*EMPLOYMENT CRISIS IN INDIA -* India’s job market is at a crossroads. As industries evolve with artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, fresh graduates are struggling to keep up. A new report, India’s Graduate Skill Index 2025 by Mercer-Mettl, reveals that only 42.6 per cent of Indian graduates are employable — marking a decline from 44.3 per cent in 2023. *Why are graduates struggling?* *Several factors contribute to this crisis:* - Education system gaps: Indian colleges focus more on theory than practical skills, leaving students unprepared for jobs. - AI disrupting jobs: Automation is changing job roles, requiring continuous upskilling. - Limited non-technical training: Soft skills training remains unstructured and less accessible. - Hiring slowdown in IT sector: Global economic uncertainties have also led to reduced hiring in 2023-24, affecting fresh graduates. *Future of India’s workforce: What needs to change?* Experts believe India’s job market will recover, with hiring expected to rise in 2025. However, students, universities, and policymakers must act now to close the skill gap. - *For students* : Focus on AI, coding, data science, and digital marketing, while improving communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. - *For colleges* : Adopt more practical and industry-focused learning to improve real-world readiness. - *For employers* : Invest in on-the-job training and internship programs to help fresh graduates transition smoothly into the workforce.