The era of the MBA is over! Why India’s CEA says AI skills, not degrees, will shape careers | Today’s news
India’s Chief Economic Adviser (CEA), V. Anantha Nageswaran, urged young Indians to rethink traditional ideas about education and employment, warning that degrees alone may no longer be enough to ensure long-term career success.
Speaking on the ANI podcast, Nageswaran said many students follow a predictable educational path – completing graduation, pursuing higher studies or preparing for competitive exams like UPSC – without fully considering whether these qualifications translate into sustainable job opportunities in the future.
According to CEA, the changing nature of work and advances in technology require a different approach that puts more emphasis on practical skills, human capabilities and adaptability.
Why CEA says the “era of the MBA” is over
During the interview, Nageswaran reflected on the advice he gave not only to his own children, but also to the children of his friends.
He argued that India has historically placed more value on academic degrees while overlooking professional professions and skilled trades.
According to him, countries such as Switzerland, Germany, Japan, South Korea and China have traditionally shown more respect for occupations involving practical skills.
“The globalizing world gave some edge to software, IT and MBA education, but that era is gone,” Nageswaran said.
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Rather than relying solely on conventional professional degrees, he suggested that young people should focus on developing skills that remain valuable even as technology transforms industries.
Business skills could be more valuable
Nageswaran pointed to professions such as welding, plumbing, carpentry and electrical work as examples of occupations that deserve more recognition.
He argued that these fields often provide hands-on experience that cannot be easily automated or outsourced.
CEA’s comments come amid growing global debate about how artificial intelligence and automation could transform employment across sectors.
Future opportunities may increasingly favor occupations that combine technical skills with human judgment and hands-on experience, he said.
Jobs AI cannot be easily replaced
To illustrate his point, Nageswaran recounted an interview with a young chef who felt disgusted after comparing his career path with friends working in other professions.
The economist said he advised the chef not to measure success by comparisons on social media.
“You’ve learned a skill that technology can’t easily replicate,” he said.
According to Nageswaran, careers involving face-to-face interaction, creativity and human presence may become even more valuable in the coming years.
In particular, he highlighted consulting, care and hospitality as sectors where human judgment and emotional intelligence are likely to remain important despite advances in technology.
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The broader message, he suggested, is that employability in the future may depend less on formal qualifications themselves and more on the ability to provide value that machines cannot easily replace.
Why health matters as much as education
Apart from education and career choice, Nageswaran also emphasized the importance of physical and mental well-being.
He said discussions about India’s future often focus on whether the country will grow old before it gets rich. However, he believes that another interest deserves more attention.
According to the CEA, India needs to consider whether it is becoming unhealthy before it becomes prosperous.
Citing findings from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), he noted that obesity rates have risen across income groups despite improvements in several other health indicators.
Factors contributing to this trend include a sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity and late-night eating habits, he said.
Economic growth needs healthy citizens
Nageswaran argued that economic progress cannot be measured by technology adoption, infrastructure development or GDP growth alone.
A productive workforce, he said, depends on citizens who are physically and mentally healthy.
He says health and employability are closely linked, with well-being influencing productivity, earning potential and long-term career success.
As India seeks to create opportunities for its large youth population, he suggested that investing in health can be just as important as investing in education.
