Academic Knowledge vs. Market Skills: Understanding Youth Employment Challenges

TRIBHUWAN SINGH RANA; SEEMA PRIYA

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.72561

Academic Knowledge vs. Market Skills: Understanding Youth Employment Challenges

Author(s)	Mr. TRIBHUWAN SINGH RANA, Dr. SEEMA PRIYA
Country	India
Abstract	Abstract Educated unemployment has become a serious socio-economic concern in India, especially among students pursuing non-professional university courses. Although India possesses a strong demographic advantage as one of the youngest countries in the world, the widening gap between academic education and labour market expectations has increased employment challenges for graduates. This study explores students’ perceptions regarding the alignment between the university curriculum and current job market requirements, focusing on B.A., B. Com., and B.Sc. students at SSJ Campus, Almora. Using a descriptive research design, primary data were collected from 80 respondents through a structured questionnaire addressing curriculum relevance, skill acquisition, practical exposure, and career preparedness. The results indicate a clear disconnect between academic learning and employability outcomes. A large proportion of students expressed dissatisfaction with both the quality and relevance of their education, pointing out the heavy focus on theoretical instruction rather than practical application. Most participants reported the absence of internships, industry-linked projects, hands-on training, and organized skill development initiatives. Considerable deficiencies were also observed in essential career skills such as CV writing, use of professional networking platforms, and understanding of current job trends. Furthermore, many students lacked confidence about securing employment after graduation and expressed a preference for pursuing higher education due to limited job prospects. The study concludes that shortcomings in curriculum structure, weak industry-academia linkages, and insufficient emphasis on skill-based education significantly contribute to the problem of educated unemployment. It emphasizes the urgent need for curriculum restructuring, inclusion of experiential learning, promotion of entrepreneurship, enhancement of digital competencies, and stronger institutional career support systems to effectively bridge the divide between higher education and labour market demands.
Keywords	Keyword: Educated Unemployment, Employability, Curriculum Relevance, University Curriculum, Skill Development, Youth Unemployment.
Field	Sociology
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-03-27
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.72561

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Academic Knowledge vs. Market Skills: Understanding Youth Employment Challenges

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