The debate over the MBA degree has reignited and this time, it has the startup world at the centre of it. The conversation picked up sharp momentum after Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath made a bold remark that questioned the very relevance of the degree.
In a recent conversation during an Ask Me Anything session, Kamath said, “In my opinion, colleges are dead. If you are 25 and going to an MBA college today, you must be some kind of an idiot. If you ask me. I think five years from now, this trend will be exaggerated.” His words triggered a mix of outrage, agreement and introspection among students, educators and professionals.
A counterpoint
But not everyone agrees with the idea that the MBA is dying. Rohit Gupta, COO and Co-founder of College Vidya, argues that the conversation is more nuanced than it appears. Gupta told financialexpress.com that the real shift isn’t against the MBA itself – but against outdated versions of it.
“Learners today aren’t questioning the MBA as a concept; they’re questioning MBAs that don’t justify the cost or build real, employable skills. The MBA isn’t disappearing but being redefined by learner expectations,” he said.
“These remarks don’t signal a decline in the MBA. They actually signal a decline in blind faith in outdated MBA formats,” Gupta explains. He believes that learners aren’t rejecting the degree – they’re rejecting what no longer justifies cost or effort.
“Learners today aren’t questioning the MBA as a concept; they’re questioning MBAs that don’t justify the cost or build real, employable skills. The MBA isn’t disappearing but being redefined by learner expectations,” he added.
A changing demand landscape: Marketing numbers fall to 5.63%
The data from College Vidya reflects this evolution. According to their latest report, Marketing – once one of the most sought-after MBA specialisations – has seen a steep drop, falling to just 5.63% of enrolments. At first glance, this could be interpreted as a declining interest in MBAs. But Gupta said the picture is more layered.
“The drop in marketing specialisations is less about the MBA losing relevance and more about the marketing industry evolving,” he said.
“While MBAs remain valuable for core managerial functions, domains like analytics, finance, HR and tech-led specialisations now offer clearer pathways to growth,” he said.
Gen-Z is reshaping what an MBA means in India
This shift reflects a larger transformation driven by Gen-Z. Unlike earlier generations who pursued MBAs for status, brand name and perceived security, experts believe that Gen-Z sees education through the lens of outcomes and flexibility.
“Gen-Z has reshaped the very lens through which India approaches the MBA. Unlike millennials, who often pursued MBAs for brand value or traditional security, Gen-Z is sharply outcome-driven. They choose programs only if they offer clear ROI, mobility and industry relevance.” He explains that younger learners increasingly rely on comparison platforms, transparency and structured guidance rather than assumptions or reputation.
Additionally, the College Vidya’s insights reveal that the new wave of MBA aspirants often comes from regions like Andhra Pradesh and Hyderabad. “Our data shows younger learners (23-26) dominating enrolment, especially from tech-forward regions like Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh. Gen-Z relies heavily on transparent information, comparison platforms and structured counselling rather than legacy assumptions,” he said.