English Language Learning and Soft Skills Development: An Empirical Investigation among Undergraduate Students in Nanded

: This paper presents findings from an empirical investigation into the relationship between English Language Learning (ELL) and soft skills development among undergraduate students in Nanded, Maharashtra. A mixed-method study was conducted with 350 undergraduate students drawn from five colleges affiliated with Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University (SRTMU) during the academic year 2025–26. Quantitative data were gathered through a validated structured questionnaire measuring six soft skill domains—oral communication, written communication, critical thinking, teamwork, adaptability, and professional etiquette—on a five-point Likert scale. Qualitative evidence was collected through focused group discussions and interviews. Statistical analysis using independent samples t-test and Pearson correlation revealed that students enrolled in formal ELL courses scored significantly higher across all six soft skill domains compared to non-ELL peers (p < 0.05). English proficiency level showed a strong positive correlation with overall soft skill score (r = 0.74). The study highlights critical pedagogical implications for curriculum design in Nanded's higher education landscape and recommends systemic integration of communicative English programs across undergraduate curricula.