- Colleges Fail Employability Goals
- Outdated Curriculum Dominates Campuses
- Industry Needs Largely Ignored
- Alarming Education Gap
Article Today, Hyderabad:
A large proportion of India’s higher education institutions are failing to prepare students for employment, according to a recent report by Team Lease EdTech. While degrees are being awarded in large numbers, corresponding job opportunities remain scarce. As a result, graduates are increasingly anxious about their future despite heavy investments in education.
Majority Colleges Underperform
The report found that nearly seventy five per cent of higher education institutions in the country are not aligned with job market requirements. Most colleges continue to function as degree granting centres rather than skill development hubs. Consequently, students complete their courses without the competencies demanded by employers.
Placement Outcomes Remain Poor
Only about sixteen point six seven per cent of institutions demonstrate strong placement outcomes. In these colleges, between seventy six and one hundred per cent of students secure jobs within six months of graduation. However, the remaining institutions show weak placement performance, even while charging high tuition fees. This gap has deepened mistrust among students and parents.
Curriculum Fails Industry Needs
Outdated syllabi have emerged as a major concern. Merely eight point six per cent of colleges have curricula designed in line with current industry requirements. Meanwhile, more than half of the institutions offer courses with little or no relevance to the job market. Therefore, students acquire theoretical knowledge but lack practical exposure.
Faculty Lacks Practical Exposure
Another critical issue is the shortage of industry experienced faculty. Only seven point five six per cent of colleges employ practice oriented professors. In addition, over sixty per cent of institutions do not offer supplementary certification programmes. As a result, students remain unfamiliar with real workplace environments.
Internship Access Remains Limited
Internships, which are essential for hands on learning, are missing in most colleges. Just nine point four per cent of institutions have made internships mandatory across all courses. Meanwhile, around thirty seven point eight per cent lack any formal internship framework. Live project based learning is available in fewer than ten per cent of colleges.
Weak Alumni Engagement
Alumni networks, which often support job placements, are also poorly developed. Only five point four four per cent of institutions have active alumni engagement. Experts warn that without structural reforms, weak employability outcomes could adversely affect the broader economy.
Call for Systemic Reform
The report emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between academia and industry. In addition, it called for curriculum modernisation, practical training, and structured internships. Unless these measures are implemented, higher education will continue to fall short of its role in workforce development.
