Every year, over 25 lakh students graduate from Indian colleges (source: British Council), brimming with hopes, ambitions, and an aspiration of contributing to the nation’s overall growth story. India’s demographic strength, we are often told, lies in its vast numbers of youth. But a critical question remains unanswered: Are our graduates truly employable?

This is not merely a theoretical debate confined to academic circles; it is a pressing national concern with deep implications for the economy, society, and India’s competitive standing in the global marketplace. At Birla Open Minds Private Limited, an educational organisation deeply invested in innovation, talent development, and employer readiness, I have had the privilege of engaging with students, educators, and industry leaders across sectors. Based on these interactions, I believe the answer is complex, rooted in systemic challenges but also enriched with opportunities.

Recent surveys have portrayed a stark picture: a large percentage of engineering, commerce, and arts graduates are not job-ready upon completing their education. Several years ago, a national employability report revealed that only about 47% of graduates are employable in core jobs, with even lower figures for graduates trained in arts and commerce. While these numbers have gradually improved, the gap between academic learning and workplace demands remains significant.

But we must ask: What does employability really mean? It’s not merely the ability to secure a job. It is the ability to perform productively in a role assigned, adapt to organisational needs, and grow with evolving industry expectations. By this measure, many of our graduates are only partially industry-ready.

Over the years, I have observed several recurring themes that hold our graduates back:

Curriculum lagging behind industry needs
Academic syllabi in many colleges are outdated, with limited........

© Free Press Journal