Beyond Classrooms

In a world where job markets are evolving faster than textbooks can be updated, today’s students face an unprecedented level of uncertainty about their futures. Yet, despite this shifting landscape, schools and colleges continue to function as exam factories, churning out degree-holders rather than skilled, confident and job-ready individuals. What we need is not just more education, but the right kind of education—rooted in practical career counselling, market-oriented skill development, and real-life preparedness.

Career counselling in most Indian schools is either tokenistic or non-existent. Many students still choose streams and careers based on outdated perceptions, parental pressure or sheer ignorance. Engineering and medicine remain default aspirations, even as employment in these sectors becomes saturated or increasingly automated. What students truly need is timely, structured guidance that helps them discover their interests, understand industry trends, and make informed choices. Career counselling must be embedded in the curriculum from the secondary level onwards, with the involvement of trained professionals and regular exposure to real-world careers.

However, counselling alone cannot fill the gap if students are not skilled to survive and thrive. The mismatch between what is taught and what the job market demands is staggering. Employers today look beyond degrees—they seek critical thinking, digital literacy, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving abilities. Soft skills like communication, teamwork, adaptability and emotional intelligence are equally crucial, especially in the gig economy and global workspaces. Sadly, these are rarely taught in our educational institutions.

Moreover, many competitive examinations—whether for government jobs, scholarships or higher education—require more than academic knowledge. They demand strategy, speed, aptitude and composure. Most students, especially from underserved backgrounds, are ill-equipped to tackle these exams due to lack of exposure and training. Integrating competitive exam readiness into regular schooling, through foundation courses and mentorship programs, can level the playing field.

Importantly, skill and soft skill development must not be seen as a substitute for academic excellence but as an essential complement to it. A holistic approach that nurtures both intellect and employability is the need of the hour. Public-private partnerships, internships, boot camps, and project-based learning should be the norm rather than the exception. The National Education Policy 2020, with its emphasis on flexibility and multidisciplinary learning, offers a framework—but its success lies in implementation and intent.

If we are to harness India’s demographic dividend, we must go beyond rote learning and marksheets. Students need to be equipped not just to pass exams, but to face life. They must be made market-ready, not just degree-ready. Otherwise, we risk creating a generation of educated youth with no direction, few skills and lost opportunities.

The future belongs to those who are adaptable, aware and empowered. Our education system must stop preparing students for yesterday’s jobs—and start preparing them for tomorrow’s possibilities.