Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath has declared that traditional four-year college degrees are becoming obsolete, emphasizing that lifelong learning is now the only essential skill for career survival. His warning comes as the World Economic Forum‘s Future of Jobs Report 2025 predicts massive disruption in the global workforce by 2030, with 92 million jobs set to disappear while 170 million new roles emerge.“The days of 4-year college courses are over. Lifelong learning is the new norm, for everyone,” Kamath stated on social media, responding to projections that show technology will handle 34% of workplace tasks by 2030, up from just 22% today.
Millions face unemployment without continuous upskilling
The WEF report reveals a stark reality: 39% of current core skills may become outdated by 2030, with countries like Egypt (48%), UAE (41%), and India (38%) facing the highest skill obsolescence rates. Despite this looming crisis, one in nine workers—approximately 11% of the global workforce—will receive no upskilling training by the decade’s end.
Poll
Do you believe that traditional four-year college degrees are becoming obsolete?
The automation wave threatens traditional roles including cashiers, clerks, and secretaries, while creating massive demand for farmworkers, software developers, and delivery drivers. The green transition alone is expected to generate over 34 million new agricultural jobs.
AI and adaptability top future skill requirements
According to the report, the top 10 fastest-growing skills include AI and big data expertise, cybersecurity, technological literacy, and creative thinking. However, Kamath emphasizes that the ability to continuously learn and adapt trumps all specific technical knowledge.Currently, 63% of employers report that skill gaps are already hurting their business operations. In response, 77% plan to retrain existing staff, while 69% aim to hire AI specialists. However, 41% admit they will eliminate roles that cannot adapt to technological demands.While 75% of companies express confidence in developing their current workforce, 38% harbor doubts about new graduates’ capabilities—highlighting the growing disconnect between traditional education and market needs. As Kamath warns: “If you wish to be irreplaceable, upskill.”
