New Delhi: Every year, millions of young Indians enter colleges and universities with big dreams—hoping that a degree will lead to a stable job, financial independence and social respect. Families invest heavily in higher education with the same expectation. However, the reality after graduation is increasingly grim. A recent report by TeamLease EdTech reveals that nearly 75% of colleges and universities in India are failing to provide job-relevant skills to their students. Degrees are being awarded, but employability remains elusive.
The report, aptly titled From Degree Factories to Employment Hubs, highlights how many institutions have turned into mere degree-distribution centres. Classrooms focus heavily on outdated theory and rote learning, while students remain disconnected from real-world industry requirements. As a result, graduates often step out without clarity on what employers actually expect.
Placement Claims vs Reality
While several institutions claim 100% placements on paper, the ground reality is starkly different. According to the report, only 16.67% of institutions manage to place 76–100% of their students within six months of graduation. Many graduates either accept low-paying jobs, remain unemployed, or enroll in additional courses to compensate for skill gaps.
Wide Industry–Academia Gap
One of the most serious concerns is the mismatch between curriculum and industry needs. Merely 8.6% of institutions offer fully industry-aligned courses, while over 51% have little to no industry collaboration. Industry exposure in classrooms is also minimal—only 7.56% of institutions have “Professors of Practice” or industry professionals involved in teaching.
Missing Internships and Live Projects
Practical exposure remains largely absent. Mandatory internships are offered for all courses in just 9.4% of institutions, while 37.8% lack any internship structure. Similarly, live industry projects are available in only 9.68% of colleges, leaving students without hands-on problem-solving experience.
Certificates and Alumni Networks Neglected
Despite growing demand for industry-recognised certifications in areas like AI, data science, cybersecurity and digital marketing, over 60% of institutions have not integrated such certifications into their programmes. Alumni engagement is another weak link, with only 5.44% of institutions having active alumni networks that could support mentorship and employment opportunities.
A National Concern
Graduate unemployment does not just affect individuals and families—it impacts the economy, productivity and social stability. Rising skill gaps and degree-holder unemployment are alarming signals for the country’s future.
The report stresses that reform is no longer optional. Colleges must adopt industry-oriented curricula, mandatory internships, live projects, certification courses and stronger alumni networks. While the National Education Policy sets the right direction, stricter accountability and transparent placement data are essential.
At the same time, students must look beyond degrees—actively building skills, gaining experience and understanding industry trends. Unless India’s higher education system transforms from degree factories into employment hubs, the nation risks producing millions of graduates without jobs. The crisis is not just educational—it is a challenge to nation-building itself.
