College pass outs lack skills, say employers: 5 skills they need to master for getting head-hunted in 2026

Despite graduating from India’s top institutions, many students fall short of industry expectations due to a growing skills gap. While companies actively recruit freshers, a lack of practical expertise in AI, data analytics, and soft skills hinders employability. This disconnect—rooted in outdated curricula and poor industry-academia alignment—calls for urgent, systemic reform.