Skill Education, Graduate Employability, and Ranking Outcomes: A NEP-Based Evaluation of Indian Higher Education Institutions

Skill education has emerged as a strategic priority in Indian higher education following the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises employability, multidisciplinary learning, and institutional performance. This study evaluates the relationship between skill education initiatives, graduate employability outcomes, and institutional ranking performance in Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates survey data from undergraduate and postgraduate students with institutional performance indicators aligned with national ranking frameworks. The findings reveal that HEIs demonstrating stronger integration of skill education within curricula show higher graduate employability confidence and improved ranking outcomes. The study highlights critical gaps in implementation capacity and offers policy-relevant insights for strengthening skill-based higher education under NEP 2020.