Create in India Challenge at WAVES: A Gamechanger for Job Seekers in the Creative Sector

NEW DELHI: As India continues to embrace the digital and creative economy, new pathways for employment and career growth are rapidly emerging. One such key initiative is the ‘Create in India Challenge’, unveiled at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES). With support from the Union Government, the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between creativity and employability. For thousands of aspiring professionals and job seekers in India’s fast-growing media, entertainment, and tech industries, this challenge brings a promising source of hope and orientation.

The intent of this article is to unpack the involvement of the government, provide an analysis of recent developments, and translate these into specific takeaways for Indian youth and professionals exploring career opportunities. Job seekers, content creators, filmmakers, animators, and tech talent should especially take note.

Source: The New Indian Express

Key Highlights from the WAVES Summit and Create in India Challenge

The WAVES Summit, held recently in Mumbai, marked a significant moment for India’s audio-visual sector. At the heart of this event was the launch of the ‘Create in India Challenge’, which is already making headlines due to its employment-centric approach. According to The New Indian Express, the initiative aims to foster collaboration between private companies, educational institutions, and aspiring creators.

Here’s what we know so far:

• Talent Identification: Young professionals were selected through a national-level competition focusing on animation, gaming, visual effects, and immersive media.
• Career Pathways: Participants are now eligible for mentorship programs, internships, and full-time job placements with leading studios and platforms.
• Policy Backing: Central agencies such as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting are directly involved in enabling these opportunities.
• Skill Integration: Initiatives to link vocational education with real-world content creation needs are underway.
• Cross-sectoral Partnerships: Global platforms like Netflix and domestic production houses are reportedly expressing interest in scouting talent from this program.

These developments indicate a shift toward building a structured ecosystem for creative employment in India.

Cross-Referenced Insights from External Sources

Supporting the government’s claim of bolstering India’s creative economy, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry earlier this year mentioned strategic collaboration with global content platforms for IP development during the India Pavilion at Cannes 2025. Sources from the The Economic Times suggest that a significant portion of the audiovisual pie – such as animation and VFX – remains untapped by Indian companies due to skill gaps. The ‘Create in India Challenge’ fills this void by identifying raw talent and embedding them directly into the industry flow.

From the policy standpoint, cross-ministrial collaborations with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Skill Development are ensuring that this program doesn’t remain just another contest. Instead, it becomes a feeder system to long-term employment in high-growth sectors.

In a post-COVID era, government schemes like ‘Skill India Digital’, ‘PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman’ and others are focusing on hybrid and digital-first models for employment. The Create in India Challenge, though sector-specific, aligns well with these macro-policy directions.

Indian Landscape: Why this Matters for Job Seekers Today

India’s media and entertainment industry is expected to grow to USD 55-60 billion by 2025. Within this, the most accelerated growth is coming from AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) segments, expected to expand at 16-17% CAGR. According to FICCI-EY reports, the industry is suffering from a shortage of skilled manpower — not a lack of jobs, but rather a disconnect between what’s taught and what’s required.

The ‘Create in India Challenge’ is an attempt to solve precisely this:

• Bridging academic knowledge with studio-facing practical skills.
• Allowing regional voices and semi-urban talent to access global networks.
• Creating a talent map across India for systematic employment planning.
• Encouraging entrepreneurship, especially in animation and indie game development.

Moreover, localization of content, demand for diverse narratives, and OTT growth make Indian storytellers more relevant than ever. Through this challenge, unheard voices from tier 2 and 3 cities may soon have a global audience.

Practical Tips for Job Seekers in the Creative Economy

Whether you’re a student, freelancer, or looking to switch careers into the creative domain, here are some actionable steps you can take today:

• Register on Skill Development Platforms: Many government-backed portals now offer AVGC courses, often free or subsidized.
• Create Digital Portfolios: Use Behance, ArtStation, or even YouTube to showcase your work, especially if applying for VFX or animation roles.
• Stay updated with WAVES announcements: Upcoming roadshows and exhibitions may offer walk-in interviews and auditions.
• Network purposefully: LinkedIn, Discord groups, and industry webinars are ripe with leads and job alerts.
• Apply under programs like National Film Heritage Mission internships or AVGC task force events.

Most importantly, start small but consistent. Even micro-projects and freelance gigs can act as gateways to larger opportunities, especially in a sector that values creative output over qualifications alone.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for India’s Creative Workforce

The ‘Create in India Challenge’ is more than a contest — it’s a structured gateway into India’s booming creative industries. Aligned with national policy interests and backed by international collaborations, the initiative stands out as a significant employment pathway in a time when traditional white-collar jobs are transforming rapidly.

For aspiring creators, animators, VR artists, and storytellers, this could be the entry ticket to a fulfilling and sustainable career. With timely action and strategic planning, many job seekers can now align their passion with a paycheck—something rarely possible a decade ago.

Source: The New Indian Express

Summary of Key Points

• The ‘Create in India Challenge’ launched at WAVES supports creative job aspirants with mentorships, jobs, and opportunities.
• Backed by central ministries, it connects industry and educational institutions.
• Focus sectors: animation, VFX, gaming, immersive media.
• India’s AVGC market is growing fast — talents from small towns now have access to global platforms.
• Practical tips include maintaining digital portfolios, joining government portals, and networking with the creative ecosystem.

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