In India, when students go to college and when it comes to choosing a degree, many of them and their families have limited career options in mind like engineering, medicine, commerce and computer science etc. But there are many courses which are chosen by very few people like fine arts, philosophy, literature and other liberal subjects. These subjects have their own unique value, but still very few students choose these courses in India and these subjects are very less popular.

There can be many reasons for not choosing these subjects like family and society expectations, fear of not getting a job, and our education system forces students not to choose these courses.

1. The Pressure of Financial Security for Students

For Indian families, higher education isn’t just about studying, but the first step toward financial stability. Many students choose courses like engineering, medicine, IT, and business because they are considered a safe career option. These fields offer job prospects and good salaries.

On the other hand, students avoid courses like fine arts, philosophy, or literature because finding a job in these fields isn’t easy, and even if they do, the salary is negligible. Therefore, these fields are often considered risky.  Parents worry that even after studying so much, they won’t be able to find a job. Therefore, students prefer to pursue fields that offer jobs and high-paying salaries.

Furthermore, given the high competition and rising expenses in India, achieving financial stability as quickly as possible has become increasingly important. For a middle-class family, investing in a course that doesn’t secure their future often feels like risking their own future.

2. Social Perceptions and Status for students

In India, there are certain professions that are considered very high and respectable in society. Like, Doctor, Engineering or any Government Officer, all these are professions which not only provide good income but also bring a lot of respect and reputation in the society. On the other hand, courses like Fine Arts, Philosophy are seen only as a hobby and not as a permanent career option.

This thing starts from the school level itself. If a student is interested in Arts, Painting/Drawing, or Music, then they get appreciation but when it comes to choosing a career option in these fields, then due to family pressure and society, they have to give up their hobby and come into the field of Doctor or Engineer. 

3. Limited Awareness of Career Opportunities

Another major reason is that people are not aware that these fields also offer excellent opportunities. For instance, students pursuing a Fine Arts course aren’t limited to painting or drawing; they can also work in fields like animation, advertising, art therapy, museum curation, or digital marketing. Similarly, philosophy students also have numerous career options, including public policy, ethics consulting, academia, and corporate strategy.

But the problem is that schools and career counselors don’t explain these fields clearly, which creates a myth in the minds of students and their parents that it’s difficult to get a good salary and a job in these fields.

4. Education System Focused on STEM and Commerce

Most exams in India are related to science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM). From childhood, students are forced to prepare for medical or engineering entrance exams. Humanities subjects (Arts and Philosophy) aren’t valued as much.

Furthermore, colleges and universities provide limited funding and scholarships for these subjects. It’s obvious that students are also deterred from choosing these subjects as their career options. And so it all starts to play out in a loop. Fewer students enroll in these fields, and then other students are less attracted to these fields.

5. The Myth of “No Jobs”

There is a notion in people’s minds that there is no permanent and stable job in Fine Arts, Philosophy or Humanities. But the truth is that networking, freelancing and creative business are required to make a career in these fields but we cannot say that choosing a career option in these fields is useless. Many great writers, content creators, art directors, psychologists and policy analysts started their career from these fields.

The only thing is that people do not know well about these fields. They always have this thought in their mind that there are less jobs and no good salary in these fields. They always have the idea in their mind that they only become successful doctors or engineers.  Because of this, these fields attract them more, and they tend to gravitate towards them.

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6. Parental Influence and Generational Mindset

In India, families play a significant role in career selection. Parents always ensure that their children do not experience the same life they have seen and prioritize a secure and stable career. Yes, their thinking is not wrong, as for them, choosing a secure career option is not just about earning a good income, but also about gaining fame and recognition in society.  And for them, a secure career option is only a doctor, engineer, or a government official. While many new career options have emerged today, the thoughts and beliefs of the older generation still influence children’s decisions.

7. Peer Pressure and Competitive Culture

One major reason is that when most classmates are preparing for engineering, science, and math exams, students interested in subjects like arts and philosophy feel a little inferior and isolated when looking at their classmates.  And because of this, many students abandon their interests and join the crowd, just to be funny and not stand out.

8. The Changing Scenario: Slow but Positive Shifts

Despite all these challenges, the situation is slowly changing. The growing demand for digital media, creative industries, and startups is bringing new opportunities for arts and humanities students. Nowadays, large companies value not only technical knowledge but also skills like critical thinking, creativity, and good communication, qualities taught in arts and philosophy courses.

Furthermore, social media has given artists, writers, and thinkers the opportunity to showcase their work and build their own careers. Today, a talented illustrator or content creator can reach people around the world without having to work for a job. 

9. What Needs to Change

For more students to embrace these fields, India’s educational and cultural ecosystem must shift:

• Career Counseling: Schools need to educate students about the importance of liberal arts and philosophy as well as the potential for good career opportunities.

• Parental Awareness: Workshops or seminars can be held to educate parents about the importance of creativity and the arts in today’s world and how these can lead to good employment opportunities.

• Institutional Support: If colleges and institutions offer better scholarships, internships, and industry connections, it will become easier and more attractive for students to pursue these degrees.

• A Positive Media Image: If the media showcases stories of successful individuals in these fields, students will be inspired to pursue their hobbies and interests as careers.

Final Thoughts

In India, people are hesitant to pursue fine arts, philosophy, or similar subjects because of outdated family or social thinking and concerns about job security. However, creativity and thinking skills are increasingly valued globally. 

Students who choose these subjects based on their heart may face initial challenges. However, this gives them the opportunity to showcase new and different ideas. These “unconventional” degrees can prove to be very beneficial in the long run.