India's IT Dominance: A Global Powerhouse

India stands as a global leader in the information technology (IT) sector, its dominance extending beyond its borders. The IT and business services market in India is projected to reach a substantial USD 19.93 billion by 2025, a testament to the nation's technological prowess.

• Indian IT spending is anticipated to grow by an impressive 11.1% in 2024, reaching USD 138.6 billion.

The Rise of AI: A Challenge to India's Dominance

However, the emergence of modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) poses a potential challenge to India's global dominance. The rapid advancement of AI requires a robust education system that keeps pace with the evolving technological landscape.

India's Future Readiness: A Gap in Engineering Education

The World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR-2023) placed India at the 49th position out of 64 economies, highlighting the nation's need to strengthen its future readiness in emerging technologies. Although India has shown progress in cybersecurity knowledge, its ranking in modern technology and future readiness remains at 50th and 51st, respectively. The USA, in contrast, ranks second globally in future readiness, emphasizing the Western dominance in AI, ML, and robotics.

Bridging the Gap: AI Education for Indian Engineers

India produces sixteen percent of the world's AI talent pool, making it the third-largest producer globally. While this demonstrates India's potential, the need for a more robust focus on AI in engineering education remains crucial. Government initiatives aim to position India as an AI capital, and a higher ranking in future readiness is expected in the coming years.

• Pawan Bhageria, President of Education at Tata Technologies, believes that Indian engineers are leading the charge in next-gen technologies such as Gen AI, Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV), and Industry 4.0.

Addressing Job Security and Employability

Dr. Sharad Kumar Saraf, Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIT Bombay and IIT Jammu, emphasizes the need for comprehensive learning and upskilling programs to meet the growing demand for AI skills. The 2024 Union Budget prioritized employment, but the impact on engineering graduates remains to be seen. Many engineering graduates struggle to secure jobs with decent salaries, making loan repayment a significant challenge for them and their families.

The Cost of Engineering Education

The average annual tuition fee for engineering and technology programs in India is INR 119,000, rising to INR 214,200 when hostel and other expenses are added. These costs are projected to increase by 10% annually, reaching INR 417,415 by FY29, putting a significant financial burden on families.

Addressing the Skills Gap in Engineering

A report by TeamLease reveals that the current employability rate for engineering graduates stands at 60%, with only 45% meeting industry standards. The demand for specialized skills in areas like AI, electric vehicles (EVs), semiconductors, and the rapidly evolving electronics sector highlights the need for a shift in academic models. The focus must be on providing graduates with the skills necessary for the modern workforce.

• Ankush Sabharwal, Founder and CEO of CoRover, emphasizes the importance of incorporating emerging technologies into engineering education.
• He advocates for hands-on experience with real-world AI applications, such as voice-based conversational payments and multilingual virtual assistants.
• Dr. Saraf stresses the significance of interdisciplinary learning, enabling engineers to tackle complex problems across diverse fields.
• Bharat Gite, founder and CEO of Taural India, highlights the importance of cross-cultural communication, design thinking, and sustainability to drive India's self-reliance and global competitiveness.

The Future of Engineering Education in India

To bridge the gap between engineering education and industry needs, curricula must evolve to incorporate emerging technologies and practical experience. This includes:

• Internships and collaborations with industry leaders
• Hands-on experience with real-world AI applications
• Interdisciplinary learning encompassing data science, AI, biotechnology, and sustainability
• Cultivating essential skills like cross-cultural communication, design thinking, and sustainability

By embracing these changes, India can ensure its engineering graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to navigate the evolving technological landscape, fostering a brighter future for Indian engineering and the nation's global competitiveness.