Value of Degree: Is a Degree Still Worth It in Today's Job Market?

When people talk about the value of degree, a formal academic qualification awarded by universities or colleges after completing a structured program. Also known as higher education credential, it has long been seen as the golden ticket to stable employment and higher pay. But in 2025, that idea is cracking. More and more Indian job seekers are asking: if you can learn real skills in weeks—not years—and land a job that pays just as well, why spend four years and lakhs of rupees on a degree?

The vocational training, hands-on education focused on specific trades or job roles, often leading to certifications or diplomas. Also known as skill-based learning, it’s growing fast because employers care more about what you can do than what paper you hold. A certified electrician, a digital marketing specialist with a portfolio, or a trained plumber doesn’t need a BA to earn ₹6–10 lakhs a year. Meanwhile, many degree holders struggle to find jobs that match their qualifications. The employability, the ability to gain and keep a job based on relevant skills, attitude, and experience. Also known as job readiness, it’s no longer tied to a degree alone. Companies in India now look at certificates, projects, internships, and even free online courses. Platforms like Coursera and YouTube have made learning practical skills cheaper and faster than ever.

It’s not that degrees are useless—they still matter in fields like medicine, law, or research. But for most careers today, the value of degree is shrinking compared to the value of proven ability. A diploma in plumbing or a certificate in digital marketing can get you hired faster, with less debt, and often higher starting pay. Many of the highest-paying jobs in 2025 don’t require a bachelor’s at all—they need skills you can build in six months.

What you’ll find below are real stories and data from people who chose paths other than the traditional degree route. You’ll see which certificate courses beat degrees in salary, which trades pay more than engineering grads, and how mature learners over 40 are building careers without going back to college. Whether you’re deciding between a degree and a diploma, wondering if your old degree still holds weight, or just trying to figure out how to get hired fast—this collection gives you the facts, not the fluff.