The current trend of pursuing a computer science degree has led to a saturation of the job market, leaving many graduates struggling to find employment. While this may seem like a logical explanation, it is not the only factor at play. Many computer science graduates lack the fundamental coding skills necessary for the job, which is a major reason for their inability to secure employment in India. This issue was brought to light in a recent Reddit discussion, where a user questioned whether the market is truly saturated or if CS majors simply lack coding skills. The answer is complex, but it is evident that job seekers are facing difficulties in finding employment despite sending out numerous applications. In addition, their resumes are often not up to par. This was highlighted by a Redditor who discovered that their cousin, a CS student, had a calculator as their only project on their resume. This lack of practical skills among CS graduates is a result of inadequate training in universities. A report by Teamlease Digital revealed that only 5.5% of Indian engineers possess basic programming skills. This is further supported by the ManpowerGroup Talent Shortage Survey 2024, which states that 75% of employers worldwide struggle to fill critical positions due to a lack of qualified candidates. Employers have also expressed that a majority of graduates are not employable. This issue has been discussed on various platforms, with many sharing similar experiences of recent college graduates lacking basic coding skills for entry-level positions. As a result, employers prefer hiring candidates with at least two to three years of experience. In a post, an IT professional and author narrated the story of candidates demanding high salaries despite lacking proper skills and communication abilities. This highlights the need for universities to bridge the gap between what they offer and what the market requires. While the job market may be saturated, it is clear that the lack of coding skills among CS graduates is a major hindrance in their employment prospects.
