Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath has sparked a major conversation on the future of education and employment, declaring that traditional four-year college degrees are becoming obsolete. In a widely shared social media post, Kamath emphasized that “lifelong learning is the new norm”, warning that only those who continuously upskill will thrive in the rapidly evolving job market.
📉 “The Days of 4-Year College Courses Are Over”: Kamath’s Wake-Up Call
Kamath’s remarks come in response to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, which forecasts:
- 92 million jobs displaced by 2030
- 170 million new roles created, driven by AI, green tech, and digital transformation
- 39% of current core skills becoming obsolete globally—India faces a 38% obsolescence rate
“If you wish to be irreplaceable, upskill,” Kamath urged, highlighting the growing disconnect between traditional education and real-world demands.
🧠 The One Skill That Will Matter: Adaptability Through Lifelong Learning
While AI, big data, cybersecurity, and creative thinking top the list of in-demand skills, Kamath insists that adaptability and continuous learning will be the most critical competencies by 2030.
- 63% of employers already report skill gaps hurting operations
- Only 59% of workers are expected to receive upskilling support
- 11% of the global workforce may be left behind entirely without retraining
⚙️ Automation and AI Reshaping the Workforce
The WEF report notes that:
- Technology will handle 34% of workplace tasks by 2030 (up from 22% today)
- Human-only tasks will drop to 33%, while hybrid human-AI roles will dominate the rest
- Roles like cashiers, clerks, and secretaries are at high risk, while demand surges for software developers, delivery drivers, and farmworkers
🌍 India’s Challenge: Bridging the Skills Gap
India ranks among the top three countries facing the highest skill obsolescence, alongside Egypt and the UAE. Kamath’s warning underscores the urgency for:
- Education reform to align curricula with future skills
- Corporate investment in employee reskilling
- Public-private partnerships to democratize access to lifelong learning platforms
Stay tuned for expert reactions and policy responses.
