This study is an in-depth exploration of the educational and work aspirations, transitions and trajectories among India’s youth in the age group 16-25, with a specific focus on the role of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs in this process. Building on ASER Centre’s previous research on adolescents and youth as well as Pratham Institute’s experience with providing vocational training courses for rural youth, the study was conducted in one district each of three states in the country (Dhamtari in Chhattisgarh, Ahmednagar in Maharashtra and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh). The study was supported by the Citibank Foundation.