Skill development has emerged as a critical determinant of employability and economic growth in the 21st century. In India, the higher education sector plays a pivotal role in equipping graduates with competencies required for a dynamic workforce. This study examines the challenges and opportunities of skill development in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Uttarakhand, a state characterized by its growing youth population and limited industrial base. Using a mixed-method approach, primary data were collected from students, faculty, and industry representatives, supplemented with secondary data from government and institutional reports. Findings reveal significant gaps between academic curricula and industry skill requirements, with students displaying strong theoretical knowledge but weaker proficiency in communication, problem-solving, digital literacy, and adaptability. Limited exposure to internships, inadequate career counseling, and insufficient industry-academia collaboration emerged as major barriers. However, the study also identifies opportunities in integrating digital skills, entrepreneurship training, and regional industry linkages to enhance employability. The paper concludes that strengthening institutional frameworks, fostering industry partnerships, and embedding skill-based learning within curricula are essential to bridging the education-employment divide. The findings hold policy relevance for educational planners, industry stakeholders, and government bodies aiming to transform Uttarakhand into a hub of skilled human capital.
Parmanand Chauhan (Mon,) studied this question.