Bridging Gap Between Education and Employability

The truth is, our colleges are still designed to prepare students for exams, not for life. We reward those who can memorise and reproduce answers, but when it comes to applying that knowledge, many stumble. Industry, of course, looks at things very differently. They want employees who can solve problems on the go, work in teams, and adapt to new technologies.

This gap is not new, but it is becoming more dangerous. With technology changing so rapidly, the risk is that we keep producing graduates who hold degrees but not skills. What happens then? Frustration for young people, complaints from employers, and wasted potential for the country.

Why collaboration matters

One reason this gap persists is the weak connection between industry and academia. Too often, companies restrict their involvement to a guest lecture or a campus placement drive. Universities, meanwhile, treat internships and apprenticeships as tick-box exercises.

That approach won’t work anymore. Internships should be compulsory, paid decently, and designed to teach. Apprenticeships, which blend theory and practice, can be a gamechanger if both sides take them seriously. Imagine if every student graduating in engineering, commerce, or the arts had six months of guided, mentored work experience. They’d walk into the job market far more confident, and employers would spend less time and money on training them.

Skills and the dignity of work

We also need to look beyond degrees. Vocational training and skilling often get treated as second class, but they are vital. They not only provide practical abilities but also restore respect for hands-on work. Real learning happens when skills are tested outside the classroom, in factories, in workshops, in hospitals, in communities.

And let’s not forget reskilling. One degree is no longer enough for a lifetime. Jobs are changing too quickly. Young people must understand that learning doesn’t end with graduation. It’s something they carry with them through their careers. Those who adapt will thrive, and those who don’t may find themselves left behind.

More than just jobs

Some might ask: why does this matter so much? Isn’t it just about creating employment? The answer is no, it’s about India’s economic future. Formal employment in India has been painfully low, stuck at around 8% for years and only recently moving up to about 13%. That’s far too little for a country that aspires to be a global economic leader.

Higher formal employment isn’t just good for individuals. It means more income in households, stronger tax revenues for governments, and healthier, more confident communities. It means a society that is more productive and competitive. On the flip side, failing to fix this gap could drag down our growth story.

The rural urban challenge

Another layer to this problem is geography. Urban youth, with access to better colleges, companies, and digital tools, stand closer to opportunities. Rural youth, who form the majority, often remain cut off. If we don’t make a conscious effort to include them through training centres, digital platforms, and local skilling initiatives, the so-called demographic dividend will never be shared equally.

Time for change

So where do we start? First, by rethinking what we measure. Marks alone are not a fair indicator of talent. We need systems that value curiosity, creativity, and the ability to get things done. Second, by treating industry-academia partnerships not as an optional extra but as the backbone of education. And third, by telling young people that learning doesn’t stop when they collect their degree, it carries on for life.

The opportunities are there across every sector be it, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, services. What’s missing is the bridge between those opportunities and the talent waiting in our classrooms.

A narrow window

India has a choice to make. We can continue producing graduates who are exam ready but not job ready. Or we can realign education with employability and turn our young population into the engine of growth. One path leads to wasted potential. The other can transform our economy.

The window to act is short. But if we seize it, the rewards will be extraordinary.