While India produces a large number of graduates each year, only 10-15% of business graduates and 26% of engineering graduates are considered employable by businesses in India. This is due to a mismatch between the skills taught in universities and the skills required by employers. Universities focus more on theoretical knowledge while employers value skills like problem-solving, communication, teamwork and a positive attitude. Both the education system and employers need to work together to bridge this skills gap through measures like increasing vocational training programs, funding for retraining, and encouraging internships.

1. The latest crisis:
Employability
Hard truths that make or break!

2. Did you know…??
India retains its
dominant position as
the leading country to
churn out ‘Ready-to-
hire’ pool of graduates,
~400,000-500,000, in
2011

3. And yet…
The industry in India
could face and
employee shortage of
upto 3.5 mn because of
the low rate of
employability in
graduates (10 to 15%
graduates for business
services and 26%
engineering graduates
for business services

4. Why this paradox?
• India’s school and university-
based education system doesn’t
equip you with skills that
employers look for.
• While Indian graduates know
something about the theoretical
aspects, they lack domain skills,
communication and professional
skills.
• Curriculum and pedagogy at
teaching institutions are
The bitter truth… increasingly being set by people
who do not understand what
companies want.

5. What do employers want?
• Enthusiasm
• Problem-solving Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Positive Attitude Toward Work
• Ability to Quickly Grasp and Do the
Work
• Willingness to Accept Responsibility
and Extra Work Assignments
• Well-motivated ... Innovative ... Self-
starter
• Ability to Plan and Think Ahead
• Ability to Communicate — Listening,
Speaking, Writing Skills
• Reading, Writing and Computing Skills
necessary to Do the Job
• Willingness to Work with Others as a
Team

6. So what do we do?
Bridge the Skills gap
• Increase training capacity
• Have funding for training
• Urban Migration
At an individual level
• Opt for the Finishing School value
add
• Use the internet
• Value internships
• Get a part time/ freelance job

7. Who has the first question?