New Delhi, India, 2025 — With over 65% of India’s population under the age of 35, the nation’s youth hold the key to its political and economic future. However, despite their demographic dominance, young leaders remain underrepresented in India’s political arena, raising questions about whether the country is adequately cultivating its next generation of political leaders.

From rising financial barriers to limited mentorship opportunities, systemic challenges continue to deter many young Indians from stepping into politics. Recent movements and policies, however, signal an effort to change this dynamic.

Youth Representation in Numbers

1. Limited Seats in Governance

Despite the growing political awareness among young Indians, their representation in governance remains low.

• Fact: In the 2024 General Elections, only 17% of MPs were under 40, an increase from 12% in 2019, but still far below global standards (Election Commission of India).
• Observation: Local governance bodies reflect a similar gap, with youth often sidelined in decision-making roles.

2. Grassroots Movements on the Rise

Youth-led grassroots initiatives are gaining momentum as an alternative to traditional political pathways.

• Example: Last year’s climate action protests, spearheaded by university students, pressured the government into advancing its renewable energy targets.

Barriers to Young Leadership

1. High Cost of Entry

Entering politics is an expensive affair, especially for those without established networks or family wealth.

• Fact: Campaign costs have risen by 25% in the last five years, limiting opportunities for young aspirants from middle-class or marginalized backgrounds (PRS Legislative Research, 2024).
• Result: Many talented young leaders choose activism or entrepreneurship over politics.

2. Political Dynasties Dominate

While political parties welcome young candidates, leadership roles often go to dynastic successors, sidelining independent voices.

• Insight: A Lokniti-CSDS study (2024) found that 60% of youth perceive politics as a closed system favoring family connections.

3. Lack of Mentorship

Young politicians often struggle to navigate the complexities of governance without adequate mentorship.

• Example: Promising leaders in rural areas face challenges scaling their impact due to limited access to national platforms.

Recent Developments to Foster Youth Leadership

1. National Youth Parliament Scheme

The government’s National Youth Parliament Scheme has become a prominent platform for young Indians to engage in political discourse.

• Impact: Over 50,000 participants in 2024 debated key issues, gaining exposure to governance and policy-making.

2. Civic Education Reform

In 2025, civic education modules were introduced in schools to instill democratic values and leadership skills from an early age.

3. Grassroots Training Programs

Organizations like Youth for Democracy Collective have trained over 10,000 young leaders to tackle local governance issues, creating a pipeline for future political talent.

Global Models to Emulate

1. Youth Councils in Scandinavia

Countries like Finland ensure youth representation in local councils, integrating their perspectives into governance.

• Lesson for India: Institutionalizing youth councils at district levels could amplify young voices in policymaking.

2. Mentorship in New Zealand

Young leaders in New Zealand collaborate closely with experienced politicians, creating a balance of innovation and expertise.

• Takeaway: Similar mentorship models could empower Indian youth in politics.

The Way Forward: Empowering India’s Youth

To build a leadership pipeline, India must focus on reducing barriers to political participation, fostering mentorship, and creating opportunities for young voices to influence policy.

Proposals for Immediate Action

1. Financial Assistance for Candidates: Introduce state-funded programs to support first-time young candidates.
2. Mandatory Youth Quotas: Encourage political parties to reserve a percentage of tickets for candidates under 35.
3. Digital Platforms: Leverage technology to connect young leaders with resources, mentors, and voters.

Conclusion: Investing in Future Leaders

India’s young population represents untapped potential to drive the nation’s progress. While systemic barriers persist, the rise of grassroots movements and government initiatives indicates a shift toward greater youth participation.

As the world’s largest democracy, India must prioritize the cultivation of young leaders to ensure its governance remains inclusive, innovative, and representative. The next generation is ready to lead—are we prepared to support them?