Bridging the Job Skills Gap in India: Assessing Graduate Readiness at Indian Open Universities

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56059/jl4d.v12i3.2031

Keywords:

graduate employability, higher education institutions, state open universities, employability readiness

Abstract

Graduate employability remains a crucial measure in assessing higher education institutions (HEIs), yet a gap exists between the skills imparted by HEIs and evolving job market demands. In India, despite a youthful and English-speaking workforce with substantial global potential, HEIs, particularly State Open Universities (SOUs), experience challenges due to limited resources, weak industry collaboration, and outdated curricula. Addressing this, the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) initiated a project targeting employability practices in 17 Indian SOUs. Using an adapted Institutional Employability Readiness Scorecard, this mixed-methods study assessed the employability readiness of SOUs. The results indicated partial achievement of employability readiness. Strengths included the effective delivery of essential skills, while weaknesses related to limited career events and industry mentorship opportunities. Best-performance practices emphasised functional skills and interdisciplinary exploration. Poor practices involved brokerage and entrepreneurial activities. A 6-C Strategy is proposed: fostering Collaboration, enhancing Classroom Technology, updating Curriculum, building Capacity and Awareness, strengthening Connectivity with students, and ensuring compliance with policies.

Author Biographies

Jane-Frances Agbu, Commonwealth of Learning

Jane-Frances Agbu is Adviser, Higher Education at the Commonwealth of Learning, Vancouver, working with regional, national and institutional stakeholders on ODL strategy, OER, quality assurance, employability and partnerships. She formerly served at the National Open University of Nigeria as Dean of Faculty, Study Centre Director, Head of department including OER. She was International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) Chair in Open Educational Resources and a former board member of Open Education Global (OEG). She has authored several publications, including presentations on open and distance learning, OER, learner wellbeing and skills for work. Email: agbujane2005@yahoo.com (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5852-397X) 

Jako Olivier, Commonwealth of Learning

Jako Olivier is an Adviser, Higher Education at the Commonwealth of Learning in Vancouver, Canada, where he works with ministries and universities on open, distance and technology-based solutions. Previously, he was the UNESCO Chair on Multimodal Learning and Open Educational Resources (OER) and a professor at North-West University in South Africa. He is rated as an established researcher by the National Research Foundation of South Africa and has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and has edited nine books. His current research and advocacy relate to open and distance learning, micro-credentials, self-directed learning, OER, localisation, and blended learning. Email: jolivier@col.org (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5860-6027) 

Basheerhamad Shadrach, Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia

Basheerhamad Shadrach is Director of the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), COL’s centre, overseeing programmes to expand quality learning and skills development across the region. He serves on the Global Steering Committee of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) and is an Alumni Ambassador for Loughborough University, UK. Since 1986, he has led ICT4D and lifelong-learning initiatives in 40+ countries, holding senior posts with the British Council, Transparency International, OneWorld International and telecentre.org Foundation, plus roles with IDRC, the Gates Foundation and the Web Foundation’s A4AI. Email: bshadrach@col.org (https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7063-3518)

Ashish Kumar Awadhiya, Indira Gandhi National Open University

Awadhiya Ashish Kuma is Assistant Director (Training and Development) at the Centre for Online Education (COE), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi. He completed his PhD in Graduate Employability Skills and holds a master’s degree in Distance Education (Gold Medalist). He has five years of industry experience in training and quality assurance. His areas of interest include online learning, e-content development, blended learning and MOOCs. His area of expertise also includes Graduate Employability and Skill Development, Capacity Building and Training. Email: akawadhiya@ignou.ac.in (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4676-5861)

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Published

2025-11-18

How to Cite

Agbu, J.-F., Olivier, J., Shadrach, B., & Awadhiya, A. K. (2025). Bridging the Job Skills Gap in India: Assessing Graduate Readiness at Indian Open Universities. Journal of Learning for Development, 12(3), 531–545. https://doi.org/10.56059/jl4d.v12i3.2031

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 3 (2025): ISSUE 3

Section

Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Jane-Frances Agbu, Jako Olivier, Basheerhamad Shadrach, Ashish Kumar Awadhiya

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Received 2025-04-10
Accepted 2025-09-14
Published 2025-11-18