The Skills Gap Plaguing India's Higher Education Landscape

India's higher education system stands as one of the world's largest, enrolling over 43 million students across more than 1,000 universities and 50,000 colleges. Yet, beneath this impressive scale lies a persistent challenge: a widening chasm between academic credentials and employability. According to the India Skills Report 2026, only about 56 percent of graduates are deemed employable by industry standards, with engineering graduates hovering around 45.9 percent and management students at roughly 40 percent. The State of Working India 2026 report paints an even starker picture, revealing that nearly 40 percent of graduates aged 15-25 remain unemployed, far higher than rates among less-educated youth. This paradox stems from curricula heavy on theory but light on practical application, leaving graduates unprepared for dynamic job markets demanding AI proficiency, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Employers frequently cite a lack of real-world exposure, soft skills, and technical competencies aligned with Industry 4.0. For instance, while India produces over 1.5 million engineers annually, companies like Google and Amazon report struggling to find candidates ready for roles in machine learning or data analytics. Regional disparities exacerbate the issue, with Tier-2 and Tier-3 colleges lagging Tier-1 institutions like IITs and IIMs, where employability exceeds 80 percent. Faculty shortages compound these problems, with student-teacher ratios in public colleges reaching 47:1 against recommended norms of 15-20:1.

These figures underscore the urgent need for reform, setting the stage for innovative interventions from unexpected quarters: alumni of India's premier institutions.

Quad: The Alumni-Driven Initiative Reshaping Student Learning

In response to this crisis, a cadre of accomplished graduates from IITs, IIMs, NITs, XLRI, BITS Pilani, FMS Delhi, and similar elite institutions has launched Quad, an industry-skilling platform poised to transform higher education. Founded by Sourav (FMS Delhi MBA with 12 years in MNCs and edtech) and Payal (IIM Indore MBA with a decade in consulting and education), Quad partners with universities like Mangalore University and Trisha College to deliver degree programs infused with practical, AI-centric training.

Quad's mission is clear: shift from rote learning to active, project-based education that mirrors workplace demands. By curating curricula with input from IIT alumni for tech programs and IIM/FMS/Harvard alumni for management tracks, they ensure relevance. Over 100 mentors from FAANG companies, Amazon, Flipkart, Google, and more provide guidance, turning theoretical knowledge into portfolios of live projects and internships.

This initiative embodies a 'skills-first' philosophy, where students engage in hackathons, competitive coding (e.g., ICPC, GSoC), and startup pitches for up to ₹10 lakhs in seed funding from Day One. Campuses in Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Patna (with Mumbai upcoming) foster a high-performance culture through selective admissions, small batches (60-120 seats), and vibrant extracurriculars like tech clubs and industry summits.

A Paradigm Shift: From Theory to Hands-On Mastery

At Quad's core is a rethinking of student learning. Traditional Indian higher education often prioritizes exams over application, but Quad reverses this with 'reverse-engineered' curricula based on employer needs. For example, the 4-Year BTech in Computer Science (AI & ML) integrates Python, JavaScript, neural networks via real-world debugging and capstones, while the 3-Year BCA emphasizes AI-powered business modules from Semester 1.

• Live projects and 6-month paid internships build professional experience.
• Masterclasses by CXOs and personality development modules enhance soft skills.
• Compulsory startup launches in management programs cultivate entrepreneurship.

Students like Anubhav Rai praise the 'game-changing' hands-on Python training, while Jaya Patel credits structured tasks for boosting confidence and time management. Early wins include first-year students reaching national finals at IIT Bombay, ISM Dhanbad, and BITS Pilani hackathons.

Programs Tailored for Tomorrow's Workforce

Quad's offerings span tech and management, all AI-integrated and affiliated for legitimate degrees:

• 4-Year UG CS (AI & ML): Curated by IIT alumni; focuses on competitive coding, hackathons; 120 seats.
• 3-Year UG Management (AI): IIM/FMS input; startup module mandatory; 120 seats.
• 2-Year PGP Management (AI): CXO masterclasses; 60 seats.
• 3-Year BCA (AI): Placement-focused; 50+ B-school mentors; 120 seats.

Admission involves an online aptitude test (QAT), interview, and fee payment with EMI options. For details, visit Quad's official website.

Mentorship: Bridging Academia and Industry

Quad's secret sauce is its 100+ mentors, including IIT Roorkee's Prashant Verma, IIM Ahmedabad's Saurabh Bansal, and FMS Delhi's Mohit Choudhary. These professionals from Microsoft, Google, and unicorns offer insights into real workflows, interview prep, and career navigation. This network not only demystifies corporate expectations but also secures internships and placements with 75+ marquee recruiters.

Such mentorship aligns with rising alumni philanthropy; IIT Delhi's 2026 Alumni Impact Report highlights contributions sustaining research and scholarships, with endowments like ₹150 crore fueling innovation.

Alignment with NEP 2020: A Timely Catalyst

Quad's model dovetails with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates multidisciplinary learning, industry internships, and skill development to boost Gross Enrolment Ratio to 50 percent by 2035. NEP emphasizes flexible curricula and research ecosystems—precisely what Quad delivers through AI fluency and experiential modules. As per NITI Aayog's report on internationalisation, alumni engagement is key to knowledge diplomacy and reform.

Read the full NITI Aayog report on higher education internationalisation for deeper policy insights.

Overcoming Persistent Challenges

Despite progress, hurdles remain: 28 percent faculty vacancies in premier IITs/IIMs/NITs, uneven quality in private institutions, and graduate underemployment at 40 percent. Quad addresses these by outsourcing mentorship to alumni networks, bypassing shortages while upskilling faculty indirectly through partnerships.

Expansion and Scalability: A National Blueprint

With campuses in tech hubs like Bengaluru and emerging centers like Patna, Quad plans Mumbai entry, aiming to democratize elite training. This scalability could inspire similar alumni ventures, amplifying NEP's reach amid 70,000+ colleges.

Real-World Impact: Careers and Beyond

Quad graduates emerge with portfolios, not just degrees—poised for roles at top firms. Testimonials highlight professional growth, team skills, and confidence, positioning them ahead in a market valuing adaptability over pedigree.

Perspectives from Stakeholders

• Industry: 'Finally, candidates with proven projects,' per anonymous FAANG recruiter.
• Educators: Aligns with NEP's skill focus, per policy experts.
• Students: 'Theory clicked into practice,' says Abhishek Kumar.

Explore the India Skills Report 2026 for employability benchmarks.

The Road Ahead: Hope for Holistic Reform

Quad exemplifies how IIT and IIM alumni are not just succeeding but giving back, fostering a future where every graduate thrives. As India eyes Viksit Bharat by 2047, such initiatives could bridge gaps, ensuring education empowers rather than disappoints.

Photo by Le Thanh Huyen on Unsplash