Archives of Current Research International

Background: Occupational aspirations are a driving force behind an individual's well-being. Because aspirations shift over time, periodic assessment of students' aspirations is necessary to help them achieve their desired level of career satisfaction.

Objective: This study examined the dynamics of occupational aspirations among students at CPGS-AS, Umiam, Meghalaya, and explored their perceptions of employability and prevailing employment opportunities.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at CPGS-AS in 2023 using a scale adapted from Ajit (2004), with slight modifications to capture occupational aspirations. A five-point Likert-type scale was also administered to assess perceived employability and perceived employment opportunities.

Results & Discussion: Overall, 53.13% of the students were aspiration-oriented and 46.88% were aspiration-disoriented, with orientation declining from 72.92% at the Class XII level to 69.79% at the postgraduate level. Central or state government service (75.00%) and service in an agricultural university (54.17%) emerged as the leading realistic career aspirations. Approximately two-thirds of the students perceived themselves as possessing the skills required for employment, 52.08% felt competent to clear a job interview, and 64.59% agreed that job opportunities existed in the subject they were pursuing.

Significance: The findings provide the University with a quantified evidence base for understanding students' aspirations and their decline between school and postgraduate levels. They also indicate possible institutional measures, including regular career guidance, structured mentorship, and skills-oriented workshops, through which CPGS-AS and comparable agricultural institutions may better align curricula and support services with students' evolving career goals.