronics Policy,’ PLI schemes, and ‘Digital India,’ which have catalyzed India’s journey to becoming a global electronics manufacturing hub.