India has one of the largest youth populations in the world, yet when it comes to politics, many young Indians are stepping away, not because they don’t care, but because they feel let down, unheard, and disillusioned.
For decades, political leaders have promised jobs, better education, and a brighter future, yet youth unemployment remains alarmingly high, corruption scandals continue, and political dynasties dominate. Many young Indians see the system as rigged in favor of the powerful, leaving them with little motivation to engage. This isn’t just about apathy, it’s about frustration with a political system that seems designed to exclude them.
According to the VIBE (Voices for Inclusion, Belonging, and Empowerment) survey, conducted by Centre for Public Insights and powered by Youth Ki Awaaz (YKA), a striking 29% of young Indians say they actively avoid political engagement because they believe it doesn’t lead to real change.
This report delves into why young people feel alienated from politics, what’s fueling their distrust, and how they are finding new ways to participate in civic life even if it’s outside the traditional political system.
The VIBE survey was designed to assess the current levels of different forms of active citizenship among young people in India. It conceptualized active citizenship as a set of entitlements and ethical principles that go beyond government laws and fundamental duties among young people.
How VIBE Defines Active Citizenship
Identity and Belonging – Active citizenship is rooted in a sense of belonging to a community. Young people’s social identity influences how they perceive their roles, rights, and responsibilities in society.
Participation as Commitment or Obligation – Active citizenship manifests through participation in political (voting, advocacy), social (volunteering, grassroots organizing), and economic (ethical consumption, social entrepreneurship) spheres, reflecting an individual’s commitment to societal well-being.
Expectations from Associations – Young citizens expect accountability and reciprocity from institutions and communities they engage with. These expectations shape social ideals like justice, freedom, and sustainability, reinforcing civic responsibility.
The survey collected 4,792 responses online and examined different aspects of civic engagement, including volunteering, social entrepreneurship, collective problem-solving, digital activism, and institutional involvement.
Why is young India disillusioned with politics?
The VIBE report also reveals other crucial data about political engagement. While formal involvement remains low, 26% of respondents engage in political discourse without affiliating with any party, reflecting a preference for issue-based participation over strict party loyalty. Only 11% have joined a political party, and 8% express their support on social media. Grassroots activism is even less common, with just 7% actively campaigning as party members.
Hence, the data suggests that political engagement is largely indirect or independent, with many young people choosing to participate on their own terms rather than through formal party structures.
“Studies show that young people often doubt the efficacy of their vote in influencing political outcomes. If they believe that their participation will not lead to meaningful change, they may choose not to vote. Young people are more likely to vote when they perceive election issues as personally relevant and significant. When political issues align with their values and priorities, they are more motivated to participate in the electoral process. For instance India’s youth continues to grapple with soaring unemployment rates, with 83% of the jobless population belonging to this demographic, according to India Employment Report 2024.” Writes Ishika in her article on YKA
A significant reason why young people disengage from politics is the belief that their participation, whether through voting or activism, does not lead to tangible change. Studies show that when people feel their votes do not influence outcomes, they are less likely to participate in elections.
“One of the primary reasons for the disengagement of young voters is disillusionment with the political process. Many young individuals feel that the issues they care about most, such as climate change, education, and employment opportunities, are not being adequately addressed by the current political discourse. This sense of neglect can lead to a belief that their votes do not translate into meaningful change, thereby diminishing their motivation to participate in elections.
Another significant factor is the lack of representation. The political arena is often dominated by older generations, which can create a disconnect between young voters and those in positions of power. Furthermore, a growing distrust in the political system has been fueled by instances of corruption and scandal. Such events can erode the confidence of young voters in the efficacy of their vote, leading to a sense of disenfranchisement and a withdrawal from electoral participation.” Writes Your Opinion in their article on YKA.
Young Indians also express deep skepticism toward politicians, viewing them as manipulative, deceptive, and self-serving. Many believe political leaders prioritize personal gain over public welfare, making it difficult to trust the system.
“We all think of politicians using the same kinds of words such as ‘manipulative’, ‘deceptive‘, ‘self-serving’ or ‘untrustworthy’; the kind of people who are always scheming behind closed doors and smiling away false faces in public. So how come such individuals even get elected and get to hold the important offices they do? Several of them inherit political careers from their forefathers, while some manage to get nominated and elected using their money power. There are several politicians who have been holding an office or a ministry for decades and keep raising the same issues they were elected with for the first time.” Suhas writes in his article at YKA
Building a political career in India is not easy, especially for those without political connections. Nepotism and financial barriers prevent fresh voices from entering the system. For many young people, especially those from rural backgrounds, the hurdles are simply too high.
“One of the most obvious barriers to building a political career in India is the lack of equal opportunity. Being from rural India, I see several individuals with an ambition to work in governance but who instead opt for administrative jobs, even though those positions are highly competitive.” Writes Suhas.
What Can Be Done?
The disillusionment of young Indians with politics does not mean they are disengaged from civic life. Many are channeling their activism through digital movements, social entrepreneurship, and grassroots problem-solving. To encourage political participation, the following steps can be considered:
1. Facilitate Political Literacy Campaigns
Develop engaging campaigns to educate youth about their rights, roles, and responsibilities in governance. Use participatory workshops, simulations of parliamentary debates, and interactive online tools. Draw examples from Finland's Youth Voice Project, which teaches parliamentary systems through mock policymaking. Showcase inspiring stories of youth-led policy changes to motivate participation.
2. Enable Grassroots Connections
Organize youth town halls and participatory governance forums in collaboration with local governments, allowing direct dialogue between policymakers and youth. Learn from Brazil's Youth Statute, which mandates youth representation in local decision-making councils.
3. Create Flexible Engagement Opportunities
Offer participatory budgeting sessions, citizen-led policy ideation platforms, and hybrid civic engagement options (online and offline). For example, adapt the participatory governance model of Porto Alegre, Brazil, to suit the Indian context.
Conclusion
The VIBE survey highlights a clear trend: young Indians are not apathetic but deeply frustrated with a political system that feels unresponsive to their needs. While many are disengaging from traditional politics, they are finding alternative ways to exercise active citizenship.
If India wants to harness the energy and potential of its youth, political structures need to evolve. Young people must see their voices reflected in policies and leadership, only then can political engagement become meaningful again.