Expanding the English Studies Curriculum: Aligning Literary Education with Market-Driven Skill Demands in India

Abstract

The crisis of employability among English graduates in India calls for an urgent revision of the traditional English Studies curriculum. The increasing demand for skilled professionals in the job market highlights the limitations of an insular, literature-focused approach to English Studies. This article explores how a multidisciplinary approach—integrating subjects like communication studies, digital humanities, business writing, media studies, arithmetic, logic, and data analytics—can enhance the employability of English majors. By examining curriculum analysis from select Indian universities and presenting case studies of institutions that have successfully adopted interdisciplinary modules, the study demonstrates how a revised English curriculum can bridge the gap between academia and the job market. This study employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative curriculum analysis of TANSCHE-prescribed English syllabi with qualitative case studies of universities implementing interdisciplinary or industry-aligned innovations, to investigate employability challenges faced by English Major graduates in India. Further, it argues that English Studies must evolve beyond literary appreciation to include practical skills, such as critical thinking, research methodology, content creation, and technological adaptability, to ensure career readiness. Through an assessment of existing pedagogical models and industry trends, the study suggests a framework for English departments to incorporate interdisciplinary learning without compromising literary values. By doing so, this approach can combat unemployment, align English Studies with national skill development goals, and position graduates for diverse career paths in publishing, content development, corporate communication, digital media, and competitive examinations.