GUWAHATI: A growing number of university students in Guwahati are facing difficulties in securing campus placements, raising concerns about employment opportunities, industry demand, and institutional support. Despite having degrees in diverse fields, many graduates are struggling to find jobs that match their qualifications.
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One of the primary reasons for low placements is the lack of direct engagement between universities and industries. Unlike premier institutions that have strong corporate tie-ups, several universities in Guwahati fail to attract top recruiters, leaving students with fewer job opportunities. Many companies prefer hiring from metropolitan cities, limiting recruitment options for students in the region.
Talking to GPlus, Rishika Deka, a student from a university in Guwahati said, “We complete our degrees but the lack of recruiters or companies in our city makes it difficult to get any opportunities.”
Another important factor may be Internships and hands-on experience play a crucial role in securing jobs, but many students struggle to find quality internships due to a lack of proper placement cells and career guidance. Without practical exposure, they face tough competition from candidates from other states who have better industry experience.
Speaking to GPlus, another student from a popular university in Guwahati said, “I have completed several internships and taken courses but nothing seems to click as of yet! It is frustrating how employment can be a trivial issue in our growing city.”
The mismatch between academic curriculum and industry requirements is another key factor. Several students, particularly from engineering, management, and technical fields, report that their university education does not fully prepare them for practical workplace challenges. Many recruiters seek candidates with specific skill sets, certifications, and experience, which students often lack due to outdated curricula.
Tigmo S, a teacher in a college in Guwahati said, “The issue is that today’s students are not learning problem-solving or the skills required in the market which are lucrative. The major focus is almost always on completion of the course or degree.”
Talking to GPlus, a senior official from the education department said, “The real issue is the skill. Students study or complete their degrees in something which is totally different from the skills that are marketable in the real world. This gap causes them to not have any skills which are in high demand today. So, upscaling in today’s world is absolutely necessary. The education system is also at fault which does need reforms, to be more focussed on learning new skills rather than rote-learning.”
“Also many who have the necessary skills get the opportunity and move to better avenues, so ultimately it is a question of not why but how?” he further added.
Hence, students from universities in Guwahati are finding it even harder to land jobs. Those who do receive offers often get low salary packages, forcing them to consider opportunities outside Assam.
As placement struggles continue, students are demanding urgent reforms in university placement policies to ensure that higher education translates into promising career opportunities.
