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Lately, I’ve been thinking: what’s the point of doing degrees if they don’t take us forward? The syllabus we follow seems stuck in the past. We waste years and money on degrees that don’t match real life or what employers actually want in 2025. If the future is ahead, why are we carrying tools built for yesterday? I see so many who graduated, B.Tech, B.Com, arts, whatever, who still can’t land decent jobs. Back in the day, having a degree meant something. Now? Employers ask, “Do you have skills? Do you know how to work? Can you really deliver, not just in theory, but in reality?”

Real Stories I’ve Seen & Heard

I have seen a person who studied engineering at a reputed college. Did all the exams, projects, and late nights. But after graduating, he ended up working at a shop doing sales, not because he wanted to, but because nothing matched his degree. Friend from Arts stream: did B.A., and thought she’d try for civil services or teaching. But when she applied for private jobs, they told her she lacked digital skills, communication, handling MS Office, etc. She felt her degree wasn’t enough. In my own friend’s circle, many are doing “internships” forever. Doing small, unpaid work, learning a little. And still, no guarantee of a stable job once the internship ends. These aren’t rare. These are real, close to home.

What the Data Says?

Here’s where it gets scary: the numbers really back up what we feel. According to India’s Economic Survey 2024-25, only 8.25% of graduates are employed in jobs that actually match their qualifications. The same survey shows that over 50% of graduates and 44% of post-graduates are underemployed, doing work that is low-skill or doesn’t even require a degree. A LinkedIn-based study also found that about 76% of Indian professionals believe degrees are becoming less important, and that skills matter far more. Similarly, Indeed reports that 80% of employers in India now prefer to hire based on skills and experience rather than just degrees. Even the World Economic Forum highlights that roughly 30% of Indian employers are removing degree requirements for some roles, focusing instead on what candidates can actually do.

Why Degrees Are Failing Us?

From what I see + from what the data says: Curriculum mismatch. Syllabi are often old, theoretical, and not aligned with current tech, tools, and industry demands. What you learn in the first two years sometimes feels useless when starting a job. 

Lack of Exposure / Practical work

Projects are often copied, internships are superficial, and labs don’t have modern equipment. So even after graduation, many don’t know how to work with live code, real clients, and real teams. Overcrowded with graduatesMany more people are graduating than there are relevant jobs. Even good colleges can’t ensure placements. A good branch or institution helps, but not enough. Soft skills/adaptability / other skills are undervalued in education. Communication, problem-solving, working in teams, and learning new tools are rarely taught well or emphasised. But in real roles, they matter a lot. Employers are changing what they want: Tech, AI, remote work, startups: they often want people who can “jump in,” learn fast, and deliver something. Not just someone with a long resume of degrees.

Could Degrees Still Matter?

Yes, but only if education evolves. Degrees aren’t totally useless. In some fields like government jobs, medicine, or law, they still hold value. But their importance is definitely fading, and people are starting to question if the time and money spent are really worth it. A degree should give both theory and real-life experience, something that connects to the industries and opportunities of 2025 and beyond.

Still, if colleges start updating their syllabus, focusing more on practical exposure, internships, and real-world skills, degrees can regain their worth. Imagine if education became more about learning how to think, solve, and create rather than just memorising for exams. If that happens, degrees can become a strong foundation again, not just a piece of paper, but a bridge between knowledge and actual work.

What I Think We Should Do (Because Waiting Won’t Help)

Here’s what we can try: some changes that could make things better:

Update syllabus often. Colleges should work with industries to know what’s needed now: tools, tech, frameworks. More internships / live projects that expose us to real work. Not just certificate internships, but ones where we contribute, make mistakes, and learn. Recognise alternative learning paths: online courses, bootcamps, certification programs. If someone learns web development or data analytics through online platforms but can build a portfolio, that should count. Skill-based hiring should increase: companies should give weight to what you can do, not just what degree you have.

Government/institutions should promote vocational training, upskilling, and reskilling. Let people choose: not force everyone into engineering or medicine; allow individuals to follow what they like, what they are good at, whether that’s art, design, coding, business, trades, whatever.

So for me, the verdict is: Degrees are going to lose their power if they don’t adapt. In future, people will care more about what you can do than what degree you have. If education doesn’t change, many will feel like they wasted time, money, and hopes on degrees that didn’t open doors.

We need education systems that understand we live in a fast-changing tech world. One that rewards skill, adaptability, and creativity. Because the future doesn’t need people stuck in old syllabi. The future needs makers, doers, and thinkers who are prepared for now and tomorrow. Let the system change. Let us learn what matters. And if you ask me, let’s start demanding that change today.

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