The Stark Reality of the Mercer Mettl Findings

India's higher education landscape is producing millions of graduates annually, yet a recent assessment paints a troubling picture of readiness for the workforce. The Mercer Mettl India's Graduate Skill Index 2025, based on evaluations of over one million learners from more than 2,700 campuses across the country, reveals that just 42.6 percent of Indian graduates who apply for jobs are deemed overall employable. This figure marks a slight decline from 44.3 percent in 2023, signaling persistent challenges in aligning academic outputs with industry expectations.

This index evaluates candidates on a range of competencies essential for entry-level roles, including technical proficiencies and non-technical attributes like communication and critical thinking. The data underscores a widening chasm between what universities and colleges teach and what employers seek, particularly in an era dominated by rapid technological shifts.

Dissecting the Employability Numbers: Gender, Tiers, and Skills Breakdown

Diving deeper into the metrics, female graduates face a steeper hurdle, with only 41.7 percent considered ready for the workforce, compared to marginally higher rates for males at around 43.4 percent. This gender disparity persists across most technical and non-technical roles, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in women's skill development within higher education institutions.

When segmented by institutional tiers—a common classification in India where Tier 1 includes elite institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), Tier 2 encompasses strong regional universities, and Tier 3 covers a broader array of colleges—disparities emerge. Graduates from Tier 1 colleges boast 48.4 percent employability, Tier 2 at 46.1 percent, and Tier 3 lagging at 43.4 percent. These gaps reflect varying levels of industry exposure, faculty quality, and infrastructure across India's diverse higher education ecosystem.

Skills-wise, while technical abilities for roles in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) show promise at 46.1 percent employability—up due to surging demand and curriculum updates—non-technical skills reveal stark deficiencies. Soft skills overall hover at 50 percent proficiency, but learning agility stands at just 46 percent. Creativity and problem-solving, crucial for innovation-driven jobs, remain notably low, contributing to the overall dip.

Contrasting Trends: Improvement Signals from Other Assessments

While the Mercer Mettl report flags concerns, other evaluations offer a more optimistic lens. The India Skills Report 2026 by Wheebox, assessing over 700,000 candidates via the Global Employability Test, reports an overall employability of 56.35 percent, up from 54.81 percent the previous year. Engineering graduates lead with 70.15 percent, particularly in computer science (80 percent) and information technology (78 percent), while commerce (62.81 percent), science (61 percent), and arts (55.55 percent) show gains.

Notably, female employability edged ahead at 54 percent versus 53.46 percent for males, a first in recent years, driven by digital skilling and hybrid work models. Top states like Uttar Pradesh (78.64 percent), Maharashtra (75.42 percent), and Karnataka (73.85 percent) dominate, with Tier 2/3 cities like Lucknow, Pune, and Kochi emerging as talent hubs. These variances stem from differing methodologies: Mercer Mettl emphasizes applicant pools for specific jobs, while Wheebox focuses on broader readiness.

Root Causes: Curriculum Mismatch and the Soft Skills Deficit

At the heart of this crisis lies a misalignment between higher education curricula and evolving job markets. Many universities and colleges in India still prioritize theoretical knowledge over practical, hands-on training. Engineering programs, for instance, produce graduates proficient in rote coding but deficient in agile methodologies or real-world project management—skills vital for software firms.

Non-technical skills exacerbate the issue. Employers consistently rank communication, teamwork, and adaptability higher than domain expertise for entry-level hires. A survey of higher education institutions found nearly 75 percent not fully industry-ready, with only 8.6 percent aligned across parameters like internships and placements. Regional disparities compound this: rural colleges often lack industry linkages, leaving graduates from Tier 3 institutions at a disadvantage.

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• Outdated syllabi failing to incorporate AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
• Limited internship opportunities, especially in non-metro areas.
• Faculty shortages and inadequate training in modern pedagogies.
• Overemphasis on marks over holistic development.

NEP 2020: A Policy Response to Bridge the Gap

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emerges as a cornerstone reform, aiming to overhaul higher education for better employability. By promoting multidisciplinary learning, vocational integration at undergraduate levels, and flexible curricula, NEP seeks to produce well-rounded graduates. Key features include multiple entry-exit options, credit banks for skill certifications, and a 50 percent gross enrollment ratio target by 2035.

Universities are adapting: IIT Madras offers SWAYAM AI courses for beginners, while IIT Bombay integrates AI into core programs. The policy mandates internships and apprenticeships, fostering industry-academia ties. Early impacts show promise, with states like Kerala delaying four-year UG programs to refine implementation but emphasizing skill modules.

Visit the official NEP 2020 guidelines for detailed implementation frameworks adopted by Indian universities.

Spotlight on Institutions: Success Stories and Challenges

Elite institutions like IITs and IIMs exemplify high employability, with placement rates often exceeding 90 percent and average salaries surpassing Rs 20 lakh per annum. IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay report near-perfect records in tech roles, bolstered by robust incubation centers and global partnerships.

Tier 2 universities like BITS Pilani and VIT Vellore are closing gaps through AI-driven labs and micro-credentials. BITS Pilani's practice-based programs align with NEP, yielding 80 percent employability in engineering. However, state universities like Lucknow University face protests over fee hikes amid poor placement support, underscoring uneven progress.

Case in point: Amity University’s future-of-work labs simulate real jobs, boosting soft skills.

AI and Emerging Skills: The Double-Edged Sword

AI/ML proficiency at 46 percent offers hope, with India's AI market poised for explosive growth. Universities like IIT Hyderabad lead with centers of excellence, training students in NLP and MLOps. Yet, the automation threat looms: roles vulnerable unless graduates upskill in human-AI collaboration.

Download the comprehensive India Skills Report 2026 for in-depth AI trends and employability data by stream.

Industry-Academia Partnerships: Forging Pathways Forward

Collaborations are accelerating solutions. Mahindra & Mahindra partners with IIT Madras for M.Tech in smart manufacturing; SRM Institute employs AI for personalized learning. AICTE’s initiatives uplift 1,000 Tier 2/3 colleges, benefiting two million students via internships and R&D cells.

Government schemes like IndiaAI Mission fund labs in non-elite colleges, while platforms like SWAYAM democratize access to skill courses.

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Actionable Strategies for Universities and Graduates

To reverse the trend, colleges must revamp curricula with 40 percent vocational credits per NEP. Mandatory internships, guest lectures from industry leaders, and soft skills labs are essential. Graduates should pursue certifications in high-demand areas like cloud computing and data analytics alongside degrees.

• Implement experiential learning via projects and simulations.
• Track alumni outcomes for curriculum feedback.
• Leverage NEP’s Academic Bank of Credits for flexible skilling.
• Focus on Tier 3 equity through regional hubs.

Outlook: Toward a Skilled India by 2030

With employability inching up per recent reports and NEP gaining traction, India's higher education holds potential to power a USD 5 trillion economy. Sustained reforms could lift rates to 70 percent by decade's end, but urgency is key. Explore career resources at AcademicJobs higher ed career advice for personalized guidance.

Stakeholders—universities, industry, and policymakers—must collaborate to transform this crisis into opportunity, ensuring every graduate thrives.