Employability test a must for engineering graduates

New Delhi: In a move aimed at honing the skills of engineering graduates to improve employment prospects, the government is mulling to make it mandatory for all technical institutions to conduct an employability test.

As per the proposal of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), every engineering student would have to go through an employability test at the beginning of the fourth year of their course. The test would be conducted to identify areas for improvement in students as per industry requirements.

It's pertinent to mention here that about 60 percent of the engineering graduates fail to secure jobs, for the absence of requisite skills.

The apex regulator of technical education has already inked agreements with over eight firms to expedite the test in every engineering college- both private or public.

While talking to Millennium Post, AICTE chairman Anil Sahasrabudhe said, "The employability test is a step to provide better job opportunities for engineering graduates. The AICTE has also roped in several institutions and testing agencies for conducting the employability test. The test is voluntary and free of cost."

Spelling out the benefits of the test, the AICTE top boss said, "After the identifying the skill gaps of students through the test, it would be the responsibility of colleges/institutions to improve their weaknesses either by organising extra classes or hiring industry experts."

"As per the mandate, the AICTE is keeping a tab on quality of education in engineering colleges as well as the quality of students. For instance, if during the employability test, it comes to notice that about 80 students are weak in English communication or 40 students are weak in mathematical ability, engineering colleges would be told to help students gain mastery over these subjects by arranging special classes," said Sahasrabudhe.

A 70-minute employability test and in Hindi and English would measure an individual's numerical and problem-solving skills along with their command over the English language. Students would also be tested on information technology (IT) and behavioural traits.