Fresh graduates struggle to secure green jobs due to training gaps.
Deloitte, McKinsey, Google, and Microsoft are expanding their sustainability teams, creating opportunities for students from both science and non-scie
India’s green economy is growing fast, with renewable energy jobs increasing by 8–10% annually between 2020 and 2023. Yet, newcomers still struggle to break into the green job market. Many lack formal training, and starting salaries often fall short compared to IT and finance, making young professionals hesitant. On top of that, academic programs don’t always provide the specialized skills needed for these rapidly evolving roles.
Many traditional programs, like BTech in Renewable Energy, BSc in Environmental Science and Sustainability, and MTech in Renewable Energy, along with specialized diplomas in fields such as Solar Energy Systems Design, Wind Energy Technology, Biomass Energy Conversion, and Geothermal Energy Technology, are offered by institutes like the Indian Institute of Skill Development Training (IISDT), the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). However, the biggest challenge remains updating curricula and training to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
Bridging the Sustainability Skills Gap
Disconnect Between Academia and Industry
In a conversation with Education Times, Anushree Joshi, a climate and sustainability researcher at BCG India, highlights a key issue: many young professionals lack a deep understanding of sustainability. This is largely due to traditional academic curricula, where environmental studies are treated as an elective rather than a core subject.
“There is a significant gap between academic training and the skills required in the sustainability job market,” says Joshi. “Employers are increasingly seeking professionals with technical expertise in renewable energy systems, net-zero strategies, and ESG compliance, backed by certifications like the LEED Green Associate Certification, Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Solar Energy International (SEI) courses in solar photovoltaic (PV) design, installation, and maintenance, and IRENA e-learning courses covering renewable energy fundamentals, technology trends, and policy frameworks.”
Sankalp Suman, head of the energy and environment department at the Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Association (ISMA), underscores the need for more practical and up-to-date education. “University curricula aren’t updated regularly to meet the evolving demands of the sustainability and renewable energy sectors,” he explains. “For instance, teaching outdated concepts like the Clean Development Mechanism, despite its cessation in 2007, only widens the gap between theory and real-world applications.”
The Long Road to Preparedness
The absence of formal training remains a major barrier for fresh graduates, especially those without an environmental or engineering background. Many find themselves underprepared for roles in sustainability consulting, energy auditing, and carbon accounting. Additionally, the lure of higher starting salaries in technology and finance discourages young professionals from entering green jobs.
“The brightest minds, having invested heavily in competitive exam preparation for JEE, often opt for tech or finance roles that offer better initial salaries,” says Suman. “This creates an economic barrier for those genuinely interested in sustainability, even though green jobs offer tremendous long-term potential.”
To bridge this gap, fresh graduates—regardless of their field of study—are encouraged to gain practical experience and pursue online certifications in sustainability and renewable energy. “Well-recognized courses covering carbon footprinting, ESG compliance, renewable energy systems, and sustainability consulting can provide the technical proficiency employers are looking for,” says Joshi. “These programs teach how to measure, report, and reduce carbon emissions using modern data analysis tools while also exploring the technical aspects of solar, wind, and other emerging green energy technologies.”
Surging Demand for Green Jobs
Despite these challenges, the green sector is experiencing an unprecedented surge in job opportunities. India’s renewable energy market—including solar, wind, green hydrogen, and bioenergy—is expanding rapidly. Estimates suggest that as the country scales up to 100 GW of wind and solar capacity, roughly 1,20,000 new direct jobs will be created in technical, engineering, and operational roles.
The solar and wind energy sectors, in particular, are expected to drive substantial employment. “In solar energy, jobs will be created not just in the deployment and management of solar parks but also in the manufacturing of photovoltaic panels and battery storage systems—an area where India is positioning itself as a key manufacturing hub,” says Suman. “Similarly, wind energy projects, including tidal energy and traditional wind farms, will generate a significant number of engineering and operational opportunities.”
Sustainability consulting is also emerging as a high-demand field. With initiatives like the Indian Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) standards—mandating the top 1,000 listed companies to report on their environmental impact—there is a growing need for sustainability consultants, carbon accountants, and environmental impact analysts.
“Consulting firms like Deloitte and McKinsey, along with tech giants like Google and Microsoft, are expanding their sustainability teams,” adds Suman. “This creates pathways for graduates from both science and non-science backgrounds to enter the green economy.”
Employers are looking for candidates with technical proficiency, relevant certifications, and cross-disciplinary skills. Degrees in engineering, combined with certifications in environmental protocols and hands-on experience through internships or project-based learning, can significantly enhance a graduate’s prospects in the competitive green jobs market.
