Need of the Hour: Urgent Shift from Theory-Based to Skill-Based Engineering Curriculum in India

Abstract

As the most populous nation, India also produces the most significant number of engineering graduates each year. Yet, while about 46% secure placements through campus recruitment, the remaining graduates face significant challenges in transitioning from school-to-work. These challenges stem not from a shortage of job opportunities but from a critical gap in employable skills and practical knowledge that engineering colleges should impart. This paper aims to identify the factors that either inhibit or promote successful school-to-work transitions for engineering students in India. Additionally, it underscores the urgent need to shift towards a skill-based curriculum in engineering education to better prepare graduates for the demands of the workforce.