A University Degree vs. Vocational Training: Which one to choose?

In recent decades higher education has almost become the fashion as well as status symbol in society.

As per 2011-12 survey reports on Higher Education reports of Department Higher Education, Ministry of Human Reports Development, Government of India there few important things to note:

1. Total enrolment in higher education has been estimated to be 28.56 million with 15.87 million boys and 12.69 million girls. Girls constitute 44.4% of the total enrolment.   
2. There are 83 Technical, 33 Agriculture, 24 Medical, 17 law and 10 Veterinary Universities
3. College density, i.e. the number of colleges per lakh eligible population (population in the age‐group 18‐23 years) varies from 6 in Bihar to 64 in Puducherry as compared to All India average of 25
4. Maximum numbers of Students are enrolled in B.A. programme followed by B.Com and B.Sc. programmes. Only 20 Programmes out of approximately 150 cover 83% of the total students enrolled in higher education
5. At Undergraduate, level the highest number (34%) of students is enrolled in Arts followed by Engineering & Technology (19%), Commerce (14.5%) and Science (12%).
6. Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) in Universities and Colleges is 25.6

When we read the points carefully and try to analyse the details, we find that there is huge gap in education system, We have 34% of undergraduates in Arts stream which is out of date today. BA pass is having no value in today's job interview. Now interviewer gives the advantage to candidate having professional degrees like BBA, BCA, BTech, BSc, B Pharma, BLib etc. along with some technical knowledge and experience in the domain.

Vocational Training

Here comes the confusion to a BA Pass Candidate. Should he invest on his skills though vocational courses or continue with his BA Pass Certificate and struggle further? Those who identify and recognize earlier the future of their career via vocational courses get swift move on the heights of their career. While a normal graduate keep struggling for government jobs or little paying private jobs. 

The current scenario is like a boom to the vocational courses. These courses offer better jobs with good paymasters of the industry. For example an electrician who has passed out the knowledge based technical vocational course of electrician and possess a industry recognised certificate (Like from NSDC) will be given preference than a traditional electrician. 

As per the choice of career, it is better to decide from University Degree and Vocational Training after matriculation. With guidance and counselling of an expert this could be done easily. This will be immense helpful to youth in making right decision for their career and future of life as well.