New Delhi | Nov 23, 2025

As students plan their futures and universities design programs, the India Skills Report 2026 offers a clear guide to the degrees most likely to lead to employment in the coming year. The report highlights some expected trends—technology degrees remain at the top—but also signals significant shifts in employer preferences that could change the way students approach career planning.

The most employable degrees in India continue to be Computer Science (CS) and Information Technology (IT), with employability rates of 80% and 78%, respectively. These figures reflect the ongoing digital transformation across industries and the increasing demand for graduates who can work with artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing, and automation technologies. Employers are looking for talent that is not only technically proficient but also capable of applying these skills to real-world business problems. The report notes that IT roles account for 35% of all entry-level hires, underlining the consistent demand for technology graduates in the job market.

Engineering graduates (B.E. / B.Tech) also maintain strong employability at 70.15%, though the growth is slightly lower than technology-focused streams. Students in engineering benefit from broad exposure to problem-solving and technical skills, which remain relevant across traditional engineering roles, research, manufacturing, and increasingly in AI or analytics-driven roles.

The report also highlights a surprising shift in business-related degrees. MBA employability has declined to 72.76% in 2026, down from previous years. This decline is not because MBA graduates are less capable but reflects changing employer expectations. Companies now prefer candidates who combine business knowledge with digital literacy, analytical skills, or domain-specific expertise. Traditional generalist MBAs, focusing solely on management theory without applied technical or analytical skills, are no longer guaranteed top-tier opportunities. MBA graduates who can combine management with operations technology, data analytics, or digital strategy are far more attractive to recruiters, emphasizing the importance of specialization over generalist learning.

Meanwhile, commerce degrees (B.Com and related streams) have seen a strong resurgence, with employability now at 62.81%. The rise of commerce graduates is linked to the rapid growth of the banking, finance, and insurance sectors, as well as an increased demand for professionals with domain expertise in finance, operations, and business analytics. Employers are increasingly seeking graduates who can contribute immediately with applied knowledge rather than relying solely on general business training. For students, this means commerce is no longer a fallback option but a viable pathway, especially when paired with digital or analytical skills.

Science graduates outside of IT also perform reasonably well, with an employability rate of around 61%. Interdisciplinary and data-driven roles are opening up for these students, highlighting the importance of combining foundational scientific knowledge with practical, industry-relevant skills. Arts graduates, with an employability rate of approximately 55.55%, are finding opportunities in hybrid and interdisciplinary roles where creativity, communication, and critical thinking intersect with technology and business.

Vocational streams are also gaining recognition. ITI graduates show an employability rate of 45.95%, and polytechnic diploma holders are at 32.92%. Employers are increasingly valuing hands-on, practical training in areas like manufacturing, automotive, electrical work, and renewable energy operations. As industries expand into electric vehicles, smart manufacturing, and tech-enabled operations, vocational education is becoming a strong entry point for employment. This reflects a broader shift toward skill-first hiring, where employers prioritize practical ability and industry readiness alongside formal degrees.

For students navigating the current landscape, the report offers several key takeaways. First, technology degrees remain the most future-proof option, particularly for those willing to specialize in AI, data, or cloud computing. Second, commerce and vocational pathways are gaining ground and can lead to meaningful careers, especially when paired with domain-specific skills or applied digital knowledge. Third, MBAs must focus on specialization and applied learning to remain competitive; a generic management degree without technical or analytical skills is no longer enough to guarantee top opportunities.

Universities and colleges also face a responsibility to align curricula with industry demand. This includes offering cross-disciplinary programs, integrating business and technology knowledge, providing domain-driven internships, and incorporating skill-based assessments to ensure students are ready for real-world challenges. For vocational and non-technical degrees, hands-on projects, industry exposure, and applied learning are critical to bridging the gap between graduation and employability.

Employers, too, must adapt by engaging with a broader talent pool. While tech recruitment remains a priority, companies are increasingly looking to hire graduates from commerce, science, arts, and vocational streams who bring applied skills and analytical capabilities to the table. Creating entry-level roles that reward practical knowledge, cross-domain expertise, and digital literacy is becoming as important as evaluating prior experience. Collaboration with educational institutions can ensure a steady supply of graduates equipped with the skills and understanding required in today’s digital-first economy.

In conclusion, the India Skills Report 2026 makes one thing clear: it’s not just the degree that matters, but the combination of the right degree, practical skills, specialization, and real-world experience. Computer Science and IT remain unbeatable at the top, MBAs must evolve to remain relevant, and commerce, science, arts, and vocational streams are increasingly valuable when paired with applied skills. Future employability depends on digital fluency, domain expertise, and the ability to adapt to industry needs. For students, the message is simple: choose degrees and skill sets that make you versatile, relevant, and ready to contribute from day one.

Which Degrees Will Land the Most Jobs in 2026? Insights from the India Skills Report

The India Skills Report 2026 highlights the degrees that will give students the best chance of landing jobs next year. Computer Science and IT graduates continue to lead, with employability rates of 80% and 78% respectively. The demand for tech talent is being driven by AI, data analytics, cloud computing, and digital transformation across industries. IT alone accounts for 35% of entry-level hires, making tech degrees the safest bet for future-proof careers.

Engineering graduates (B.E./B.Tech) also remain strong, with 70% employability, offering broad technical skills applicable in multiple industries. Meanwhile, MBA employability has slipped to 72.76%, as employers increasingly prefer candidates who combine management knowledge with digital, analytical, or domain-specific skills. Generic MBAs are no longer enough—specialization is key.

Commerce degrees are making a comeback, rising to 62.81% employability due to growth in BFSI, finance, and analytics roles. Science graduates (non-IT) and arts graduates are also gaining relevance, especially in interdisciplinary and hybrid roles. Vocational streams like ITI (45.95%) and polytechnic diplomas (32.92%) are valued more than ever as industries prioritize practical skills and hands-on experience.

The message is clear: the right degree plus applied skills and specialization is the future of employability. Tech leads the way, but commerce, vocational, and interdisciplinary paths are also opening new doors.