Emotional Intelligence and Career Readiness in the Modern Economy: An Analysis of Indian Education and Global Best Practices

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is rapidly emerging as crucial for ensuring career readiness in today’s competitive job market. As industries evolve quickly, candidates must possess expert knowledge and demonstrate proactive EI, which is essential in complementing adaptability, leadership, and communication skills. This study compares the Indian education system with global best practices to gain insights into how various stakeholders in India are preparing career aspirants with superior EI competencies. A systematic review of academic literature, institutional reports, and expert analyses indicates a substantial disparity between the emphasis on EI in Indian educational curricula and the growing industry demand for emotionally competent professionals. The gap suggests that academic institutions must reevaluate their curriculums to ensure they address this critical area effectively. This paper ultimately provides actionable policy recommendations to integrate EI training into India’s educational framework, aligning it more closely with the expectations of emerging workforce needs and enhancing overall employability for graduates.