NASSCOM: Building the Next Generation of Tech Professionals – Transformative Trends Reshaping Academia
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Institutions: Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology; Ministry of Education
The report identifies five pivotal trends reshaping India’s academic ecosystem to better meet industry demand. First, Global Capability Centers (GCCs) and start-ups are emerging as leading campus recruiters, offering competitive salaries, flexible environments, and mentorship, making them attractive alternatives to traditional tech firms. Second, 85% of colleges report a shift from credential-based to capability-centric hiring, placing greater emphasis on technical proficiencies like coding, AI/ML analytics, graphic design, and cybersecurity, alongside soft skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity. Third, over 60% of institutions prioritized emerging-tech enabled graduates by redesigning curricula and integrating industry certification and lab-based projects. Fourth, internships are now longer and more immersive - six months or more - helping students transition directly into industry workflows. Fifth, entrepreneurship and gig economy interest among students is on the rise, supported by institutional ecosystems that encourage innovation and autonomy.
These evolving trends call for policy interventions to support curriculum flexibility, industry partnerships, and skill-based assessment methods to nurture a future-ready tech workforce.
Follow the full report here: