IT firms increase academia interaction to bridge talent crunch

India produces over 3.65 lakh engineering and 30 lakh other graduates, out of which hardly 20 pc are suited for industry needs. Technology at its best


NEW DELHI: Fearing a massive shortage of skilled manpower in the next few years, the country's top IT firms are enhancing their interaction with colleges and universities to ensure that the graduates who pass out from these institutions match the industry's requirements.

Tata Consultancy Services, the country's biggest software exporter, as well as Infosys Technologies, Satyam Computer and HCL are among the companies that are either already working with engineering colleges or are planning to collaborate with the academia to churn out professionals with the right skills.

"One of the major challenges being faced by the Indian IT industry is the lack of qualified talent. Both the engineering colleges and the IT industry are realising the need to scale up students to meet growing demand," Somnath Baishya, Infosys Head (Global Entry Level Hiring & Campus Relations) told reporters.

India produces over 3.65 lakh engineering graduates and 30 lakh other graduates every year, out of which hardly 20 per cent are suited for industry needs, Baishya said.

Industry estimates suggest supply of skilled manpower will fall short of requirements by almost 22 per cent by 2009 if issues around human resource development are not addressed.

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"There is a gap between what is taught and what is required. The syllabus of engineering programme is outdated and students are not taught how to apply theory to practical problems," Nasscom President Kiran Karnik said recently.

To bridge the industry-academia gap, Hyderabad-based Satyam is expanding its 'Campus Link' programme to various educational institutions. The programme will provide soft skills and industry-specific training to students. Similarly, TCS organises student and faculty development workshops as part of its Academia Interface Programme (AIP).
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