Latest news with #NationalAssociationofSoftwareandServiceCompanies
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
India's employability crisis: Why degrees aren't enough for today's job market
Across India, academic milestones often arrive with high expectations and critical decisions. As students progress through the education system, whether completing school or preparing for college, they and their families are faced with choices that influence not just career paths, but also financial security, personal aspirations and social identity. In the midst of this transition, most conversations revolve around what to study next. However, there is a deeper and more urgent concern that often goes unnoticed. The real challenge India is grappling with is not just unemployment. It is the issue of employability. This concern is not limited to individuals or households; it affects industries, educational institutions and the nation's economic future as a whole. Let's look at the numbers. Every year, over 1.5 crore graduates enter India's job market. Yet the India Skills Report 2024 reveals that only 46% of them are considered employable by industry standards. The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) reports youth unemployment standing at 16 percent, even as companies struggle to find candidates with the right skills. Clearly, the problem is not just a lack of jobs; it is a mismatch between what education produces and what the market needs. This mismatch is especially risky given India's youth bulge. With over 50 percent of the population under 25 and 65 percent under 35, India has one of the world's largest pools of working-age people. This presents a potential 'demographic dividend' that could propel the country toward becoming the world's third-largest economy by 2028. But if these young people are undertrained or underprepared, they risk becoming a demographic liability instead, fueling underemployment, frustration and even social unrest. Why the mismatch Why is this happening? Part of the issue is the rigidity of educational choices. For decades, students have followed well-worn academic paths: after Class 10, over 55% opt for Science (usually aiming for engineering or medicine), around 25–30% go into Commerce ( CA, BBA), and only 10–15% choose Humanities. After Class 12, most continue into familiar undergraduate programs, whether or not these truly match their abilities or interests. However, the fastest-growing job opportunities today are in emerging sectors: Artificial Intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, fintech, biotechnology, digital marketing, green energy and agri-tech. According to National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), India is expected to create 90 lakh new jobs in digital and emerging technologies by 2030. Yet fewer than 20 percent of students are actively preparing for these fields, partly because schools and colleges are still stuck in rote learning and outdated curricula. For instance, consider a student who graduates with a first-class degree in electronics engineering but struggles to find a job. It is only after completing a short-term certification in data analytics, a subject never covered during college, that they manage to secure a position at a tech startup. Stories like this reflect a broader reality and highlight the urgent need for India's educational institutions to move beyond textbooks and degrees, incorporating practical skills, internships, and industry exposure into the core of learning. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes skill development and greater flexibility in learning pathways, aiming to better prepare students for real-world careers. However, its implementation has been uneven, particularly outside major cities. For many students, access to professional career counseling is limited or entirely absent. As a result, choices are often guided by family expectations or societal norms rather than a clear understanding of individual strengths, interests, or market trends. Unless students and institutions actively respond to the changing demands of the workforce, the promise of the NEP may remain unrealized. Studies by McKinsey & Company suggest that improving employability by just 10 to 15 percent could add between $200 - $250 billion to India's GDP over the next decade. At the same time, global reports from the World Economic Forum highlight that countries such as Japan, Germany, and South Korea are facing significant labor shortages due to aging populations. This creates a unique opportunity for India's young workforce to become a major exporter of skilled talent, but only if they are equipped with the right skills and training. To bridge the gap, India needs a coordinated national push. Colleges must build stronger industry partnerships for apprenticeships and problem-oriented projects. Platforms like Skill India and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) must expand their reach, ensuring even rural students can access cutting-edge training. Families need to embrace lifelong learning, where upskilling and reskilling through short courses, online certifications, or modular programs, even for mid-career professionals. Strategy for students and parents For students at this crossroads, the key is to think beyond marks. Ask yourself: What are you passionate about? Where are the new opportunities? A student interested in Biology doesn't have to limit themselves to Medicine; they could explore Biotechnology, genetic research, health informatics, etc. Someone good at Math doesn't have to stick to Engineering; they could venture into data science, AI, quantitative finance, etc. And for parents: support your child's curiosity and adaptability. The most successful careers of tomorrow may be in fields that didn't even exist ten years ago. As the results season sweeps across India, let's widen the national conversation. It's not just about who scored how much, or who gets into which college. It's about whether we are preparing a generation that is ready, ready not just to find a job, but to shape the future of India. Because the real question isn't just 'What will you do after Class 10 or 12 or a degree?' It's 'How will you help build the India of tomorrow?
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
7 high-paying diploma courses in India for 2025
In India's rapidly evolving job market, diploma courses have emerged as highly effective pathways to well-paying careers. These programmes, typically ranging from six months to three years, offer practical, industry-focused education that aligns directly with current market demands. Unlike traditional degree courses, diplomas provide specialised skills that employers actively seek, often leading to immediate employment opportunities with competitive salaries. These 7 diploma courses represent the most promising options for students seeking high-earning career prospects in 2025, based on current industry trends, salary data, and projected growth rates. 1. Diploma in Computer Science and Information Technology The technology sector continues to drive India's economic growth, with the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) reporting an impressive 8% annual expansion in their 2023 report. This growth creates substantial demand for skilled IT professionals across programming, networking, cloud computing, and cybersecurity domains. Core skills development: Programming languages including Python and Java Network administration and security protocols Software testing methodologies Cybersecurity fundamentals Database management systems Career opportunities : Graduates typically secure positions as software testers, IT support specialists, junior developers, or network administrators. The versatility of IT skills allows for career progression across multiple specialisations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en Mercedes (ver precio) Verisure Undo Salary expectations : Starting salaries range from ₹22,000 to ₹50,000 monthly for fresh graduates. Professionals specialising in high-demand areas such as cloud computing or cybersecurity often exceed ₹60,000 monthly within their first few years of experience. 2. Diploma in Engineering (Polytechnic) Engineering diplomas provide robust technical foundations across specialisations including Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, and Computer Engineering. These programmes serve industries ranging from manufacturing and construction to technology and infrastructure development. Technical competencies: Advanced CAD software proficiency Technical design and drafting Project management principles Industry-specific equipment operation Quality control and testing procedures Professional pathways: Diploma engineers typically begin as junior engineers, site supervisors, CAD designers, or maintenance technicians. Many graduates secure positions with multinational corporations or pursue opportunities in Gulf countries. Salary expectations: Initial salaries range from ₹20,000 to ₹45,000 monthly, with experienced professionals earning up to ₹80,000 monthly. International opportunities significantly enhance earning potential. 3. Diploma in Digital Marketing As businesses increasingly prioritise online presence, digital marketing professionals have become indispensable. This field encompasses search engine optimisation, social media strategy, content marketing, and data analytics. Technical competencies: Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) techniques Social media platform management Google Ads and paid advertising campaigns Content strategy and creation Analytics and performance measurement Professional pathways: Graduates pursue roles as digital marketing specialists, SEO analysts, social media managers, or content strategists. The field offers excellent freelancing opportunities for entrepreneurial individuals. Salary expectations: Starting positions offer ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 monthly. Experienced professionals and successful freelancers often exceed these figures significantly, particularly in metropolitan markets. 4. Diploma in Hotel Management India's hospitality industry continues expanding rapidly, driven by domestic tourism growth and international business travel. Luxury hotels, international chains, cruise operations, and event management companies actively recruit skilled hospitality professionals. Technical competencies: Comprehensive hospitality operations management Food and beverage service excellence Event planning and execution Customer relationship management Revenue and cost control systems Professional pathways: Entry-level positions include hotel management roles, front office executives, event planners, and food and beverage managers. Career progression often leads to senior management positions. Salary expectations: Initial salaries range from ₹18,000 to ₹35,000 monthly. Experienced professionals in luxury establishments or international positions can achieve ₹1,00,000 monthly or higher. 5. Diploma in Nursing India's healthcare sector expansion, driven by population growth and increased health awareness, creates substantial demand for qualified nursing professionals. International opportunities further enhance career prospects. Technical competencies: Comprehensive patient care protocols Medical procedure assistance Healthcare administration systems Emergency response procedures Medical equipment operation Professional pathways: Graduates typically work as registered nurses, clinical assistants, or healthcare coordinators in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centres. Salary expectations: Domestic starting salaries range from ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 monthly. Private hospitals and international positions often offer ₹50,000 or higher monthly compensation. 6. Diploma in Graphic Design The proliferation of digital content across industries has dramatically increased demand for skilled graphic designers. Opportunities span advertising agencies, media companies, technology firms, and freelance markets. Technical competencies: Adobe Creative Suite mastery (Photoshop, Illustrator) Typography and visual composition Brand identity development User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design fundamentals Digital illustration techniques Professional pathways: Graduates work as graphic designers, UI/UX designers, art directors, or independent freelance designers. The creative industry offers diverse specialisation opportunities. Salary expectations: Starting positions typically offer ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 monthly. Skilled designers with strong portfolios often earn ₹60,000 or more monthly, particularly through freelance work. 7. Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology Medical Laboratory Technology professionals play crucial roles in India's expanding healthcare system, conducting essential diagnostic tests and analyses that inform medical treatment decisions. Technical competencies: Laboratory testing procedures Sample collection and analysis Diagnostic equipment operation Quality control protocols Medical report generation Professional pathways: Graduates typically work as laboratory technicians, diagnostic specialists, or pathology assistants in hospitals, diagnostic centres, and research facilities. Salary expectations: Starting salaries range from ₹20,000 to ₹35,000 monthly. Specialisation and experience can lead to ₹50,000 or higher monthly earnings. Building successful careers through practical education These diploma courses represent excellent pathways to lucrative careers in India's evolving economy. By combining practical skills development with industry-focused education, these programmes prepare graduates for immediate employment in high-demand sectors. Success in these fields requires continuous learning, skill development, and adaptation to technological advances. Students who choose programmes aligned with their interests and market demands, while maintaining focus on excellence and professional development, position themselves for rewarding long-term careers. The key to maximising these opportunities lies in selecting reputable institutions, gaining practical experience through internships, and staying current with industry trends and technological developments. With proper planning and dedication, these diploma courses can launch fulfilling and financially rewarding professional journeys. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
DW
05-06-2025
- Business
- DW
India is reaching for its own world-class AI engine – DW – 06/05/2025
Despite thousands of AI startups cropping up in India, the nation has yet to produce its own premium AI engine. Why is there no Indian version of DeepSeek or ChatGPT? With over 5 million IT workers and a growing focus on artifical intelligence (AI) in education, Indiaseems to be in an ideal position for what is shaping up to be a global race in AI technology. But while the US set the global AI standard with ChatGPT in 2023, and China quickly closed the gap with its powerful chatbot DeepSeek, India has yet to produce an equivalent Large Language Model (LLM) that can mimic human communication. And it's not for the lack of ambition. According to data from market intelligence firm Tracxn, the Indian AI sector includes 7,114 startups that have collectively raised $23 billion (€20.15 billion) in equity funding so far. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet approved the IndiaAI Mission initiative with a budget of nearly $1.21 billion, aiming to "undertake the development and deployment of indigenous Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) and domain-specific foundational models in critical sectors." DeepSeek: Cheap AI model shakes up tech industry To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video This week, IndiaAI Mission CEO Abhishek Singh said Indian startups need to think beyond their home turf to compete and succeed against global giants. "They will have to ultimately compete with the best in the world," Singh said at the Accel AI Summit in Bengaluru. "Initial level of support may come from the government, but that will not sustain them in the long run." "They will have to have a global vision in mind when they are training models," Singh said. AI development needs industry, government and academia Representatives of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), the voice of India's $283 billion tech industry, point out that building a globally recognized AI model is a complex, resource-intensive process. "The argument is not whether India can catch up, but whether we can move fast enough and define an AI identity on our own," Satyaki Maitra, senior manager communications of NASSCOM, told DW. Last week, IndiaAI Mission announced the addition of 15,916 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), which are essential for AI research due to their capacity to perform calculations in parallel. The latest boost will bring the total national AI computing capacity to 34,333 GPUs through public-private partnerships. NVIDIA profits up, despite trade war challenges To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Startups such as Gan AI, Gnan AI, SarvamAI and Soket AI, supported by the IndiaAI Mission, are building foundational models tailored to India, while firms like Sarvam AI, Fractal and CoRover AI are focusing on AI innovation. "However, AI success cannot be achieved through isolated innovation," said Maitra. "It requires cohesive collaboration between government, industry, and academia to build the full value chain, from compute and data governance to model training and real-world deployment." What is holding Indian AI back? Pawan Duggal, the country's foremost cybersecurity expert, told DW that India is likely to face a shortage of high-end AI hardware, limited access to advanced GPUs, and insufficient cloud computing resources, which are essential for training large-scale AI models. "There is also a significant investment shortfall when compared to global peers. While venture capital investment in Indian AI startups has increased, it remains a fraction of what is seen in the US or China," said Duggal. "The US invested $2.34 trillion and China $832 billion in ventures and startups from 2014 to 2023, while India invested $145 billion in the same period," he added. Can AI blackmail us? Facts vs. fear To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Duggal believes that India is already moving towards creating its own AI model, but it has yet to address significant challenges including infrastructure, funding, talent, data, and regulation. 'Brains are plenty in India' Another issue facing Indian engineers is the diversity of languages in India, with English being just one of 22 official languages in the world's most populous country. Furthermore, official languages make up only a tiny faction of over 1,600 languages spoken within its borders. "The only use-case of an 'Indian' LLM is if it works in our various languages which is difficult as of now given that there is a lack of quality data for LLMs to train on in most Indian languages," Yash Shah of Momentum 91, a leading custom software development company, told DW. "For an LLM in English, there are other companies and countries which are far ahead of us and would continue to be that way," said Shah. 'Godfather of AI' urges tougher government rules To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video However, Utpal Vaishnav of Upsquare Technologies, a global technology holding company, says the real obstacles are actually "risk-shy investors, patchy data rules, and tight GPU supply." "Brains are plenty in India. GPUs are on the way and our multilingual data is waiting to be shaped. Give this talent, patient capital and clear problems and a compact, world-class LLM can be launched in two, three years," Vaishnav told DW. Edited by: Darko Janjevic
The Hindu
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
NASSCOM delegation discusses Andhra Pradesh's tech vision with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu
A delegation of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) led by its president Rajesh Nambiar met Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at the Secretariat on Monday. They discussed the vision for positioning Andhra Pradesh (A.P.) as a leading global technology hub through innovation, talent, and infrastructure. Mr. Naidu said in a message on 'X' that Andhra Pradesh was a compelling alternative to saturated hubs, offering a unique advantages for India's growing tech sector driven by Global Capability Centres (GCCs), Engineering, Research & Development (ER&D) and Artificial Intelligence. He stated that the Andhra Pradesh Government's key initiatives that were deliberated include an AI, Quantum and GovTech Innovation Sandbox for real-world pilot testing, a 100K Tech Apprentice Program for bridging talent gaps, a Coastal Cloud & Cyber Corridor for green data infrastructure, and an Andhra - for - Bharat initiative aimed at scaling rural-tech solutions. The NASSCOM delegation comprised vice-president and Head of Membership & Outreach Srikanth Srinivasan, and Head of ER&D, Siva Prasad Polimetla.
The Hindu
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Regulating India's virtual digital assets revolution
India continues to lead in grassroots crypto adoption, for the second consecutive year in the 'Geography of Crypto' report by Chainalysis (2024). A National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) report finds that Indian retail investors poured $6.6 billion into crypto assets and predicts the industry could create over eight lakh jobs by 2030. India also boasts one of the largest and fastest-growing web3 developer cohorts. This vibrancy may seem surprising, given the rocky journey of crypto, known as 'Virtual Digital Assets' (VDA), in India, within the domestic regulatory and policy landscape. In May 2025, the Supreme Court of India questioned the absence of comprehensive and clear crypto regulation in India, with a remark, 'Banning may be shutting your eyes to ground reality'. This observation highlights the dissonance between VDA reality and VDA policy which has created significant challenges for regulators and market players. Navigating India's VDA regulatory gaps India, as a country of strict capital controls and tightly regulated payment systems, has found it difficult to reconcile these frameworks with the decentralised nature of VDAs. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as the domestic regulator of monetary policy, began expressing concerns about the potential threats of crypto as early as 2013, highlighting the risks associated with their lack of authorisation from any central bank or monetary authority. Despite this warning, the market saw unassailed growth in India, leading the RBI to issue a second circular in 2018, barring financial institutions from dealing with VDA-related entities. This restriction proved short-lived, with the Court overturning the circular in 2020. The government then turned to prohibitive taxation policies as a stop-gap measure while appropriate regulations were formulated. In 2022, India implemented two key tax policies for VDAs under the Income Tax Act: a 1% tax deducted at source (TDS) on VDA transactions exceeding ₹10,000 under Section 194S and a 30% capital gains tax under Section 115BBH which disallows loss offsetting. Although these measures were designed to enhance transparency and curb speculation, their effectiveness has been limited. Estimates by various industry reports and think tanks show that between July 2022 and December 2023, Indians traded over ₹1.03 trillion worth of VDAs on non-compliant platforms, with only 9% of the estimated ₹1.12 trillion in VDAs held on domestic exchanges. Offshore trading resulted in a loss of ₹2,488 crore in uncollected VDA tax revenue for India. Between December 2023 and October 2024, Indians traded over ₹2.63 trillion on offshore platforms. The cumulative uncollected TDS from offshore exchanges since July 2022 is estimated to exceed ₹60 billion, with the nine blocked exchanges accounting for over 60% of this trading volume. Efforts to block access to non-compliant platforms, such as URL blocking, had limited success. Trade volumes on blocked exchanges rebounded after temporary declines, and web traffic to these platforms rose by 57%. Users continued to bypass restrictions using virtual private networks (VPN), mirror platforms or servers, and by migrating to other non-compliant exchanges. Role of VASPs Guidelines by global standard-setting bodies, such as the International Monetary Fund, Financial Stability Board, and the Financial Action Task Force, converge in favour of comprehensive and risk-based regulation that is harmonised with international standards (a process that is underway). However, these frameworks and regulations rely on domestic, compliant intermediaries or Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) that act as the bridge and eyes for regulators. These intermediaries facilitate the alignment of the VDA industry with existing laws and enforcement of policies, and enhance visibility over the ecosystem, while providing crucial inputs concerning on-the-ground issues. In contrast, India's existing policy regime, which inadvertently pushes VDA users to offshore, non-compliant platforms, erodes the country's ability to mitigate the risks presented by VDAs, as well as tax revenues that may have otherwise been collected. In comparison, Indian VASP platforms are sharpening their teeth and maturing rapidly, having shown a willingness to comply with regulations and act in good faith. For example, their collaboration with the Financial Intelligence Unit-India has been instrumental in strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing controls, earning positive feedback from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The aftermath of the devastating hack in 2024, which wiped out $230 million, further showcased proactive measures by Indian exchanges. Many stepped up efforts such as enhancing cyber security measures, setting up dedicated insurance funds in case of future thefts, and uniting to develop and enforce industry-wide cybersecurity guidelines. Need for a framework These possibilities signal the critical role played by VASPs towards a safer digital asset ecosystem. Combined with their contributions to national value creation and economic growth, these platforms present a more viable and constructive channel for funds to flow through under the oversight of Indian regulators. To move beyond the current policy stasis — where tax is levied without meaningful regulation — a balanced, pragmatic and future-proof regulatory framework is necessary. India must take decisive action to create the comprehensive legislation that the crypto industry requires while mitigating associated risks. Urvi Pathak is a lawyer working at the intersection of competition law and technology
