India leads global shift on skill based education: 95% of educationists back micro-credentials for job readiness

The world is witnessing a major shift – away from traditional educational approaches to skill-based learning, with India leading the way. According to Coursera’s Micro-Credentials Impact Report 2024, 95% of Indian higher education leaders, including Deans, Provosts, Presidents, Professors, and other educators across universities, think that micro-credentials improve students’

employment chances

. This is notably higher than the global average of 87%, implying India’s proactive acceptance of skill-oriented education to meet the requirements of a modern workforce demand.

Indian institutions are not only adopting micro-credentials at an impressive rate but are also integrating them into their academic frameworks. Currently, 52% of Indian higher education institutions (HEIs) offer micro-credentials for academic credit, and nearly all (94%) aim to do so within the next five years.
This progress is driven by the National Credit Framework (NCrF), introduced under the

National Education Policy

(NEP), which allows students to earn transferable credits for both traditional academic achievements and skill-based learning.

Micro-credentials: Bridging the gap between education and employment

Micro-credentials have become a pivotal tool for preparing students for the workforce by equipping them with the skills that today’s employers prioritize. An overwhelming 95% of higher education leaders in India agree that students who earn micro-credentials are more job-ready compared to their peers without them. This confidence surpasses the global consensus, where 87% of HEI leaders echo similar sentiments.

Students in India also recognise the value of micro-credentials. A staggering 96% believe that earning a

Professional Certificate

will give them an edge with employers and improve their chances of securing a job after graduation. Notably, the most sought-after certificates align with in-demand roles, such as project management and data analysis, reflecting the alignment of academic offerings with market needs.
Employers are increasingly drawn to candidates with micro-credentials, recognizing them as evidence of job-specific skills. Coursera’s report reveals that hiring teams are 85% more likely to choose candidates with Professional Certificates, as these credentials help validate applicants’ competencies. This trend underscores the role of micro-credentials in addressing two key hiring challenges: identifying and verifying skill sets.

Impact in student engagement trends

According to the report, beyond their employment value, micro-credentials also boost student satisfaction and engagement, with 92% of Indian education leaders acknowledging this benefit. Students feel empowered by acquiring practical skills, which increases their confidence and optimism about the future. A remarkable 97% of Indian learners report feeling more positive about themselves after completing courses on platforms like Coursera.
India once again outpaces the global average in this domain, as only 87% of global HEI leaders highlight the impact of micro-credentials on student satisfaction. This points to a broader cultural and institutional embrace of micro-credentials within Indian higher education.

Academia and the need for a commitment to skill-based learning

Indian HEIs are setting a global benchmark by embedding micro-credentials into their curriculums and aligning academic offerings with

workforce requirements

. With nearly universal plans to incorporate these credentials into their systems in the coming years, the country is building an education model that prioritizes employability and lifelong learning.
As the demand for job-ready graduates intensifies, India’s robust adoption of micro-credentials demonstrates how

skill-based education

can bridge the gap between academia and industry. This forward-looking approach not only empowers students but also strengthens the nation’s position as a leader in the global shift toward skill-driven education.

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