When Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha and a valued voice in India’s startup ecosystem, remarked that 4-year college degrees are becoming outdated, he sparked a conversation buzz.
In a world rapidly moving towards skills-first hiring, is the traditional college degree losing its shine? More importantly, what does this shift mean for students outside India’s major metros—those in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities—who have historically looked to degrees as a stepping stone to upward mobility?
Let’s break it down.
The Shift: From Pedigree to Proficiency
India’s job market, especially in startups and tech companies, is undergoing a foundational shift. Employers are increasingly looking beyond degrees and institutions. They’re asking:
- Can you code?
- Can you design?
- Can you solve real-world problems?
This pivot isn’t just anecdotal. Platforms like LinkedIn and Naukri are seeing a rise in job descriptions that prioritize portfolios and GitHub profiles over alma maters. Companies like Zoho, Zerodha, and CRED often hire based on demonstrable skill sets.
And as more schools and parents begin to seek career guidance for high school students, there’s a growing understanding that the future isn’t degree-dependent but skill-driven.
What’s Driving This Change?
- Inefficiencies in Traditional Education: Many colleges continue to teach outdated curricula. A computer science student may graduate without knowing modern programming frameworks that companies actually use.
- Rise of EdTech and Self-Learning: With YouTube tutorials, Coursera, and coding bootcamps available at a fraction of the cost, learning has become democratized.
- Startup Mindset: Startups move fast. They value execution over credentials. They’d rather hire someone who built an app, over someone who scored 90% in theory.
- Global Examples: Even globally, companies like Google, Apple, and IBM no longer require degrees for many roles. India is following suit.
What This Means for Tier 2 and Tier 3 Students
Traditionally, students from smaller towns saw a good college degree—especially from an IIT or NIT—as a ticket to success. But entrance exams are highly competitive, coaching is expensive, and even after admission, many feel underprepared for industry demands.
Now, with a laptop, internet access, and discipline, a student from Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh can learn Python, contribute to open-source projects, and land a job in Bangalore or even remotely for a global company.
This levels the playing field.
However, there’s a catch: Access to information and guidance is still limited in smaller cities. Mentorship, peer groups, and career guidance and counselling are not as robust, which can hinder the adoption of alternative paths.
The Rise of Alternatives
Let’s look at some rising alternatives to traditional degrees:
- Bootcamps
Programs like Masai School, Scaler Academy, and Newton School offer job-oriented training in software development and data science. Many follow an Income Share Agreement (ISA) model—students pay only after they get placed. - Apprenticeships & Internships
Startups are increasingly offering paid apprenticeships to students and dropouts alike. These provide hands-on experience and often lead to full-time roles. - Skill Certifications
Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer globally recognized certifications in areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and UI/UX design. - Freelance Work & Portfolios
Many are bypassing jobs entirely and building freelance careers through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal—based purely on skill and client feedback.
Are Degrees Truly “Dead”?
Not yet. Degrees still matter in government jobs, legacy sectors, and many multinational corporations. They offer structure, networking, and in some cases, legitimacy—especially for first-generation learners.
But for fast-moving industries like tech, design, and digital marketing, they are increasingly optional. This is where career guidance and counselling for students can make a massive difference—helping them identify when a degree adds value, and when to focus purely on skill-building.
What Should Students Do?
- Invest in Skills Early: Learn a programming language, digital marketing, graphic design—whatever aligns with your interest.
- Build a Portfolio: Contribute to open-source, freelance, start a blog or a YouTube channel. Show your work.
- Stay Updated: Follow industry leaders, attend webinars, join Discord or Telegram groups in your domain.
- Don’t Wait for a Degree to Finish: Start gaining experience while studying. Intern, volunteer, experiment.
Final Thoughts
College degrees in India aren’t dead—but they’re definitely not the only path anymore.
As entrepreneurs are rightly pointing out, skills are becoming the new currency of opportunity. For students, especially from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, this is both a challenge and an unprecedented opportunity. With the right mindset, tools, and timely career guidance and counselling, anyone can break into the top talent pool—no degree required.
Did you skip college and build a career through skills? Or do you think degrees still hold weight in India? Share your thoughts in the comments below.