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India's New Education Policy 2020, which is in tune with SDG 4 (quality education) and SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), has stressed the redesigning of vocational education (VE) to equip the youth for the world of work, considering the window of opportunities available till 2040. Though the competence gap is being pronounced as the foremost hurdle in the 'education-world of work' transition in every sector, its precise measurement and quantification remain elusive. In this context, we have develop an innovative methodological framework and a composite index (η) to measure the competence gap of the vocational higher secondary education system (VHSES), taking marine fisheries and seafood processing courses offered under the VHSES in Kerala, India as a case study. This study demonstrates that the educational gap, delivery gap, propensity to normalize with general education and inadequate learning ecosystem are responsible for the 'education-world of work mismatch' in VE. The findings of the present study point to specific areas of VE that need pedagogic and pragmatic reconstruction. It also shows strategic policy considerations to place the learners' aspirations, gender and vocational opportunities in a balanced manner for a better vocational teaching-learning ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]