Major Challenges faced by the Engineering Graduates in India?

Engineering is a highly sought-after field of study in India, with lakhs of students graduating each year. However, the journey from being an engineering student to a successful professional is fraught with numerous challenges. This blog post aims to shed light on these challenges, based on recent data and trends, and provide some guidance for engineering students, fresh graduates, and job seekers in the engineering field.

The Current Landscape of Engineering Education in India

Engineering education in India is characterized by a surplus of colleges with varying standards. This leads to inconsistencies in the quality of graduates, with some being highly skilled and others lacking the necessary competencies for the job market. Furthermore, the curriculum in many engineering colleges is outdated, not keeping pace with the latest industry trends and technologies.

The landscape of engineering education in India is changing rapidly. According to the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India’s focus for the next two decades will be on expanding education infrastructure and implementing more favorable rules, which might transform India into one of the world’s most favored higher education destinations. The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), approved by India’s central government in July 2020, is one hope for meaningful reform. However, it is too early to tell if the implementation of the NEP will succeed in moving the sector forward.

According to a report by Accurate Institute, India’s engineering education falls short of international norms. The lack of qualified instructors, infrastructure, and resources at India’s engineering schools harms the quality of instruction. The curriculum is obsolete and does not adequately equip students with the current industry requirements.

According to AglaSem Admission, the total number of engineering seats available in India in 2023 is approximately 14 lakh. This number includes both undergraduate and postgraduate engineering programs offered by various institutes across the country.

The Problem of Outdated Curriculum

The outdated curriculum is a significant issue as it leads to a gap between what is taught in colleges and what is required in the industry. This gap often results in graduates lacking the practical skills needed to work in engineering after graduating.

The problem of outdated curriculum in engineering education in India is indeed a significant issue. According to an article on LinkedIn titled “Addressing the outdated curriculum challenge for Engineering institutes in India”, the current breed of fresh engineering graduates often lack awareness of recent trends like IoT, Big Data, Analytics, Cloud, etc., and their application in the real world. These graduates also often lack practical application of the basic concepts taught in the engineering institutes.

Career challenges for engineers in India are further exacerbated by the rapid pace of technological advancements, making it imperative for them to continually upgrade their skills.

High Student-Teacher Ratios

Another issue is the high student-teacher ratios in many colleges, leading to inadequate attention to individual students and affecting the quality of education.

High student-teacher ratios in many colleges indeed lead to inadequate attention to individual students and affect the quality of education. According to a report by Hindustan Times, India trails behind several countries including Brazil and China in terms of student-teacher ratio in the higher education segment. The 24:1 ratio of India is lower than 19:1 in Brazil and China.

The report states that this not only results in overburdening a small group of teachers but also adversely affects the quality of academic research taken up by them. A low student-teacher ratio indicates the burden on a single teacher of teaching multiple students as well as the lack of time that each student gets.

The faculty shortage has worsened over time due to the increasing enrolment rate of the students and low faculty recruitment in the higher education institutes. While student enrolment in higher education institutes has increased, the total number of teachers has declined. According to estimates, the country’s higher education sector – central, state, and private universities – is facing a shortfall of over 5 lakh teachers.

The problems faced by engineering students in India are multifaceted, ranging from outdated curricula to a lack of practical exposure.

Corruption and Unethical Practices

Corruption is another problem that plagues the engineering education sector in India. Issues such as bribery, nepotism, and favoritism are prevalent, further exacerbating the challenges faced by engineering students.

Corruption and unethical practices in the education system, including engineering education, can have a significant impact on the quality of education and the perception of students and educators. According to an article in The Times of India, corruption in education can take many forms, including bribery, cronyism, dereliction of duties, financial embezzlement, extortion, graft, influencing, lobbying, nepotism, parochialism, patronizing, etc.

The Employability Crisis

Despite the large number of engineering graduates, only a small percentage are considered employable. This is due to a combination of factors including the quality of education, lack of practical skills, and the gap between industry requirements and academic curriculum.

A significant issue that has been increasingly highlighted is the rising rate of engineering graduates’ unemployment in India, which is a direct result of the gap between industry requirements and academic learning

The Issue of Immediate Employability

Studies have shown that a significant percentage of fresh engineering graduates are not immediately employable. This highlights the need for improvements in the quality of engineering education and better alignment with industry requirements.

The Job Market for Engineering Graduates

The job market for engineering graduates presents its own set of challenges. Many fresh graduates, especially in fields like civil engineering, find it difficult to secure jobs in their core area of study. This could be due to a lack of opportunities, high competition, or a mismatch between skills and job requirements.

According to Statista, in 2023, employability among Indian engineering graduates was about 57 percent, an increase from 46 percent in 2021. The overall employability of the youth in the country had been stagnant at around 46 percent over the past four years.

The struggles of Indian engineering students are not limited to academics alone; they extend to the job market where they often find themselves ill-equipped to meet the demands of their prospective employers.

Subdued Campus Placements

There have been reports of subdued campus placements at several engineering colleges across the country. This could be due to various factors such as economic conditions, industry demand, and the quality of graduates.

Preference for Non-Engineering Jobs

It has been observed that many engineering students are opting for non-engineering jobs⁸. This could be due to factors like higher pay, flexibility in the job profile, better growth opportunities, and the opportunity for self-learning.

The Impact of Exhaustion

Engineering students often face physical and mental exhaustion due to the rigorous academic schedule and high pressure to perform. This not only impacts their academic performance but also their overall well-being. It’s crucial for students to manage their time effectively and ensure they take out time for relaxation and self-care. Various resources are available online to help students manage stress and avoid burnout, such as mindfulness techniques and time management strategies.

The Role of Soft Skills

While technical skills are undoubtedly important, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are equally crucial in the engineering field. Employers often look for these skills during the hiring process. Enhancing these skills can increase an engineering graduate’s employability and chances of success in their career. Websites like Coursera and edX offer numerous courses on soft skills that can be beneficial for engineering students and graduates.

The engineering education issues in India are a matter of national concern, requiring immediate attention and reform to ensure the country’s engineers are globally competitive.

The Importance of Continuous Learning

The field of engineering is constantly evolving, with new technologies and methodologies emerging regularly. To stay relevant in this dynamic field, continuous learning is essential. Engineering graduates should be open to learning new skills and updating their knowledge throughout their career. Online learning platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and edX offer a wide range of courses in various engineering disciplines.

The Power of Networking

Networking plays a crucial role in the professional world, and the field of engineering is no exception. Building a strong professional network can open up opportunities for mentorship, internships, and jobs. Engineering students and graduates can leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions. Attending industry events and webinars can also be a great way to meet professionals in the field and learn about the latest trends and opportunities.

The Need for Industry Exposure

Industry exposure is another critical aspect that can significantly enhance the employability of engineering graduates¹. Internships, industrial training, and project work can provide practical experience and a better understanding of the industry. Engineering students should proactively seek out these opportunities to gain hands-on experience and make their resume more attractive to potential employers.

Conclusion

The journey from an engineering student to a successful professional can be challenging, but with the right approach and mindset, these challenges can be navigated effectively. By staying updated with industry trends, enhancing technical and soft skills, managing stress, embracing continuous learning, leveraging the power of networking, and gaining industry exposure, engineering graduates can set themselves up for success in their careers. Remember, every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and learning. Embrace these challenges and turn them into stepping stones for your successful engineering career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the major challenges faced by engineering graduates in India?
Ans: The major challenges include outdated curriculum, lack of practical skills, high student-teacher ratios, corruption in the education sector, and issues with employability. Other challenges include physical and mental exhaustion, subdued campus placements, and difficulty in securing jobs in core engineering fields.

Q. Why is continuous learning important for engineering graduates?
Ans: The field of engineering is constantly evolving, with new technologies and methodologies emerging regularly. To stay relevant in this dynamic field, continuous learning is essential. Engineering graduates should be open to learning new skills and updating their knowledge throughout their career.

Q. How can engineering students manage stress and avoid burnout?
Ans: Effective time management, regular breaks, physical exercise, and mindfulness techniques can help manage stress. It’s also important to maintain a balance between academic work and personal life.

Q. Why is networking important for engineering students and graduates?
Ans: Networking can open up opportunities for mentorship, internships, and jobs. It allows students and graduates to connect with industry professionals, learn about the latest trends, and gain insights into the industry.