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India sees over 1 crore students graduating every year. However, employability remains a major concern. According to the 2025 Mercer-Mettl Employability Report, only 42.6% of Indian graduates are deemed employable—a noticeable drop from 44.3% in 2023. This decline reflects a widening gap between academic education and the rapidly evolving demands of the job market.
In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven economy, employers are less focused on degrees and more on demonstrable skills. Especially in digital-first sectors, candidates with hands-on experience in emerging technologies such as AI, cloud computing, data science, and cybersecurity are in high demand.
The good news? Undergraduate students don’t have to wait until after graduation to become job-ready. Several credible, accessible, and impactful tech skilling programs now run concurrently with college education—helping students graduate with not just a degree, but a competitive edge.
Here’s a look at four standout programs that empower undergraduates to skill up alongside their studies:
IBM SkillsBuild
Platform: Free | Format: Online | Focus Areas: AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity
IBM’s SkillsBuild is a globally recognized skilling platform that offers expert-curated, career-aligned learning paths. It covers essential tech domains like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity, with content designed by industry practitioners.
• Students earn digital badges and certificates recognized by employers worldwide.
• Includes project-based virtual internships, enabling real-world application of skills.
• Special partnerships with NGOs and universities help expand reach, particularly benefiting students from underrepresented or economically weaker backgrounds.
IBM SkillsBuild is ideal for students who are self-motivated and looking for flexible, high-quality tech learning with tangible outcomes.
gNIIT (NIIT Limited)
Platform: Paid | Format: Online + Internship | Focus Areas: AI, Cloud, Fintech, Cybersecurity
The gNIIT program is designed as a dual-qualification model, enabling students to pursue in-demand digital skills alongside their academic degree. What makes it unique is its modular, stack-based learning that mirrors how tech roles function in the real world.
• Includes a six-month mandatory internship that gives students valuable work experience before graduation.
• Particularly suited for students from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, with a fully online delivery format that removes the need to relocate.
• Courses are co-created with industry leaders, ensuring the curriculum stays relevant and future-proof.
• Open to students from all academic streams—science, commerce, and arts—giving them a pathway to broader, better career opportunities.
Each student receives a personalized learning journey, ensuring they gain mastery over core competencies while staying aligned with their career goals.
AICTE Virtual Internships (via FutureSkills Prime)
Platform: Free (with select paid content) | Format: Online Internships | Focus Areas: Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Science
A joint initiative by AICTE and NASSCOM, these virtual internships bridge the gap between theory and practice. Students get exposure to real-world industry challenges, often under the guidance of mentors from top tech companies.
• Focus on applied learning with guided projects and certifications.
• Well-suited for students wanting to build a portfolio that demonstrates their capabilities to future employers.
• Frequently features collaborations with government-backed initiatives and global tech organizations.
This program is an excellent option for students looking to add industry context to their theoretical knowledge through guided virtual experiences.
TCS iON Career Edge
Platform: Free | Format: Microlearning + Virtual Internships | Focus Areas: Soft Skills, Digital Basics, Agile, Communication
TCS iON’s Career Edge is a microlearning initiative focused on holistic employability. While it includes technical modules, it also emphasizes the equally important professional skills needed to thrive in the modern workplace.
• Features bite-sized modules covering agile methodologies, digital fluency, and workplace communication.
• Offers virtual internship simulations that mimic real-world job scenarios, helping students transition smoothly into professional roles.
• Designed especially for first-time job seekers, giving them a well-rounded preparation for interviews and workplace expectations.
Career Edge is ideal for students in their final years who want to polish their professional persona alongside core technical skills.
The future of work is here—and it demands proactive, skill-first learning. By enrolling in one or more of these programs during college, students can dramatically enhance their job readiness and industry relevance. Whether it’s a foundational badge from IBM, an immersive internship via AICTE, or full-fledged career training through gNIIT or TCS iON, the key is to start early and stay consistent.
Upskill now, and graduate with confidence.
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