Authors: Dr. Shubham Tayal
Abstract: The widening disconnects between higher education outcomes and corporate workplace expectations have emerged as a structural challenge in India’s evolving knowledge economy. While academic institutions across disciplines continue to produce qualified graduates, employers consistently report gaps in workplace adaptability, communication competence, digital proficiency, and professional discipline. This conceptual study examines the graduate–corporate gap in the context of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi/NCR and proposes a multidimensional Corporate Readiness Framework applicable across academic streams. Grounded in Human Capital Theory, Employability Capital Models, Emotional Intelligence frameworks, and the policy vision of NEP 2020, the paper develops an integrated Corporate Readiness model structured around four pillars: Professional Adaptability, Interpersonal & Leadership Competence, Ethical & Behavioural Maturity, and Digital & Career Preparedness. The study argues that corporate readiness is not discipline-specific but universally relevant across commerce, engineering, arts, science, and management graduates. The paper offers institutional, student-level, and policy-oriented recommendations to embed structured readiness modules within higher education ecosystems. By repositioning corporate readiness as a pedagogical imperative rather than a placement-driven activity, the study contributes to strengthening employability outcomes and advancing India’s workforce competitiveness.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18668182
