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Aligning Higher Education Competencies with Industry Evolution: A Study of Futuristic Skills in Tamil Nadu

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study explores the congruity between competencies of higher education students from Tamil Nadu and changing human capital requirements of the traditional sectors (Automobile, Textile, and Agriculture) and new-age sectors (Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, and Robotics). With funding from the Chief Minister’s Research Grant (CMRG), this study explores the effectiveness of state intervention measures like Naan Mudhalvan Scheme and factors that aggravate the skills gap from socioeconomic and geographic perspectives. A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was employed to conduct this study and quantitative data collected through stratified sampling method consisting of 1,200 higher education students from Tamil Nadu, in addition to qualitative data collected through focus groups and industry participants. Findings of this study present the unique "competency paradox," as even though there is an effective enhancement in digital literacy of students due to regional state intervention, there are critical deficiencies in terms of automation-related core competencies, problem-solving skills, and technical reasoning skills. There is a severe structural bottleneck for rural and first generation institutional students, mainly due to high certification costs.

Source: International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

DOI: 10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.87099

Authors: M. Vasimalairaja, K. Maniraja

Institution: Alagappa University

Language: English

Topic: Higher Education and Employability

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Decent work and economic growth, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W7208769641