In an insightful and thought-provoking interview, Sachin Jain, a leading educationist, shared his perspective on the evolving landscape of higher education and employability. He emphasized the importance of skill-based education, ensuring students are not only employable but also adaptable to the changing job market.
Education Beyond Marketing: A Holistic Approach
Sachin Jain strongly believes that admissions and university programs should not be treated as a commodity. Instead, universities must focus on preparing students for life. The real objective of education is to equip students with knowledge and skills that will provide them with long-term returns in their professional and personal lives.
He stresses the need for students to understand that the three or four years they invest in higher education will impact their next 40 years. Universities must not only provide degrees but also ensure graduates are job-ready with essential life skills.
Redefining Employability: More Than Just Getting a Job
Employability is not just about securing the first job. According to Jain, true employability consists of four key aspects:
1. Getting the First Job: A student should be capable of securing initial employment.
2. Retaining the Job: They should have the necessary skills to sustain their position.
3. Growth in Employment: Students should continuously develop their skills to advance in their careers.
4. Adaptability to Change: In an era where AI and technology are evolving rapidly, students must be flexible enough to transition into new roles if their current job becomes obsolete.
This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates remain relevant in the workforce, even as industries evolve.
Programs Focused on Future-Ready Skills
Jain highlights that universities must identify sectors with high job demand and introduce relevant courses. Some key areas of focus include:
• Engineering (B.Tech, in collaboration with IBM)
• Business Administration (BBA, MBA)
• Computer Applications (BCA)
• Mass Communication & Digital Media (B.Sc. in Mass Communication with a focus on Digital Platforms)
• Hotel Management (Short-term and diploma courses for international job opportunities)
• Fashion Technology (Advanced courses for modern industry requirements)
Particularly, the B.Sc. in Mass Communication has been tailored to train students in digital media, considering the growing influence of online platforms. With digital news channels garnering millions of subscribers, universities must produce digital experts who can handle content creation, social media, and public relations for media houses.
Innovative Admission and Financial Aid Policies
One of the most revolutionary initiatives Sachin Jain introduced is the “Half Fees After Placement” model. Under this scheme:
• Students pay only half of their fees upfront.
• The remaining fees are paid after securing employment.
• The university helps students secure government-backed education loans up to ₹4 lakhs without collateral.
This initiative has been a major success, allowing students from diverse financial backgrounds to pursue quality education without immediate financial burden.
Student Safety & Transportation Facilities
With students coming from all over India, safety is a major concern, particularly for female students. Jain assured that special transport facilities are being provided for students, covering a 60-70 km radius around the university. Cities like Phagwara, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Una, Baddi, Kharar, and Fatehpur Sahib are connected via university buses, ensuring safe and convenient travel.
Global Exposure & International Collaborations
Understanding the need for global career opportunities, Jain highlighted the university’s tie-ups with international institutions. Students now have opportunities to study and work in Israel and Germany, completely funded by government collaborations. These programs help students:
• Gain global work exposure.
• Learn international industry standards.
• Secure better-paying jobs abroad.
A Call to Students: Think Beyond Local Opportunities
Jain passionately encourages students to think beyond their immediate surroundings. He compares small colleges to a “well,” whereas top universities are like an “ocean”—offering exposure to diverse students, industries, and real-world competition.
He firmly believes that students who choose a top university with international exposure, corporate tie-ups, and skill-based education will be far more prepared for the future than those who settle for convenience.
Conclusion: Education as a Pathway to Lifelong Success
Sachin Jain’s vision is clear—education should empower students for life. By offering the right skills, international opportunities, financial support, and industry tie-ups, his mission is to ensure that students not only secure jobs but sustain and grow in them for decades.
For aspiring students, this is a wake-up call—choose education that prepares you for the long run, not just for a degree.
