TCS iON has curated a free, 20 hour-career skills course that will cover topics like corporate etiquette, effective e-mail writing, impactful presentations and IT awareness that will be available to students throughout the duration of their degree course.

The course, which will be available for students of more than 10,000 AICTE approved institutions, can be accessed on TCS iON Digital Learning Hub through any device.

"We are one of the largest recruiters of engineering graduates in the country. We have noticed that there is a gap in students' competencies in terms of career skills. While students may have strong academic performance, the lack of basic soft skills such as effective communication and interpersonal skills may result in these students missing out on job opportunities," TCS iON Global Head Venguswamy Ramaswamy told PTI.

Through the partnership, TCS, together with educational institutions, intends to help students develop better career skills, he added.

Ramaswamy said the company had last year selected 63,000 students from over 2.8 lakh applicants through its National Qualifier Test, but could extend offer letters to only about 30,000. Many of those not selected lacked these career skills.

"With this programme, we want to enhance the quality of talent pool. It is not only for us but will help the industry at large," he said.

AICTE Chairman Anil D Sahasrabudhe said the course will empower students with career skills to help them stand out in the competitive hiring scenario.

"The unique course will help improve placement opportunities for our institutions, thereby initiating a strong start to the professional careers of the students. The guidance provided by TCS iON will prepare students for their professional endeavours and help cultivate a highly qualified, competent, and proficient workforce," he said.

AICTE is the national-level apex advisory and regulatory body for technical education.