Indian Graduates Exhibit Robust Skills for AI and ML Careers: New Findings

Synopsis
A recent report reveals that Indian graduates possess a strong aptitude for AI and ML roles, showcasing a 46.1% employability rate, the highest among technical roles. The findings also highlight the need for improved creativity skills while indicating strong communication, critical thinking, and leadership capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Indian graduates show a 46.1% employability rate in AI and ML.
- Soft skills are present, but creativity needs improvement.
- Tier 1 college graduates lead in employability.
- Equal employability rates for male and female graduates in AI/ML sectors.
- Future employability projections indicate a decline.
New Delhi, Feb 18 (NationPress) Indian graduates are showcasing a remarkable aptitude for positions in the realms of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), as revealed by a recent report published on Tuesday.
The analysis by talent evaluation firm Mercer Mettl indicated that Indian graduates enjoy a 46.1 percent employability rate in AI and ML sectors, marking the highest among various technical roles.
This report, which incorporates data from over 2700 educational institutions and more than 1 million learners, illustrates a challenging environment characterized by both adaptability and enduring skill deficits.
Moreover, it was noted that half of the graduates in India possess the essential soft skills required for collaboration in AI and GenAI, although there is a need for enhancement in creativity (with an employability rate of 44.3 percent).
Strong areas include communication skills (55.1 percent), critical thinking (54.6 percent), and leadership abilities (54.2 percent). With a 46 percent employability rate, the ability to learn quickly is critical for adapting to the fast-changing technology landscape.
The findings also indicated that graduates from Tier 1 institutions lead in employability with 48.4 percent, followed by Tier 2 (46.1 percent) and Tier 3 (43.4 percent) colleges, though opportunities exist across all tiers, particularly in specialized tech fields. Graduates from Tier 2 colleges excel in UI/UX development roles with an employability rate of 58.3 percent.
Delhi emerged as the region with the highest employability rate at 53.4 percent, trailed by Himachal Pradesh and Punjab (51.1 percent). Uttarakhand and Jharkhand also performed well, achieving 50 percent and 49.6 percent respectively.
Interestingly, the report highlighted equal employability rates for male and female graduates in AI, ML, and data science, although disparities were noted in software testing roles.
“In 2025, the employability rate for Indian graduates is projected to be 42.6 percent, reflecting a slight decrease from 44.3 percent in 2023, primarily due to shifting industry expectations. However, significant advancements have been observed in the employability for technical roles as educational institutions and students increasingly prioritize skill development that aligns with market needs,” stated Siddhartha Gupta, President of Mercer India.
“Conversely, the cultivation of certain non-technical and soft skills presents a more intricate learning journey, often necessitating additional time to develop. The data clearly highlights these trends,” he concluded.