What makes Half of Indian Students Unemployable

India is currently facing a significant issue with the employability of its graduates. Despite having a degree, almost half of the country’s graduates, most lack the necessary skills required by employers to be hired. This issue is not limited to lower-ranked colleges, but even top-tier colleges face the same problem. This article will explore what makes half of Indian students unemployable, its impact on the graduates and the economy, and possible solutions to address the issue. It is essential to address this issue as it affects the overall growth and development of the economy and the prospect of the country’s youth.

Difference between Unemployment and Unemployability

Unemployment and unemployability are two distinct terms that refer to different aspects of the job market.

Unemployment refers to a situation where a person is willing and able to work but is currently without a job. It is measured by the unemployment rate, which is the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment.

Unemployability, on the other hand, refers to a lack of skills or qualifications required by employers to be hired. It means that even if a person is willing and able to work, they are not considered for employment due to the lack of necessary skills. Unemployability is often the result of an inadequate education system, limited access to training and development, or a mismatch between the skills and job market demand.

Study conducted by Aspiring Minds

Aspiring Minds, a leading employability solutions company, conducted a study on the employability of Indian graduates. The study was based on a sample of more than 150,000 engineering students from over 650 colleges across the country.

The study found that almost half of the graduates were unemployable. The graduates lacked communication skills, English proficiency, and basic cognitive skills, which are essential for most jobs. The problem was not just limited to lower-ranked colleges, but even top-tier colleges faced the same issue.

The study also revealed that employability was not related to the level of education, i.e., whether the graduates held a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. It was also independent of the college’s location, i.e., whether the college was located in a metro city or a small town.

The study concluded that the lack of employability among Indian graduates was a significant concern and needed urgent attention. The findings highlighted the need to improve the quality of education, bridge the skill gap, and align the education system with industry requirements.

Factors contribute to the unemployability of Indian Students

Several factors contribute to the unemployability of Indian graduates. The following are some of the significant factors:

1. Lack of Communication Skills: Communication skills are essential in almost every industry. However, the study found that a large number of graduates lacked basic communication skills, such as the ability to articulate their thoughts and ideas effectively.
2. English Proficiency: English is the primary language used in the corporate sector, and therefore, proficiency in the language is critical. However, the study revealed that a significant number of graduates lacked basic proficiency in English.
3. Basic Cognitive Skills: Cognitive skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning are essential for most jobs. However, the study found that a large number of graduates lacked basic cognitive skills.
4. Education System Shortcomings: The Indian education system has been criticized for its emphasis on rote learning and lack of practical training. The study found that the education system did not adequately prepare students for the job market and did not equip them with the necessary skills required by employers.

Impact of Unemployability

The impact of unemployability is significant, and it affects both the graduates and the economy in various ways.

On the Graduates:

1. Career Prospects: Graduates who are unemployable face limited career prospects, and they may struggle to find a job or have to settle for jobs that are below their skill level.
2. Financial Stability: Unemployability affects the financial stability of graduates as they may struggle to earn a decent income and may have to rely on their families for support.
3. Self-Esteem: Unemployability can also affect the self-esteem and confidence of graduates, leading to anxiety and depression.

On the Economy:

1. Reduced Productivity: Unemployability affects the productivity of the workforce, and employers may have to spend additional resources on training and development, leading to increased costs.
2. Skilled Labor Shortage: Unemployability results in a shortage of skilled labor, which can affect the growth and development of industries and the overall economy.
3. Economic Growth: A lack of skilled labor can also affect the overall economic growth of the country, reducing the competitiveness of industries and hampering economic progress.

It is, therefore, essential to address the issue of unemployability to ensure a skilled workforce and a thriving economy

Possible Solutions

To address the issue of unemployability, several possible solutions can be considered. Here are some of the key solutions:

1. Improving the Education System: The education system needs to focus on practical training, industry-relevant curriculum, and soft skill development to prepare students for the job market. The focus should shift from rote learning to application-based learning.
2. Private Sector Involvement: The private sector can play a vital role in bridging the skill gap by providing training and development programs to graduates. Companies can also work with educational institutions to design curriculums that align with industry requirements.
3. Government Initiatives: The government can take several initiatives, such as setting up skill development centers, providing financial assistance to students from economically weaker sections, and collaborating with industry partners to provide job opportunities.
4. Entrepreneurship: The government can encourage entrepreneurship by providing incentives to startups and facilitating the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises. This can create job opportunities for graduates and reduce the burden on the job market.

Conclusion

The study by Aspiring Minds highlighted the issue of unemployability among Indian graduates, with almost half of the graduates lacking the necessary skills required by employers. The lack of communication skills, English proficiency, basic cognitive skills, and education system shortcomings are the significant factors contributing to this trend. The impact of unemployability is significant and affects both the graduates and the economy.

Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach involving the government, educational institutions, and the private sector. It is essential to prioritize the development of skills required by the industry and focus on practical training and soft skill development to create a skilled workforce that can contribute to the growth and development of the country.

Also Read: How Education Affects Poverty