18th December 2024: A recent survey by TeamLease EdTech highlights a significant shift in how Indian students view higher education, with 85% endorsing Work-Linked Degrees as the future. Despite overwhelming demand, less than 2% of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) currently offer such programs, underscoring an urgent need for change.
Conducted with over 10,000+ students across India, the survey reveals how students are prioritizing practical exposure and employability. A remarkable 80% of students believe that work experience on their CV improves their chances of securing high-paying jobs, while 40% identify financial independence as a key driver behind their preference for Work-Linked Degrees. Moreover, 66% of students value flexibility in learning schedules, and 56% are drawn to on-the-job mentorship. Such models resonate deeply with students’ aspirations for learning that integrates seamlessly with their career goals. These findings reveal a need for HEIs to adopt more flexible, skill-oriented programs that align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and emerging student aspirations.
Awareness of work-linked degrees is exceptionally high, with 93% of students familiar with the concept. Metro cities such as Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai exhibit the highest levels of awareness. The survey also reveals the appeal of learning flexibility and on-the-job mentorship, which are key attractions for students, with 66% and 56% respectively, citing these as primary motivators. IT and Marketing roles dominate internship preferences, with 25% of students gravitating toward tech positions and 24% toward marketing, followed by opportunities in Banking and Finance (19%).
The report further delves into the factors influencing student decisions, with family and mentors having a major impact. Over 50% of respondents cited their parents as key advisors and 34% relied on mentors, emphasizing the need for inclusive communication strategies targeting families and educators. This alignment can foster broader acceptance and understanding of Work-Linked Learning programs among all stakeholders.
Commenting on the findings, Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech, said, “The overwhelming student interest in Work-Linked Degrees highlights a tremendous opportunity for HEIs to reimagine their offerings. However, the low adoption rate by institutions is a significant challenge. Work-linked programs are a transformative model that empowers students with industry-relevant skills while creating a credible pipeline of job-ready talent. Universities must embrace this change to ensure their graduates are future-ready.”
Jaideep Kewalramani, COO and Head of Employability Business, TeamLease Edtech added,“The future of education is about creating a learning ecosystem that bridges academic theory with real-world industry skills. Work-linked degrees represent more than a trend. They need to be considered as a strategic response to the rapidly evolving job market, where adaptability and practical expertise are becoming as crucial as traditional academic credentials. By integrating academic learning with meaningful work experience, we’re not just preparing students for jobs, but empowering them to become agile, innovative professionals who can navigate the complexities of a workplace that are currently as dynamic as they can be.”
TeamLease EdTech is actively driving this transformation by equipping HEIs to implement Degree Apprenticeship programs through its platform, Digivarsity. By fostering partnerships with industries, creating modular and flexible learning pathways, and scaling outreach to underserved geographies, TeamLease EdTech is ensuring that Work-Linked Degrees are accessible to a diverse student population. These initiatives are enabling institutions to align with NEP 2020 too, making education more relevant to the demands of the modern workforce.
The survey methodology involved collecting responses from students based across metros and Tier-2 cities, ensuring representation from all regions and the sample also included a nearly balanced gender representation, with 52% female respondents and 48% male respondents, ensuring an inclusive understanding of student perceptions. By analyzing these insights, TeamLease EdTech aims to drive dialogue among HEIs, policymakers, and industries to accelerate the adoption of Work-Linked Learning, creating a future where education and employability go hand in hand.