Your degree is in the past, and AI is in the future

India produces over a million engineers annually, yet many struggle to meet industry expectations. Employers often lament the gap between academic learning and realworld requirements, especially with AI and automation transforming job roles.

- By Aanchal Ghatak

As companies seek industry-ready' graduates, the pressure is mounting on universities to revamp outdated curricula and focus on practical, hands-on skills. But is the education system evolving fast enough to keep pace with technological advancements? And what can students do to stay ahead in this rapidly changing job market?

Despite producing the world's second-largest pool of engineers, India faces a paradox-while companies struggle to find skilled talent, millions of graduates remain unemployed or underemployed. The root of the problem lies in an outdated curriculum, rote-based learning, and a lack of hands-on industry exposure.

With emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and quantum computing redefining industries, the need for a dynamic, skill-focused education system has never been more urgent.

A 2023 study by Aspiring Minds revealed that nearly 50% of Indian engineering graduates lack the necessary industry-relevant skills, highlighting the urgent need for curriculum modernization. Additionally, a Nasscom report suggests that India needs approximately 3.5 million digitally skilled professionals by 2026 to meet growing industry demands. Experts across academia and industry emphasize restructuring curricula, enhancing industry collaboration, and leveraging emerging technologies to keep pace with global trends.

This article explores how India's top engineering schools are adapting to these changes and what the industry expects from fresh graduates.

Dr. Ramesh Darbha, Head of MassMutual India, highlights that Indian technical institutes are highly attuned to evolving industry demands. Through strategic partnerships with industry bodies and experts, these institutions continually update their curricula to align with technological advancements.

Collaborations with companies provide students with hands-on exposure to real-world applications, ensuring they remain competitive in the global workforce.