Mumbai, August 22: A recent report by NITI Aayog reveals that despite an increasing number of graduates in India, only 8.25% have secured employment. This data, published on August 18, is part of the paper titled “Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat @2047,” which focuses on improving the synergy between skilling, employment, and education to transform India into a developed nation by 2047.
The report raises concerns about the future of millions of youth who invest years in obtaining degrees, often without knowing whether their education will facilitate job opportunities.
Outdated Curriculum vs. Industry Needs
The NITI Aayog report highlights a significant gap between what is taught in India’s higher education system and the requirements of the labor market. Many institutions follow outdated syllabi that do not align with the evolving needs of industries, making it challenging for graduates to find jobs despite holding degrees, diplomas, or certificates.
Skills Required for Entry-Level Jobs
According to the report, securing a job based on undergraduate courses is increasingly difficult. Many students pursue these degrees primarily for eligibility in government recruitment. However, the report indicates that completing degrees like BA, BCom, or BSc rarely leads directly to employment. Even entry-level jobs now require skills such as proficiency in Tally or office applications.
34% of Students Lack Essential Skills
The report also reveals that 34% of students feel a significant lack of skills, reflecting a broader issue within the education system that measures student success based on enrollment, exams, and degrees rather than real-world preparedness.
For instance, a graduate in economics may understand theoretical concepts but lacks practical application in finance. Similarly, a commerce graduate may study accounting but be unaware of essential software skills needed in the workplace.
Disconnect Between Colleges and Job Market
The NITI Aayog paper identifies weaknesses in practical learning, insufficient industry experience, and inadequate preparation for job requirements. There is a notable lack of support for CV writing, mock interviews, and job searches in formal education after high school, leaving students unprepared for the job market.
This disconnect also points to deficiencies in teaching methods for practical courses, where faculty may lack sufficient industry experience, resulting in students receiving outdated or superficial practical knowledge.
Employers seek experience, yet graduates often lack it, creating a loop that hinders their transition into the workforce. The report suggests that internships and apprenticeships could bridge this gap, but warns that if students merely observe rather than actively learn, their knowledge remains superficial.
India now faces the challenge not just of enrolling youth in colleges but also of addressing the pressing question of employability post-graduation.
About NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) is the premier policy-making and advisory institution of the Government of India, established on January 1, 2015, in New Delhi. Its responsibilities include providing policy advice to the government, formulating long-term plans, collaborating with states, and monitoring and evaluating government programs.