In a job market increasingly driven by outcomes over academic pedigrees, Garima, a communication analyst at an insurance firm, represents a growing shift in hiring preferences, where deliverability trumps degrees. Instead of choosing the conventional MBA route, she pursued a master’s in communications, betting on practical capability over costly credentials.

“You don’t need an expensive qualification to deliver results,” she said, pointing to how the pandemic-era shift in work culture proved that efficiency often matters more than titles.

Roop Kaistha, Regional Managing Director, APAC, AMS, explained that the value proposition of a traditional MBA is being re-evaluated by hiring managers, especially outside of legacy industries.

“While MBAs from top-tier institutions still hold weight for leadership and strategy roles, there’s a growing preference for candidates with domain-specific certifications, particularly in tech-enabled fields like product management and data science. According to LinkedIn data, job postings in India requiring an MBA dropped by 55 per cent in 2023 compared to 2022. This is largely due to employers prioritising real-world competencies over broad management theory. Micro-credentials, especially those with hands-on projects or aligned to emerging tech skills, are seen as more immediately applicable and cost-effective, both for the candidate and the employer,” she said.

Skills beyond paper

While certain professions – medicine, law, core engineering, nursing, architecture, chartered accountancy – continue to mandate formal degrees due to regulatory standards and the depth of foundational knowledge required, in emerging sectors like the tech industry, the emphasis is shifting towards demonstrable skills and competencies, shared Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO, TeamLease EdTech.

“The current hiring landscape prioritises candidates who can showcase tangible skills and real-world project experience. Employers are seeking educated individuals who can contribute from day one, reducing the need for extensive training periods,” he said.

Functional areas experiencing significant growth in demand for non-traditional certifications include AI and ML. There is also a surge in demand for Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing, Rooj noted.

Ruchee Anand, Head-LinkedIn Talent Solutions, LinkedIn India, said, “As AI reshapes how we work; skills and not just degrees are becoming the currency of opportunity. LinkedIn data shows that skills required for jobs have already changed by 30 per cent since 2015, and in India, that shift is set to accelerate to 64 per cent by 2030. Degrees still matter, but skills are taking the centre stage. Over half of the recruiters in India now prioritise candidates who meet at least 80 per cent of the required skills. And the rate at which Indian members are adding new skills on LinkedIn has surged by 140 per cent since 2022.”

Premium talent

Dr Ramakrishnan Raman, Vice-Chancellor, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), emphasised that prioritising skills over qualifications is not a recent development.

“Whether summer internships or final placements, companies always look for hard and soft skills. They visit premier institutions and continue to value MBAs because these institutions attract talent that has proven itself through competitive exams, testing hard skills like analytical and logical thinking, followed by evaluations of soft skills.”

Skills in areas like data science, AI, digital marketing, UX design, and coding evolving faster than some university curricula is making hands-on learning, boot camps, and self-learning essential.

“MBA still matters, but not universally. It remains relevant in institutions that offer platforms for transformation, networking, and strategic growth. Where these are missing, the MBA risks losing its relevance,” he added.

Kamlesh Vyas, Partner, Deloitte India, echoed this, saying the preference for high-quality traditional degrees from reputed institutions has remained intact. Alongside micro credentials, apprenticeship embedded degree programmes, digital badges, micro masters, and nanodegrees have emerged.

However, the appeal of high ROI in terms of time and money may make alternative degrees attractive. The real value is created, not by type or duration or name of degrees, but by the quality of curriculum, pedagogy, integration of knowledge, skills, attitudes, industry-connect, faculty, and learner effort, he said.

Published on May 20, 2025