2 July, 2025-A Bengaluru-based CEO’s statement on India facing a “talent problem” has triggered a wave of reactions across social media platforms. Prashant Kumar, founder and CEO of a mid-sized SaaS company, expressed frustration over the lack of qualified candidates for a backend engineering role, sparking a broader conversation about employability and industry expectations.
In a LinkedIn post, Kumar stated that despite receiving over 1,200 applications, none of the candidates could clear the company’s basic coding assessment. “This is not a hiring problem — this is a talent problem,” he wrote, calling attention to what he perceives as a widening gap between available talent and required skills in India’s tech industry.
The remark, however, quickly drew backlash. Many users criticised Kumar for making a sweeping generalisation and accused him of overlooking systemic issues in education and hiring practices. Some professionals noted that stringent hiring processes, low entry-level salaries, and inflated job requirements contribute significantly to companies’ inability to hire suitable candidates.
“If so many candidates are failing your test, maybe the issue lies with your expectations or evaluation process,” wrote one LinkedIn user. Another added, “The real problem is unrealistic JD expectations and underpaid roles being passed off as opportunities.”
Industry voices weighed in, suggesting that the issue reflects long-standing challenges in India’s higher education system. Reports such as the India Skills Report 2025 have highlighted that only about 47% of graduates are deemed employable, largely due to outdated curricula, lack of practical exposure, and limited industry-academic collaboration.
Education experts emphasized the need for reforms that align academic programs with real-world industry demands. “There is a mismatch between what companies seek and what universities teach. Companies must also play a role in upskilling fresh graduates,” said Dr. Kavita Rao, an education policy analyst.
Several HR professionals and startup leaders also pointed out that many smaller companies expect job-ready talent but are unwilling to invest in training and development. “Startups want plug-and-play employees, but not everyone can afford top-tier candidates. Building internal learning systems is the need of the hour,” said Rohan Mehta, an HR consultant.
While Kumar’s comment sparked outrage in some circles, others supported his view, stating that it reflects a harsh truth about hiring in the tech space. “We need to have honest conversations about the employability crisis and stop sugar-coating the problem,” a startup founder commented.
The online debate has once again spotlighted the broader challenges of India’s tech ecosystem — from curriculum modernization and affordable education to inclusive hiring and workforce development. As India continues its growth as a global technology hub, addressing the employability gap will remain a critical concern for both academia and industry.
