A total of 2,416 job aspirants got spot offers and 6,183 were shortlisted for further job interviews following the two-day Alva’s Pragati job fair organized by Alva’s Education Foundation (AEF) in Moodbidri on August 7 and 8.

Talking to reporters here on Wednesday, AEF Managing Trustee Vivek Alva said the 16th edition of Alva’s Pragati attracted a total of 15,539 job aspirants from diverse backgrounds. As many as 332 companies participated in the event. In terms of spot offers and shortlisted candidates, the 16th edition was the highest. The participation of over 4,500 degree students, excluding BE graduates, in the event was an indication that more people from rural areas participated in the event.

Of the aspirants who had registered online, 12,368 were from Karnataka, 1,024 from Kerala, 60 from Maharashtra, and 40 from Tamil Nadu. Among the districts, 6,183 were from Dakshina Kannada, 2,782 from Udupi, 622 from Kasaragod in Kerala, and 501 from Uttara Kannada. Apart from 4,512 degree holders, 3,752 BE/B.Tech. holders, 3,499 postgraduates, 814 PUC-completed students, 776 diploma holders, and 251 ITI holders took part in the event.

The manufacturing sector had the highest number of shortlists at 924, and 523 selections. A firm shortlisted a chartered accountant with a package of ₹11 lakh per annum. In the IT and ITES sector, 1,301 were shortlisted and 96 were spot selected by 34 firms. In the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance sector, 913 were shortlisted and 211 were spot selected. As many as 159 were shortlisted and 40 were spot selected in the pharmaceutical sector. In the healthcare sector, a hospital from Mumbai selected 103 candidates. Nine ITI, diploma, and degree holders were selected for work in the UAE. A total of 117 candidates were shortlisted and 13 were spot selected for projects in Saudi Arabia and at Adani Mundra Port in Gujarat.

Mr. Alva said the foundation will establish district- and taluk-level coordination units to remain connected with candidates from different regions. The foundation has planned to hold more orientation programmes to prepare candidates for different jobs, he said.