Prospects & Challenges in Higher Education–A Study on Job Opportunities for Physical Education & National Economic Development
Author : Dr. S Srinivasa Padmakar and Dr. Yugandhar Dasari
Abstract :
India occupies the third-largest position in global higher education, with nearly 400 universities and 18,000 colleges across public and private sectors. As a developing nation, India must rely on its well-educated youth to drive growth and development. Today, Indian students not only seek opportunities within the country but also abroad, particularly in the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, and Japan. With a competitive spirit and without barriers of caste, gender, or community, youth are increasingly pursuing professional, technical, and management courses to face global challenges.
In India, higher education opportunities are vast, ranging from engineering, management, law, pharmacy, biotechnology, and agriculture to medicine, IT, and physical education. However, despite the large number of graduates produced every year, unemployment remains a serious issue. The root cause lies in outdated, theory-oriented curricula that fail to match industry and market requirements. As a result, many degree holders struggle to secure jobs or acquire employable skills.
There is a pressing need for a demand-driven, skill-based education system that emphasizes conceptual learning, workshops, internships, projects, debates, and seminars. Stronger collaboration between universities and industries can create apprenticeship opportunities, supported by stipends to ease students’ transition into the workforce.
This paper highlights the significance of higher education, challenges faced by youth in securing employment, and the critical role of government and corporate sectors in implementing a need-based education system that bridges the gap between learning and livelihood.
Keywords :
Higher education opportunities and challenges, need-based education system, curriculum design, job market requirement curriculum, growth and development of Indian economy, conventional and non-conventional courses).
