‘Today 40% jobs require AI-based skills’

Upskilling is the process of improving employee skill sets through training and development programmes to minimise skill gaps and prepare employees for new jobs. While many industry insiders are now looking to upskill not just employees, but students before they enter the job market, IBM launched its Global Entrance Test (GET), a national-level examination offering students a pathway to industry-integrated MBA, MCA and MSc (Computer Science) programmes at leading universities across India.

Talking to Amritsar Tribune regarding the test and the need for IBM to enter the higher education field, V Surki from IBM Innovation Centre for Education, said that the time now was to make students industry ready.

What is IBM Global Entrance Test and its scope?

The IBM Global Entrance Test (GET) is a national-level examination which will offer students a unique, comprehensive pathway to industry integrated programme in higher education. Students admitted through GET will gain access to high-quality courses such as AI, cybersecurity and work with data science and more, designed by IBM industry experts. In their second semester, they will work on customised projects aligned with their fields of interest. Its focus is to build an industry-academic collaboration and the student’s creativity, problem solving and skill set is going to be assessed and given due training and guidance. It will focus on developing soft skills, risk-taking abilities and visualise what data is all about.

Why the need for entering higher education market and how it could redefine the education-to-employment journey?

In a recent survey conducted by IBM-Harvard University, it was revealed that 40% of jobs are now AI-based. This means that students need to evolve rapidly with this disruptive world. One needs to study industry perspective and work on it. In 2024, during campus placements of several universities, students were asked to go back and relearn. Upskilling has become a mandate. This initiative marks a significant step in postgraduate education, blending classroom learning with cutting-edge technologies, real-world problem solving and job readiness from day one. Most employees are reluctant to upskill or adapt, while with students we have scope for doing just that.

How would industry-academia collaboration act as a driver for creating employable graduates?

Students admitted through GET will be trained under IBM’s Q²D model, which aims to bridge the gap between the academia and industry. The curriculum includes cloud labs, live industry projects, AI tools, internships and mentorship from IBM professionals. Students will be guided into one of three tracks — employment, entrepreneurship or research — through mentoring and industry projects. Continuous assessments will be reviewed by industry experts.