In recent years, the Indian higher education landscape has witnessed the rise of specialized and innovative engineering programs, promising to prepare students for the future of work. Courses like PGP in AI or short-term machine learning certifications have gained significant traction, attracting students with the allure of modernity and industry relevance. However, a stark reality threatens to undermine the aspirations of many: a systemic mismatch between these new-age degrees and existing job eligibility criteria.
The Growing Problem: Numbers Don’t Lie
According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE 2023), India produces over 1.5 million engineers annually, making it one of the largest STEM talent pools globally. However, employability rates tell a sobering story. The India Skills Report 2024 highlights that only 47% of engineering graduates are considered employable by industry standards, with a significant portion of this population coming from traditional degree programs.
This problem deepens for students graduating from specialized or non-traditional programs. Consider these key statistics:
- 90% of government job listings across sectors like railways, defense, and public enterprises still mandate eligibility criteria based on traditional degree titles like “B.Tech in Electronics and Communication” or “Mechanical Engineering.”
- A 2022 study by NASSCOM revealed that 68% of job seekers from niche engineering courses faced rejections solely because their degree titles did not match job specifications, despite having the necessary skills.
- Over 40% of interdisciplinary graduates, according to the same study, reported being unable to apply for postgraduate courses due to rigid eligibility norms.
This disconnect has placed thousands of students in a precarious position—armed with cutting-edge knowledge but excluded from opportunities due to an outdated system.
Voices from Academia and Industry: A Wake-Up Call
Prominent academicians and industry leaders have repeatedly raised alarms about this issue. Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice-Chancellor of BITS Pilani Campuses and former director of IIT Delhi, succinctly summarized the dilemma:
“Students graduating with fancy discipline titles will neither be eligible for master’s programs in India nor for any government jobs.”
Such systemic rigidity is not an isolated case. It reflects a broader issue of misalignment between the evolution of education and the stagnation of policy frameworks.
Real-World Examples
- Case 1: Mismatched Titles in Academia
Mahadevan Chandramouleeswaran, an investor in tech services, recounted his daughter’s experience. Despite being a top scorer in a 5-year integrated M.Tech program, her application for an assistant professor role was rejected because the degree title did not conform to the traditional 4+2-year format. - Case 2: Exclusion in Recruitment
Reuben Mathew, an aerospace engineering graduate, was disqualified from applying to a position at DRDO because his specialized degree title didn’t match the traditional “B.Tech in Aeronautical Engineering” required for the job.
Such anecdotes illustrate a broader trend of systemic exclusion, where degree titles and rigid eligibility norms, rather than actual capabilities, determine career outcomes.
Why the Mismatch Exists: Systemic Gaps
1. Rigid Eligibility Criteria for Government Jobs
Government job advertisements, especially in prestigious sectors like ISRO, DRDO, and PSUs, adhere to archaic qualification requirements.
For example:
- A CSIR lab recently disqualified candidates from IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi because their degrees were titled “Data Science” instead of “Electronics Engineering.”
2. Traditional Postgraduate Admission Norms
Indian universities largely rely on the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) to admit students into postgraduate programs. The GATE syllabus and eligibility criteria often exclude interdisciplinary or emerging fields like AI, robotics, or environmental engineering, leaving graduates from these programs without clear pathways to advanced education.
3. Marketing-Driven Program Design
Critics like Dr. Shashi Bhushan Arya, a national expert in engineering education, argue that many universities use “fancy” degree titles as a marketing strategy to attract students, especially in high-fee management quotas. This trend prioritizes enrollment numbers over long-term career viability.
4. Industry-Driven but Locally Misaligned
While private industries and global markets demand skills in AI, machine learning, and data analytics, the Indian job ecosystem—especially in government and traditional sectors—lags in updating its frameworks to recognize these skills.
Are Fancy Degrees Completely Futile?
While concerns about employability and eligibility are valid, it’s essential to recognize the potential benefits of these programs:
- Future-Ready Skills: Courses in AI, robotics, and blockchain prepare students for high-growth industries, where demand for talent outpaces supply.
(e.g., the global AI market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 37.3% from 2023 to 2030, creating millions of jobs.) - International Recognition: Specialized degrees often align better with global academic and industry standards, making students competitive in international markets.
Prof. Ravikumar Bhaskaran, a life fellow of IIT Kharagpur, argues:
“Emerging programs take time to gain acceptance. When IIT Kharagpur introduced new B.Tech programs, scepticism was common. Today, they are among the most sought-after courses.”
The Path Forward
To bridge the gap between emerging engineering education and job eligibility, systemic changes are necessary.
1. Update Government Job Criteria
Government bodies like the UPSC, CSIR, and state recruitment boards must revise eligibility norms to include new-age disciplines.
Actionable Steps:
- Introduce broader degree categories like “STEM or related fields” in job listings.
- Form cross-disciplinary evaluation committees to assess candidate suitability.
2. Reform Postgraduate Admission Processes
Institutes like IITs and NITs should expand the scope of GATE to include fields like AI, robotics, and sustainable engineering. Additionally, new master’s programs in these areas must be prioritized.
3. Encourage Industry Collaboration
Collaborations between academia and industry can ensure that degree programs align with both national and global job markets. For instance:
- Develop joint certification programs endorsed by major employers.
- Conduct annual reviews to update curriculum based on real-world demand.
4. Raise Awareness Among Students and Parents
Educational institutions must transparently communicate the benefits and limitations of niche programs.
Key Focus Areas:
- Provide career counseling to help students make informed choices.
- Highlight pathways for international job markets or entrepreneurial ventures.
How Learnpact Can Help
At Learnpact, we understand the challenges faced by students navigating the complex intersection of education and employability. Our mission is to empower learners with industry-relevant skills while ensuring they remain competitive in both traditional and emerging markets. Here’s how:
1. Programs Aligned with Industry Standards
Our courses are co-designed with industry leaders to address real-world requirements. For instance:
- AI & ML programs validated by professionals from top tech companies.
- Business communication courses to enhance employability in diverse sectors.
2. Certification with Credibility
We offer globally recognized certifications that enhance your resume’s value in international and private job markets.
3. Placement Support
Learnpact provides end-to-end placement assistance, connecting students with employers who value skills over degree titles.
4. Career Counseling
Our counselors guide students in choosing programs that align with their long-term goals, whether they aim for government jobs, private sectors, or postgraduate studies.
5. Policy Advocacy
Learnpact actively engages with policymakers and academic leaders to push for reforms that recognize the value of interdisciplinary degrees.
Final Thoughts
The rise of fancy engineering programs in India reflects an education system striving to adapt to a rapidly evolving world. While these programs promise future-readiness, their potential is often hindered by outdated eligibility norms and systemic rigidity.
For students, the key lies in making informed decisions, balancing aspiration with practicality. For policymakers and institutions, it’s a call to action to bridge the gap between education and employability.
At Learnpact, we aim to be a part of this solution, equipping learners with the skills, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive in any market. Together, we can shape a future where education truly empowers every student.
Explore Learnpact’s career-ready programs today and secure your place in the workforce of tomorrow.
