Perceived Employability and Its Determinants Among Generation Z Students in Tripura: A Quantitative Study

Abstract

This study examined the perceived employability of Generation Z students in Tripura, focusing on the influence of individual, institutional, and environmental factors. A quantitative research design was employed, involving 300 undergraduate students born between 1997 and 2012. Data were collected using the Perceived Employability Scale standardized by K. P. Naachimuthu Descriptive statistics (mean, median, standard deviation, percentages) and inferential techniques (chi-square test, t-test) were used for analysis and hypothesis testing. The findings revealed that most students exhibited high perceived employability, reflecting an optimistic outlook on career readiness. Socio-economic status emerged as the most significant determinant, followed by institution type and residential location. Gender differences were observed, with females reporting slightly higher perceived employability than males. However, family background did not significantly impact perceptions. Notably, students from government institutions and rural areas demonstrated higher perceived employability compared to those from private institutions and urban settings. These findings highlight the pivotal role of socio-economic and institutional factors in shaping students’ employability confidence. They underscore the need for targeted career support services, particularly for students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, private institutions, and urban areas. This study contributes to the literature on employability perceptions by offering insights from an underrepresented region. It provides actionable implications for policymakers and educational institutions to enhance career readiness and address disparities among Generation Z students in Tripura.