Top 4 tech skilling initiatives to make undergraduates job-ready in India

India has more than 1 crore students graduating annually. Yet, employability is a significant issue. The 2025 Mercer-Mettl Employability Report states that merely 42.6% of Indian graduates are considered employable—a significant dip from 44.3% in 2023. This indicates an increasing gap between academic education and the fast-changing needs of the job market.

In the high-speed, technology-based economy of the present day, employers place less emphasis on degrees and more on proven abilities. Particularly in technology-first industries, job seekers with experiential knowledge in new technologies like AI, cloud computing, data science, and cybersecurity are sought after.

The silver lining: Undergrads don't need to wait until graduation to become job-ready. A number of reputable, affordable, and effective tech skilling programs now parallel college coursework—enabling students to graduate with not only a degree, but a job-market advantage.

Below are four impressive programs that enable undergraduates to skill up during their college experience:

IBM SkillsBuild is a well-known skilling platform globally that provides expert-curated, career-relevant learning pathways. It includes key tech areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity, with content developed by industry experts.

• Students receive digital badges and certificates that are employer-recognized globally.
• Project-based virtual internships allow real-world application of skills.
• Exclusive partnerships with NGOs and universities enable wider reach, especially for students from underrepresented or economically weaker sections.

IBM SkillsBuild is perfect for self-directed students seeking flexible, high-quality tech education with real-world outcomes.

The gNIIT program is structured as a dual-qualification model, allowing students to learn in-demand digital skills in addition to their academic degree. What sets it apart is its modular, stack-based learning that reflects the way tech jobs work in the real world.

• Features a six-month compulsory internship that provides students with meaningful work experience prior to graduation.
• Especially designed for students from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, with a completely online delivery mode that eliminates the necessity of relocation.
• Courses are co-designed with industry experts, making the curriculum contemporary and future-proof.
• Available to students from all streams of study—science, commerce, and arts—providing them with an avenue to wider, better career prospects.

Every student is provided with an individualized learning path so that they become proficient in core competencies and remain focused on their career aspirations.

A collaborative effort of AICTE and NASSCOM, these virtual internships connect the dots between theory and application. Students gain exposure to practical industry problems, frequently mentored by professionals working in leading technology companies.

• Emphasis on applied learning through guided projects and certifications.
• Ideally suited for students who wish to develop a portfolio showcasing their skills to prospective employers.
• Often has collaborations with government-supported projects and international technology companies.

This program is a great choice for students who wish to enhance their theoretical learning with industry context through mentored virtual experiences.

TCS iON's Career Edge is a microlearning program that addresses holistic employability. Though it has technical modules, it also focuses on the equally essential professional skills necessary to succeed in today's workplace.

• Provides bite-sized modules on agile methodologies, digital fluency, and workplace communication.
• Provides virtual internship simulations that simulate actual job situations, facilitating students' smooth transition into professional careers.
• Crafted specifically for debut job candidates, providing them a comprehensive ready for interviews and business expectations.

Career Edge suits the last year's students who intend to sharpen professional image together with essential technical know-how.

The future of work has arrived—and it calls for active, skill-first learning. By pursuing one or more of these programs in college, students can significantly improve their employability and industry readiness. Whether a foundational badge from IBM, a virtual internship through AICTE, or full-on career training through gNIIT or TCS iON, the main thing is to begin early and persist.

Upskill now, and graduate with confidence.