Bengaluru: A significant employability crisis has been flagged in Karnataka’s engineering education sector, with a high-level committee revealing that only 17% of engineering graduates in the state are currently fit for employment.

The findings were presented in a detailed report submitted to the Department of Higher Education by the Committee for Transformation of Engineering Education in Karnataka, led by Professor Sadagopan along with experts from premier institutions such as International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc).

Declining quality and rising unemployment

The report highlights multiple structural issues contributing to the crisis, including a sharp decline in the quality of engineering education at both national and international levels. It also points to a growing mismatch between academic training and industry requirements.

One of the key concerns raised is mass unemployment among computer science graduates, despite the increasing number of students opting for IT-related courses. At the same time, enrolment in core engineering disciplines such as mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering has seen a steady decline.

The committee noted that many institutions have failed to update their curriculum to reflect cross-domain and interdisciplinary requirements, resulting in graduates lacking essential skills and competencies expected by employers.

Talent shortage in emerging sectors

While employability remains low, the report warns of a paradoxical shortage of skilled professionals in critical sectors. India’s semiconductor industry is expected to face a talent gap of 2.5 lakh to 3 lakh professionals by 2027. Karnataka alone could see a shortage of 10,000 to 15,000 skilled workers in this field.

Similarly, the aerospace and defence sectors are experiencing a lack of qualified experts. The committee emphasised that these gaps cannot be filled by computer science or IT graduates alone, underscoring the need to revive and strengthen core engineering streams.

Proposal for new regulatory authority

To address these systemic challenges, the panel has recommended the creation of a dedicated body—the Karnataka Engineering Education Reform Authority (KEERA). This proposed authority would oversee engineering education data, policy implementation, and long-term reforms in the sector.

Responding to the recommendations, Higher Education Minister M C Sudhakar stated that a separate legislation would be required to establish the authority. He indicated that the government would soon begin preparations to implement the proposal and introduce phased curriculum reforms across engineering disciplines.

Stricter norms for colleges and intake

The report also proposes stringent regulations to improve quality in engineering institutions, particularly in the private sector. New colleges or universities would initially be allowed an intake of only 60 students per course, with gradual increases permitted based on performance and infrastructure.

The intake could be raised by 60 seats annually, up to a maximum of 180 in the first four years. Any further increase would require accreditation from the National Board of Accreditation (NBA), while institutions must also obtain NAAC accreditation to ensure quality standards.

Additionally, the committee has recommended capping the total student strength for any single course at 300. Private institutions would also be restricted from offering more than five computer-related programmes at a time, with a total cap of 900 students across such disciplines.

Compliance requirements for existing institutions

Existing private and deemed universities that currently exceed the proposed intake limits will be required to secure NBA accreditation within two years of the new rules being notified. Institutions failing to meet these standards may face mandatory reduction in student intake as per government regulations.

These measures are aimed at curbing excessive expansion, improving faculty quality, and ensuring better learning outcomes for students.

Conclusion

The report presents a stark picture of Karnataka’s engineering education landscape, highlighting both an employability crisis and a looming skills shortage in critical sectors. With only 17% of graduates deemed job-ready, the need for comprehensive reforms has become urgent.

The proposed regulatory changes and establishment of a dedicated authority could play a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and industry demands, ensuring that future graduates are better equipped for the evolving job market.