University–Industry Skill Gap and Its Implications for Graduate Employability and Fresher Hiring in India: A Secondary-Data Study

DOI

No DOI

Published In

Volume 5, Issue 2 (2026)

Published Online

May-August 2026

Pages

1058-1065

Article Type

Original Article

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The gap between what students learn in college and what companies need is a problem affecting whether graduates can find jobs in India. This study looks at the difference between university education and what industries are asking for using information from Mercer | Mettls Indias Graduate Skill Index 2025 the World Economic Forums Future of Jobs Report 2025 and TeamLease EdTechs research on hiring graduates and learning through work. Mercer | Mettl said that 42.6% of all graduates were employable 46.1% for AI and machine learning roles and 50% for people with good soft skills. TeamLease EdTech found that 74% of companies planned to hire graduates for IT jobs in the first half of 2025 and 59% for entry-level positions. The findings show a need, for skills in AI, big data, cybersecurity, cloud computing, technology knowledge thinking critically and being able to adapt.