89% of Indian Employers Prefer Skills-Based Hiring Over Degrees. Skills-based hiring is rapidly becoming the preferred recruitment strategy in India, with 89% of employers extensively using it for entry-level hiring, according to a new report. The study found that Indian companies now place greater emphasis on verified job-ready skills, practical experience, and micro-credentials than on college reputation or academic grades. Nearly all surveyed employers reported using skills-based recruitment in some form, placing India above the global average. The report also highlights that candidates with certifications in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital technologies have stronger employment prospects. Experts say the trend reflects the evolving needs of employers, who are looking for graduates capable of contributing from day one in an increasingly technology-driven workplace.
