EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: AN ANALYSIS IN KASARGOD DISTRICT, KERALA

Abstract This study explores the employability skills of final-year undergraduate students in Kasargod, Kerala, with a particular focus on gender differences. The findings indicate that male students consistently demonstrate higher employability skills across all seven assessed areas compared to their female counterparts. The overall employability score among graduates is relatively low, averaging 29.3 out of 70. Only 16.8% of students meet the employability criteria, with male students (20.5%) outperforming female students (14.6%). The results reveal a statistically significant gender gap, emphasizing the need for targeted skill development initiatives to enhance graduates' readiness for the competitive job market.