Why many tech graduates remain unemployable in India?

A young tech graduate, brimming with potential, enters the job market only to discover that their skills are outdated and their job prospects limited. This scenario is all too common in India, where despite significant investments in higher education, a stark divide has emerged among students, especially in the computer science stream. This illustrates the steep decline in the quality of education beyond top-tier tech institutes like the IITs and IISc. This leaves many students underprepared and disconnected from cutting-edge advancements, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive reform in India's computer science education.

Squandering the Demographic Dividend

With 65% of India's population under the age of 35, there is a vast potential workforce. However, many young people lack the necessary skills to thrive in a modern economy. According to the recent Economic Survey, only about half of India's youth is employable. Another report by NASSCOM highlights a significant employability gap among engineering graduates in India. This gap has serious implications, especially as India aims to become a $5 trillion economy by 2025.

The quality of computer science education at many Indian institutions falls short of industry needs. Universities often fail to update their curricula frequently, leaving students unprepared for current industry demands. The lack of experiential learning and hands-on training further exacerbates the problem. Additionally, the stagnant entry-level pay offered by some major IT companies in India compounds these issues. Despite the industry's growth, salaries have remained relatively unchanged over the years. For instance, one major company's campus placement offer was about ?3.5 lakh per annum, compared to an average of ?4.15 lakh per annum a decade ago. This stagnation indicates a lack of value ascribed to fresh graduates. Some of the IT majors try to differentiate the entry level graduates and slot them into 3 categories with each category at a different starting point of salary.

India needs a systemic overhaul in both education and industry practices.

Beyond Just 'Coding'

Knowing how to code is no longer sufficient. With the rise of AI, the job landscape is evolving rapidly, and future employers will seek candidates with deep domain knowledge and an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving. This shift is crucial because technology alone cannot drive innovation; it must be complemented by a thorough understanding of the domain in which it is applied. Only then can solutions be developed to effectively address real-world problems.

For instance, a coder with a deep understanding of agriculture can design AI-driven solutions to optimize crop yields, manage pest control, and predict weather patterns, thereby enhancing productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector. CropIn, an agri-tech company in India, leverages AI and machine learning to provide insights and actionable data to farmers, helping them make informed decisions and improve crop performance.

India stands to benefit significantly from computer scientists who possess interdisciplinary skills and don't rely solely on technical knowledge. Integrating interdisciplinary courses in computer science education is crucial to fostering a holistic understanding of technology and its impact on society. The next generation of technologists must embody responsible and trustworthy AI values and actively address challenges like privacy, security, and other ethical concerns.

An Interdisciplinary Framework

To build an interdisciplinary approach to India's computer science education, it is essential to foster collaborations between universities, industry experts, and policymakers to ensure that the curriculum is both relevant and future-proof. Universities should design programs that include mandatory courses on ethics, data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI. Incorporating case studies and practical examples from various industries can help students grasp the real-world applications of their technical skills.

Practical training should be a cornerstone of this interdisciplinary approach. Internships, live projects, and workshops should be mandatory components. Establishing partnerships with other academic departments can promote cross-disciplinary projects, fostering a holistic understanding of technology's impact on different fields. Additionally, universities should create platforms for students to engage with industry professionals through guest lectures, mentorship programs, and industry-led workshops. Quite a few universities are making progress in this. The author is witness to many active incubation centres that nurture students from the time they enter. Also, there is a willingness to break the boundaries of engineering branches and build a team that would solve a problem.

Mozilla Foundation's Responsible Computing Challenge in India (RCC), backed by USAID, exemplifies this approach. It funds and supports the development of curricula that combine computer science with ethics, social sciences, and interdisciplinary knowledge. The RCC aims to revolutionize the teaching of technology and computer science by embedding responsible computing practices into the education system. By integrating ethics and interdisciplinary approaches into computer science curricula, RCC fosters a more inclusive computational future and a culture of ethical innovation.

Breaking the Status Quo

Building an interdisciplinary approach in computer science education is fraught with challenges. One significant obstacle is the institutional framework, which often clings to the status quo. Many institutions are resistant to reform. While most educators are dedicated to providing the best for their students, a substantial number also harbor a "this-is-how-we-have-always-done-it" attitude, which hinders progress and innovation.

Additionally, there is a crucial need to convince parents to think beyond traditional programs. Many parents, understandably, want their kids to follow 'safe bet' conventional career paths over more innovative and interdisciplinary fields. Changing this mindset is vital for students to have diverse educational experiences that equip them with the skills needed for the complexities of the modern workforce.

The Role of Industry in Bridging the Gap

Industry partnerships can play a significant role in bridging the gap between academia and the job market. Companies need to actively engage with educational institutions to provide inputs on curriculum design, ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of the industry. Programs like Infosys' Campus Connect, which collaborates with engineering colleges to bridge the gap between academia and industry, are examples of how industry involvement can enhance employability.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has initiated the Academic Interface Program (AIP), which focuses on aligning engineering education with industry requirements. The program includes faculty development, curriculum updates, and collaborative projects, ensuring that students are equipped with relevant skills and knowledge.

Encouraging Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation can also help address the employability crisis. Providing students with the skills and resources to start their ventures can create job opportunities and drive economic growth. Incubators and innovation labs within universities can foster a culture of innovation and provide a platform for students to develop and test their ideas.

IIT Madras' Incubation Cell is a prime example of fostering entrepreneurship. It supports startups by providing mentorship, funding, and infrastructure, enabling students and alumni to translate their innovative ideas into viable businesses. Success stories from such incubators can inspire other institutions to adopt similar models.

Leveraging Technology for Better Education

Leveraging technology can significantly enhance the quality of education. Online learning platforms, virtual labs, and AI-driven personalized learning can make education more accessible and effective. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online education, highlighting its potential to transform traditional learning models.

NPTEL (National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning) and Swayam are initiatives by the Indian government to provide free online courses from top institutions. These platforms offer a wide range of courses in various disciplines, allowing students to learn at their own pace and enhance their skills.

To Sum up:

• The employability crisis among tech graduates in India is a multifaceted issue that requires a holistic approach to address.
• By integrating interdisciplinary education, fostering industry collaborations, encouraging entrepreneurship, and leveraging technology, India can transform its computer science education system and equip its graduates with the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
• Only then can India truly leverage its demographic dividend and achieve its ambitious economic goals.