The Viksit Bharat 2047 vision positions higher education as the engine of national development. Commerce education, enrolling nearly 18% of India’s undergraduate students, holds the key to a future‑ready workforce. Yet employability remains a challenge – only about 46% of commerce graduates meet industry expectations (AICTE, 2026, forthcoming). This paper, based on a mixed‑method study conducted during December 2025 – January 2026, examines structural gaps in commerce curricula and proposes an evidence‑based strategic framework. The survey involved 120 commerce teachers from 25 colleges in Pune and Ahilyanagar districts (affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University) and semi‑structured interviews with 15 HR leads from banking, IT, and audit firms. Key findings reveal: (i) 82% of colleges lack adequate digital infrastructure (ERP/analytics labs); (ii) only 34% have formal industry linkages for internships; (iii) institutions with mandatory skill courses and industry collaboration improve placement rates by 37% (t = 4.21, p < 0.001). The paper synthesises best practices into a ‘Commerce 4.0’ framework integrating data analytics, fintech tools, tax simulation, and ethical reasoning. A phased roadmap (2026–2047) is outlined, positioning colleges as catalysts for ‘Viksit’ graduates. The study concludes that by aligning curricula with NEP 2020 and fostering local industry partnerships, even semi‑urban colleges can transform commerce graduates into job creators, directly contributing to a self‑reliant India.
Kesari Prakash Balasaheb (Fri,) studied this question.