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A Cambridge survey of nearly 1,900 students found almost all respondents believe communication and soft skills are essential for landing jobs and succeeding in the workplace
News18
A recent survey of nearly 1,900 college students across India suggests that while young graduates understand the importance of communication skills, many still lack the confidence needed to succeed in interviews and the workplace. The findings raise an important question: Is India’s employability challenge less about English and more about confidence?
From IT services and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) to consulting, banking and start-ups, employers continue to hire at scale. Yet recruiters have long complained that many candidates struggle not because they lack technical knowledge, but because they find it difficult to express their ideas clearly, communicate confidently or perform well during interviews.
The survey by Cambridge University Press & Assessment suggests students themselves recognise this gap.
Degrees Aren’t The Problem. Confidence Is.
The survey, which covered 1,890 students from engineering, science, commerce and English streams across colleges in India, found that 57% do not feel fully prepared for placements or confident enough to work in multinational companies. Only 43% said they feel ready for the job market.
At the same time, students overwhelmingly understand what employers expect. Nearly 100% said communication skills in English are important for getting a good job, while almost every respondent also rated soft skills as crucial for handling clients and succeeding at work.
Communication Is More Than Speaking English
The survey is often read as highlighting an “English skills” gap. But a closer look suggests something broader.
Modern workplaces don’t simply expect employees to speak English. They expect them to explain ideas clearly, participate in meetings, work in teams, deliver presentations, interact with clients and ask questions confidently.
Many graduates can read, write and understand English reasonably well. The challenge often begins when they have to speak spontaneously in an interview or communicate with colleagues in a professional setting.
That is reflected in the survey itself. Thirty per cent of respondents identified a lack of confidence and English skills as the biggest obstacle to getting their desired job, more than those who cited inadequate technical skills (23%) or lack of internships and real-world experience (22%).
In other words, students see confidence and communication as a bigger hurdle than technical competence.
Why Does This Gap Exist?
Much of higher education continues to reward written examinations and theoretical knowledge. Students spend years preparing for tests but relatively little time practising interviews, making presentations, participating in debates or working on collaborative projects.
As a result, many graduates know the subject but struggle to communicate it. The problem can be even more pronounced for students from regional-language backgrounds or first-generation college learners. They may possess strong technical abilities but hesitate to speak for fear of making mistakes or being judged.
Confidence, after all, is not something that develops through textbooks alone. It grows through repeated exposure to real conversations, presentations, workplace simulations and constructive feedback.
Why Employers Care More Than Ever
Communication has become a core workplace skill rather than a desirable extra. An engineer today may need to explain a technical solution to an overseas client. A software developer may have to present ideas during team meetings. Analysts, consultants and finance professionals routinely interact with global stakeholders.
In such roles, technical expertise opens the door, but communication often determines career growth. Recruiters increasingly assess candidates on how they think, present ideas, collaborate and solve problems, not just what they know.
According to a survey by Cogent University, recruiters begin evaluating a candidate’s communication skills long before the interview starts. “Every interaction, from emails and application materials to virtual interviews and networking conversations, provides insight into a candidate’s communication abilities.”
“Strong communicators demonstrate active listening, thoughtful responses, emotional intelligence, and the ability to adapt their message for different audiences. These qualities remain difficult to automate, making them increasingly valuable in an AI-driven workplace,” it added.
Students Want Practical Training, Not More Theory
Perhaps the Cambridge survey’s strongest message is what students want colleges to do differently. Nearly 59% said they would benefit most from mock interviews, résumé guidance, communication training and confidence-building sessions. By comparison, 19% wanted technical boot camps, 14% sought more internship opportunities and only 8% prioritised career counselling.
When asked about additional qualifications, students also placed greater value on practical exposure. Thirty-six per cent preferred technical or industry certifications, while 33% wanted internships or real-world projects. Regular academic courses ranked much lower.
The findings suggest that today’s students are looking beyond classroom learning. They want practice, exposure and confidence before they enter the workforce.
Indian colleges can better prepare graduates for the job market by focusing on practical training, confidence-building, and updated curricula.
About the Author
Shilpy Bisht is a News Editor at News18, where she leads the English app operations. She writes on world affairs, health, AI, career, business, and issues affecting women and children. A former print …Read More
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