• Dr. M. Mallikarjuna
• Sri P. Sreenivasulu

“Skill Development for Youth Capacity Building in Higher Education: A Secondary Data Analysis with a Soft Skills Framework under NEP 2020 towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047” Dr. M. Mallikarjuna, Associate Professor of Commerce, Government College (A), Anantapur Sri P. Sreenivasulu, Assistant Professor of Commerce, Government College (A), Anantapur ABSTRACT This study examines the role of skill development in enhancing youth capacity within the framework of higher education in Andhra Pradesh, in alignment with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. The paper is based on secondary data collected from policy documents, government reports, and existing literature on employability and skill development. The analysis highlights a significant gap between academic knowledge (hard skills) and essential life and professional competencies (soft skills) among undergraduate and postgraduate students, particularly in commerce and management streams. Drawing from classical perspectives and contemporary policy insights, the study identifies key soft skills such as self-awareness, communication, teamwork, time management, and stress management as critical for youth empowerment. The paper proposes a structured skill framework integrating foundational, employability, and future-oriented competencies required for building a resilient and productive workforce. The findings emphasize that holistic skill development, supported by curriculum redesign, industry collaboration, and experiential learning, is essential to prepare students for the evolving global economy. The study concludes that strengthening soft skills alongside technical knowledge will play a crucial role in achieving the national goal of a developed India by 2047. KEYWORDS: NEP 2020, Viksit Bharat @ 2047, Youth Capacity Building, Soft Skills, Employability Skills, Higher Education,Skill Development,Andhra Pradesh

NEP 2020, Viksit Bharat @ 2047, Youth Capacity Building, Soft Skills, Employability Skills, Higher Education,Skill Development,Andhra Pradesh

"“Skill Development for Youth Capacity Building in Higher Education: A Secondary Data Analysis with a Soft Skills Framework under NEP 2020 towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047”", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 9, page no.a784-a795, September-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2609098.pdf

"“Skill Development for Youth Capacity Building in Higher Education: A Secondary Data Analysis with a Soft Skills Framework under NEP 2020 towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047”", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 9, page no. ppa784-a795, September-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2609098.pdf