Introduction

India’s higher education system has always been seen as a ladder to stability and respect. For decades, parents and students followed a set formula: study hard, secure admission into a “safe” degree, and then get a job. But 2025 paints a different picture. The job market no longer rewards degrees by name alone; it rewards skills, adaptability, and practical knowledge.

Recent reports suggest that almost half of Indian graduates are not considered employable, and employers increasingly question the relevance of traditional degrees. Automation, artificial intelligence, global competition, and policy shifts have reshaped which degrees still hold value, and which ones are slowly dying out.

Let’s dive into the degrees that are losing their relevance in 2025, why it’s happening, and what students should do instead.

Degrees Losing Relevance

Postgraduate Engineering Degrees (MTech)

Not long ago, MTech was considered the natural next step for engineering graduates who didn’t want to jump into jobs immediately. But today, many MTech seats across India remain vacant. The reason? Students no longer see much value in spending two extra years on theoretical learning when industry certifications and real-world projects bring faster career benefits. Companies often hire BTech graduates directly and expect them to upskill on the job, leaving the MTech degree with a shrinking audience.

Traditional Engineering Branches

Fields like Civil, Mechanical, and Chemical Engineering are also seeing reduced interest compared to Computer Science, Electronics, and IT. This isn’t because these branches lack importance, but because opportunities are fewer, and salaries are often not as attractive. In contrast, careers in AI, data science, cybersecurity, and semiconductor technology are booming, drawing students away from core engineering. Unless traditional branches reinvent their curricula to focus on emerging needs such as sustainable infrastructure or green technologies, they risk continued decline.

Generic Business Degrees (BBA, BCom without specialization)

Business and commerce degrees are popular entry points for students who want a career in management or corporate jobs. However, in 2025, generic business degrees without specialization are losing their edge. Employers are less interested in hiring someone with only a BBA or plain BCom when they can find candidates skilled in digital marketing, analytics, fintech, or supply chain technology. In today’s competitive environment, generalist degrees are seen as too broad and lacking immediate application.

Pure Humanities and Arts Degrees

Degrees in English, Philosophy, History, and similar humanities subjects are facing an identity crisis. They are still valuable for intellectual development and academic research, but for students seeking high-paying jobs, these degrees alone often don’t open many doors. Graduates frequently have to pursue additional qualifications, certifications, or government exams to secure employment. This is pushing many students to opt for applied or hybrid degrees instead.

Distance Learning Degrees in Certain Fields

In some disciplines like Psychology, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has already invalidated distance-mode degrees. Many employers also remain skeptical about online or correspondence qualifications in fields where practical or hands-on training is essential. As regulations tighten, and with skill-based hiring taking precedence, such degrees are rapidly losing value.

Why These Degrees Are Dying

The decline of these degrees is not random, it is driven by several powerful trends:

1. Skill-based hiring is replacing degree-based hiring: Employers want candidates who can show skills in AI, coding, digital tools, or problem-solving, rather than just holding a degree certificate.

2. Technology is rewriting industries: Automation and AI have reduced the need for routine jobs. This directly impacts graduates of programs that don’t integrate practical, future-ready skills.

3. Curriculum mismatch: Many universities still teach outdated material that has little relevance to real industry needs. The gap between what’s taught and what companies want is widening.

4. Return on investment concerns: Students and families today think of education as an investment. If a degree doesn’t translate into better jobs or salaries, it quickly loses popularity.

5. Policy changes: New UGC rules and government regulations sometimes invalidate courses, particularly in online or distance mode, making certain degrees risky for students.

Degrees Still Holding Strong

While some fields are fading, others are shining brighter than ever. Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Electronics, and IT are the frontrunners in terms of student demand and employer interest. Green technologies, sustainability studies, and renewable energy are also attracting attention as climate change creates urgent new industries. Life sciences, biotechnology, and applied sciences are stable choices too, provided students gain industry-aligned exposure during their studies.

What Students Should Do in 2025

If you are planning your higher education journey now, here are some steps to ensure your degree remains valuable:

• Prioritize practical learning. Look for colleges that offer internships, projects, and industry tie-ups.

• Choose specialization over generalization. A BBA in digital marketing or finance analytics is more valuable than a plain BBA.

• Pair degrees with certifications. Short-term online courses in AI, data science, cloud computing, or UX design can greatly improve employability.

• Stay open to hybrid careers. A student with a humanities background but skills in digital content creation or communications technology can still thrive.

• Focus on adaptability. Lifelong learning is essential. Don’t assume one degree will serve you for life, keep reskilling as industries evolve.

Also Read:

• 10 Degrees in India That Are Passion-Driven but Not Career-Friendly
• Low ROI Degrees in India: Courses That Don’t Pay Back Well

Conclusion

The phrase “degrees that are dying” may sound harsh, but the reality is that the job market in India is changing faster than ever. Degrees that don’t keep up with new skills, industry needs, or technology trends are naturally losing relevance.

That doesn’t mean these fields have no future, it means students must be smarter about how they pursue them. Whether you’re interested in business, engineering, arts, or sciences, the key to success in 2025 and beyond is combining your education with in-demand skills, real-world exposure, and the ability to adapt.

The degree may be your foundation, but in today’s world, it’s your skills and mindset that truly build your career.