Vocational vs. General Education and Employment Outcomes: Evidence from Kohima, Nagaland, India

Abstract

This study seeks to empirically examine the differences in employment results between vocational education and general education in Kohima, Nagaland, India. Utilizing primary data gathered through a structured questionnaire in early 2025 from 185 respondents and applying descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression, the research assesses whether individuals who have undergone vocational training are more inclined to secure employment compared to those with a general education. The study also investigates how factors like skill relevance (p = 0.012), educational mismatches (p = 0.008), work experience (p = 0.028), and various socio-demographic characteristics influence employment opportunities. The findings indicate that while possessing relevant skills and work experience considerably improves job prospects, educational mismatches have a detrimental impact on them. Whereas the Vocational education seems to have a diffident positive effect on employment, reflecting its increasingly important, yet conditional, role in enhancing employability. These findings emphasize the necessity of customizing training programs to meet market needs and reinforcing the practical components of both vocational and general education.