SIGNIFICANCE OF SOFT SKILLS (KEY IJP************851)

• Mullai Aghalya.t

Abstract

This report seeks to explore the skill gap that exists between what Indian graduates have and what employers require, with particular emphasis on the growing relevance of soft skills in the labour market today. The challenge of finding suitable employment is common among the most fresh graduates as the traditional education system encourages hard skills and technical knowledge.Research highlights their increasing importance in education and the workplace, with scholars like Dr Jessy John and others emphasizing the role of these skills in employability and career advancement. Studies show that employers prioritize soft skills over technical expertise, and graduates with these skills are better prepared to meet the demands of modern workplaces. The incorporation of soft skills training in education is recommended to bridge the gap between academic output and job market requirements.However, the ability to relate and communicate is commonly lacking. The findings of the investigation show that employers are selecting candidates with both soft and hard skills, which calls for the practical application of soft skills in learning institutions. The report covers the alignment of educational systems to the needs of the industry with the help of a literature review and presents various models, including but not limited to team teaching, internships, and workshops. These are surprising since it appears that most of the institutions are slowly changing their ways of including soft skills in the very programs in which they are needed to meet the demands of the working sector. The report further argues that incorporating both hard and soft skills is important for improving employability in India and resolving the issue of skill deficit, hence calling for educational reforms that support the development of graduates in all aspects.