Zerodha Co-founder Nikhil Kamath recently stirred controversy after calling 25-year-olds pursuing an MBA “idiots” during a podcast conversation. “In my opinion, colleges are dead,” Kamath said, arguing that traditional education no longer guarantees success in today’s fast-changing world.
The remark quickly drew sharp criticism online. Many questioned his authority to comment on higher education, with one user writing, “He’s a founder of a stock broking platform… What’s his credibility in judging education?” Others highlighted that for India’s middle-class youth, education remains the most reliable route to upward mobility: “For us, education is the only bridge that opens doors.”
While some agreed with Kamath’s point about the declining relevance of outdated curricula, most felt his statement was elitist and dismissive of those who rely on formal education to build stable careers.
The debate touches a larger question — is formal education losing value, or are successful entrepreneurs simply out of touch with the realities of the average Indian student?
Would you agree with Kamath’s view that “colleges are dead”, or do you believe education still holds the key to opportunity?