Only 8% of Indian Graduates Get Jobs Matching Their Degrees
Are you dreaming of a career that matches your degree? A shocking new report reveals that just 8.25% of Indian graduates land jobs matching their educational qualification. That means most graduates end up in roles that don’t match their education.
Let’s break it down in simple terms and see what this means for you!
What’s Happening in the Job Market?
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24 shows a big gap between what students study and the jobs they get. Imagine studying hard for years, only to end up in a job that doesn’t use your skills! Here’s what the data says:
- >More than half of graduates end up in low-skill positions such as clerical work, operating machines, or sales jobs. These are called Skill Level 2 jobs, which don’t need a degree.
- >For high-skill jobs (called Skill Level 4), only 63.26% of workers have the right qualifications.
- >Shockingly, 28.12% of people in these high-skill jobs are stuck in lower-skill roles, like clerical work.
- >Also, 38.23% of workers in high-skill jobs have graduate degrees, but there aren’t enough jobs that need those degrees.
This mismatch is a big problem. It’s like training to be a chef but working as a cashier!
Why Does This Happen?
So, why aren’t graduates getting jobs that match their degrees? Here are some reasons:
- Too Many Degrees, Not Enough Jobs: India produces lots of graduates, but there aren’t enough high-skill jobs to go around.
- Education vs. Industry Needs: Many college courses focus on theory, not practical skills like coding or problem-solving that companies want.
- Lack of Vocational Training: Programs like Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) could help, but they’re not widely available or updated.
- Regional Differences: There are fewer high level skilled jobs in Bihar and UP compared to states like Goa and Kerala.
What’s the Impact?
This mismatch affects more than just your job title. It can:
- >Lower Your Earnings: Fewer than 5% of graduates in expert positions earn ₹4-8 lakh per year. Meanwhile, 46% of workers in low-skill jobs earn less than ₹1 lakh annually.
- >Hurt Your Career Growth: Working in a job below your skill level can make you feel stuck and unmotivated.
- >Slow India’s Growth: If most graduates can’t use their skills, it’s hard for the country to grow economically.
What Can You Do About It?
Don’t worry, students! You can take steps to beat this mismatch and land a job you love:
- Focus on In-Demand Skills: Learn skills like AI, data analytics, or digital marketing. These are hot in the job market!
- Get Practical Experience: Look for internships or projects to gain real-world skills.
- Explore Vocational Training: Programs like TVET can teach you specific skills that companies need.
- Upskill Regularly: The job market changes fast, so keep learning new things.
- Choose Your College Wisely: Tier-1 colleges have better employability rates (48.4%) compared to Tier-3 (43.4%).
The Bigger Picture
India has a young population—650 million people under 25! But this “demographic dividend” won’t last forever. By 2046, India’s elderly population will outnumber the young. To make the most of this time, the country needs to:
- >Align education with what industries need.
- >Invest more in education (currently only 3.06% of the budget goes to higher education).
- >Improve vocational training programs.
Conclusion
The job market might seem tough, but you have the power to shape your future. By picking the right skills and staying updated, you can be part of the 8% who get jobs matching their degrees. Start planning now, and don’t let your degree go to waste.
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July 7, 2025
