ABSTRACT
Kerala’s higher education system is grappling with significant challenges, including a high number of vacant seats in undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs and a growing trend of students migrating to other states and countries for better academic and career opportunities. Additionally, most students in Kerala rely entirely on parental financial
support, limiting their independence and hindering economic contributions. This proposal advocates for a transformative approach to address these challenges, focusing on structural reforms in higher education. Key recommendations include restructuring academic schedules
to facilitate part-time employment, modernizing the curriculum with multidisciplinary and industry-relevant courses, and revitalizing the "Earn While You Learn" program to foster self-reliance among students. These changes aim to empower students financially, enhance employability, and align education with the state’s economic realities. By implementing these
reforms, Kerala can not only retain its students but also position its higher education system as a driver of sustainable economic growth, ensuring a brighter future for the state and its youth.

Key words: Higher education challenges - Curriculum modernisation - Financial dependency- Part-time employment.