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08. September 2025
India’s Hardware Training Dilemma: A Call for Hands-On Education in Middle School
The shortage of skilled workers has been a long-standing issue in India, with industry professionals and policymakers emphasizing the need for more specialized training programs. Recently, at the SEMICON India 2025 event in Delhi, a thought-provoking panel discussion shed light on this critical topic. The debate, moderated by Professor Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, brought together industry leaders to explore the challenges and potential solutions for strengthening India’s talent pool.
The debate centered around the importance of hands-on hardware training, particularly in middle school. This call for change resonates with many experts who argue that traditional education systems are not providing students with the necessary practical skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. With the rise of automation and artificial intelligence, industries are increasingly seeking workers who can design, develop, and manufacture complex electronic systems.
The current education system is not doing enough to equip students with the skills required for the modern workforce. We need to introduce hands-on training programs in middle school to prepare students for the challenges ahead," stated Dr. Kailash Katkar, Chairman of Mahindra Electronics and Software Ltd. This sentiment was echoed by other panelists, who emphasized the need for experiential learning that combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
The benefits of hands-on hardware training are multifaceted. Not only does it help students develop problem-solving skills and critical thinking, but it also fosters innovation and creativity. By introducing electronics and programming courses in middle school, educators can empower students to design and build their own projects, such as robots or wearable devices. This approach has proven successful in countries like the United States, where coding and robotics programs have become integral parts of many schools’ curricula.
However, implementing such programs on a national scale poses significant challenges. The current education infrastructure is largely designed for theoretical learning, with many schools lacking resources and facilities to support hands-on training. Moreover, there is a need for standardization and certification processes to ensure that students receive consistent training across the country.
To address these concerns, some experts advocate for the development of specialized training centers and institutions that can provide students with comprehensive hardware training. The Indian government has already taken steps in this direction by launching initiatives like the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the Electronics and Information Technology (EIT) Ministry’s Make in India program.
The SEMICON India 2025 event showcased a range of innovative products and solutions that can help drive India’s electronics industry forward. Companies like Intel, Samsung, and Texas Instruments presented their latest advancements in semiconductor manufacturing and technology. These displays highlighted the potential for India to become a global hub for electronics production, with many manufacturers already setting up operations in the country.
The government needs to invest in education and training programs that can provide students with the necessary skills to work in emerging industries like electronics and semiconductor manufacturing. Collaborations between industry, academia, and government are also crucial, as seen in partnerships between companies like IBM, Google, and Microsoft, which offer hands-on training and internships to students.
In recent years, India’s electronics industry has witnessed significant growth, driven by investments from both domestic and foreign companies. The Indian electronics exports grew 12% in 2022, reaching $40 billion, according to a report by the International Trade Centre (ITC). India is poised to become a major player in global semiconductor manufacturing, with several international companies setting up operations in the country.
The National Informatics Centre (NIC) launched in 1974, provides information technology services and solutions to various ministries and departments. The Electronics and Information Technology (EIT) Ministry’s Make in India program aims to promote the growth of the electronics industry by providing support for manufacturing and design centers.
In conclusion, India’s talent pool faces significant challenges, particularly when it comes to hardware training. Policymakers must prioritize hands-on education in middle school to equip students with the necessary skills for emerging industries. With industry leaders, educators, and government officials working together, India can create a future where innovation and technological advancements are harnessed to drive growth and prosperity.