Curriculum Overhaul To Meet Industry Demands

Career development learning improves the employability of higher education graduates. This is especially true when technology is integrated into the curriculum, rather than as an add-on or limited to specific aspects.

The bridge the gap between academia and industry, directors of management institutes across India advocated for a comprehensive revamp of the curriculum to align it with the evolving needs of the job market.

Prof Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director, IIM Bangalore, emphasised the importance of incorporating industry trends into education, citing insights gained from discussions with top CEOs. Key focal points identified include digitalisation, data analytics and environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.

Krishnan stressed the necessity to integrate knowledge and skills to ensure graduates are equipped with up-to-date expertise.

Echoing Krishnan’s sentiments, Prof Prafulla Y Agnihotri, Director, IIM Sirmaur, underlined the stress faced by students during placement processes. He said that there is a need for a balanced approach that combines industry relevance with academic knowledge and fosters the right attitudes for success.

Prof Annapurni Subramaniam, Director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, underscored the importance of fundamental science in cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.

Dr Rajeev Kumra, Director, TA Pai Management Institute, Manipal, drew attention to the statistics regarding graduate employability in India. He emphasised the demand for graduates with diverse skill sets, including analytical, creative and technological proficiencies, as outlined in reports by McKinsey and Deloitte.

Dr Atish Chattopadhyay, Director, Jagdish Sheth School of Management (JAGSoM), advocated for a societal reevaluation of the return on investment (RoI) in education, particularly in fields like basic sciences and medicine.

Dr Manisha Singh, Dean - Academics, ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, highlighted the importance of a robust curriculum aligned with industry requirements, incorporating various skill-building interventions and immersive learning experiences.

Similarly, Dr Manasa Nagabhushanam, Director - Academics Research Administration, Ramaiah Institute of Management (MSRIM), stressed the need for a thorough overhaul of existing curricula to ensure relevance and effectiveness in preparing students for the dynamic job market.

The collective stance of these directors underscored the urgent need for educational institutions to adapt and innovate in response to the evolving demands of the industry, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The academicians were present at the NexGen Edu Summit 2024, organised by ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education in association with BW Education, on 29 April 2024 in Bangalore.