In an interview with Maalai Murasu, Dr. Venkatesh Pannirchelvan, an employment and career training expert, sat down to discuss India's graduate unemployment crisis, drawing from a recent study by Azim Premji University spanning two decades from 2004 to 2023. The interview shed light on the alarming rise in unemployment among degree holders and the deeper forces driving it.
The interview explored how the graduate unemployment rate nearly doubled, rising from 32% in 2004 to approximately 67% in 2023, with only 7% of employed graduates securing permanent, salary-based roles.
"A degree is just an entry card, an eligibility criterion. Beyond that, skills are what matter," he emphasized, adding that "skill gap accounts for 50% of the reason why graduates remain unemployed, and the other 50% is due to the job ecosystem itself."
The interview delved into the root causes behind this crisis, including outdated college curricula, poor investment in quality teachers especially in smaller private colleges, and a widespread soft skills deficit. "Many students, especially those from rural backgrounds, are technically very strong but are unable to communicate that effectively," he noted, pointing to communication, attitude, and negotiation as critical gaps.
Dr. Pannirchelvan stressed that reskilling is no longer optional, stating that skills relevant five years ago may not hold value today. He urged students to pursue internships and freelance work during their degree years and called for collective responsibility across students, colleges, government, and industry to build a stronger employment ecosystem.
Maalai Murasu is known for its in-depth coverage of social and economic issues affecting Tamil Nadu and India. This interview serves as a valuable resource for students, parents, and policymakers seeking to understand the structural challenges behind India's graduate unemployment crisis.
