Supriya Shrinate's Critique Ignites Debate on Kerala's Higher Education Woes

In a pointed address delivered during a press conference in Kochi on April 6, 2026, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate leveled strong accusations against the ruling Left Democratic Front government in Kerala. She highlighted what she described as a profound decline in the state's higher education system, directly linking it to surging youth unemployment and mass student migration. Despite Kerala's longstanding reputation as India's most literate state with a literacy rate exceeding 94 percent, Shrinate argued that the sector has devolved into 'degree factories' that fail to equip students with relevant skills for the modern job market.

Shrinate emphasized that undergraduate seats in many colleges remain unfilled at 40 to 50 percent capacity, even as the state claims expansions. She pointed to the absence of curricula aligned with emerging fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics, which are critical for global employability. 'Education is not translating into jobs, forcing both students and graduates to leave the state,' she stated, underscoring the financial burden on families who must fund out-of-state or international education for their children.

Alarming Unemployment Statistics Among Kerala Graduates

Kerala's youth unemployment rate stands at 29.9 percent, escalating to 47.1 percent among young women, according to recent data cited in political discourse. This figure starkly contrasts with the national average, painting a picture of 'educated unemployment' where high educational attainment does not yield proportional job opportunities. The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for recent years reveals that graduate unemployment in Kerala hovers around 42.3 percent, the highest in the country, challenging the narrative of education as a guaranteed pathway to prosperity.

This crisis stems from a mismatch between the skills imparted in Kerala universities and the demands of industries both locally and globally. For instance, while the state boasts a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of approximately 41.3 percent in higher education—well above the national average of 28.4 percent—the quality of outcomes lags. Graduates often find themselves in low-skill informal sectors or unemployed, perpetuating a cycle of frustration and economic stagnation.

Student Migration: A Symptom of Systemic Failure

Student migration from Kerala has doubled since 2020, with nearly 2.5 lakh students seeking better prospects elsewhere. This exodus includes pursuits of superior higher education abroad or in other Indian states, driven by perceptions of outdated syllabi, intense competition for limited quality seats, and poor placement records. Remittances from student migrants contribute significantly to the state's economy, estimated at over ₹43,000 crore annually, yet this masks the brain drain's long-term costs.

Families bear heavy financial loads, often remortgaging properties to cover tuition in foreign universities. A study on educational migration highlights that 41.4 percent of Kerala's emigrants hold college degrees, with women particularly drawn to inclusive environments abroad. This trend not only depletes local talent pools but also strains university enrollments, leading to the aforementioned vacant seats.

NIRF Rankings Reveal Kerala's Position in National Context

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings provide concrete evidence of challenges in Kerala's higher education landscape. Kerala University in Thiruvananthapuram secured 25th place with a score of 59.05, followed by Cochin University of Science and Technology at 32nd (57.55) and Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, at 43rd (54.61). While these positions place them in the top 50 nationally, critics note stagnation or slight declines compared to prior years, attributed to factors like research output penalties from retractions and lower perception scores.

These rankings, compiled by the Ministry of Education, assess parameters including teaching, learning, research, graduation outcomes, outreach, and perception. Kerala's institutions excel in inclusivity but falter in innovation and employability metrics. For deeper insights, explore the official NIRF University Rankings 2025.

Photo by Aswin Thomas Bony on Unsplash

Structural Challenges: Funding, Faculty, and Governance

Funding remains a persistent hurdle, with state allocations struggling to match rising demands amid fiscal pressures. The Kerala Budget 2026-27 allocated ₹851.46 crore for higher education reforms, ₹259.09 crore for university activities, and ₹295 crore for technical education, including free undergraduate arts and science degrees in government and aided colleges—a progressive step toward accessibility. However, experts argue this falls short of needs for infrastructure upgrades and research incentives.

Faculty shortages plague universities, exacerbated by governance disputes. Prolonged standoffs between the state government and Governor over Vice-Chancellor (VC) appointments have paralyzed administration at institutions like APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) and Kerala University of Digital Sciences. Recent Supreme Court interventions resolved some impasses, but delays in teacher recruitments persist, violating UGC norms in self-financing colleges. Political interference in appointments further erodes meritocracy.

• Outdated infrastructure: Many campuses lack modern labs for STEM fields.
• Curriculum rigidity: Slow adoption of NEP 2020 multidisciplinary approaches.
• Low research funding: Impacting NIRF scores and innovation.

Case Study: Kerala Technological University (KTU) in Turmoil

KTU exemplifies the broader decline, absent from NIRF rankings despite overseeing numerous engineering colleges. Criticisms include administrative chaos, delayed exams, and poor placement rates, leading to student protests. The university's failure to adapt to industry needs has contributed to engineering seat vacancies exceeding 50 percent in recent admissions. Reforms under discussion include enhanced industry partnerships and skill-based certifications, but implementation lags.

Stakeholders, including alumni and faculty, call for autonomous governance free from political meddling to restore credibility. This case underscores how localized issues amplify statewide problems, deterring prospective students and fueling migration.

Broader Impacts: Economic and Social Ramifications

The higher education decline reverberates across Kerala's economy, stifling growth in knowledge-driven sectors. With youth comprising a significant demographic, persistent unemployment erodes consumer spending and social stability. Socially, it exacerbates gender disparities, mental health issues among graduates, and family financial distress. The drug menace, with over 27,000 cases in 2024 infiltrating campuses, compounds vulnerabilities, as noted by Shrinate.

Comparatively, neighboring Tamil Nadu boasts a higher GER at 47 percent and stronger industry ties, offering a model. Kerala's remittances buoy GDP, but over-reliance risks unsustainability without local job creation. Detailed analysis in The Print's coverage highlights these interconnections.

Government Initiatives and Opposition Proposals

The LDF government counters criticisms with initiatives like the Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission, targeting 20 lakh jobs, though transparency on progress is questioned. The 2026 budget's free education policy aims to boost GER and retention, alongside increased scholarships and hostel constructions. Implementation of NEP 2020 promises flexible curricula and research parks.

Opposition UDF pledges ₹1,000 monthly aid for college girls and comprehensive reforms. Balanced views from academics stress public-private partnerships for skill development. For instance, Cochin University has piloted AI programs with industry collaboration, yielding better placements.

Photo by Jithin Murali on Unsplash

Pathways Forward: Solutions for Revival

Revitalizing Kerala's higher education demands multifaceted reforms:

• Curriculum overhaul: Integrate AI, data science, and vocational training per NEP guidelines.
• Funding boost: Aim for 12 percent annual increase to 2036, per expert recommendations.
• Governance reforms: Merit-based VC selections and faculty hires.
• Industry linkages: Mandatory internships and placement cells.
• Research incentives: Higher grants to improve NIRF perceptions.

Success stories like IIT Palakkad's rapid rise offer blueprints. Stakeholders urge collaboration between state, center, and industry to stem migration and unemployment.

Future Outlook: Can Kerala Reclaim Educational Leadership?

With elections looming on April 9, 2026, higher education has emerged as a pivotal issue. If reforms accelerate, Kerala could leverage its literacy base for a knowledge economy boom. However, without addressing root causes—skill gaps, governance woes, and funding— the decline risks deepening. Aspiring academics and students eye platforms like National Herald India for ongoing coverage. Optimism lies in youth-driven demands for change, positioning Kerala for resurgence.