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IIT/IIM vs. Online Skill Courses: There was a time when an IIT or IIM tag was considered a guarantee of a settled life. Sweets would be distributed among relatives, and a high-paying package—running into lakhs or even crores—at a major multinational company was seen as a certainty. But that is no longer the case. The corporate and job market landscape has shifted rapidly over the last two to three years. Today, a new trend is gaining momentum in the worlds of technology and management: ‘Degree vs. Skill.’

Many major companies and startups have started prioritizing the question "What can you actually do?" over the name of the college listed on a resume. Young professionals who have completed six-month certification courses in fields like Data Science, AI, or Digital Marketing are now staking their claim on jobs that were once the exclusive domain of graduates from elite colleges. So, are these six-month courses truly outperforming degrees that cost lakhs? Let’s look at the data and trends to understand this.

Degree vs. Skill: What do reports and data say?
Industry reports indicate that companies like Google, Microsoft, IBM, and numerous major tech startups have moved away from a ‘Degree-First’ policy in favor of ‘Skill-First’ hiring. According to a LinkedIn report, over 45% of recruiters in India are removing mandatory degree requirements from job descriptions. Meanwhile, a NASSCOM report estimates that in the coming years, the IT and tech sectors will generate over 5 million jobs requiring only practical skills—such as AI prompting, data analytics, and cloud computing.

High Costs vs. Pocket-Friendly Learning

Pursuing a B.Tech from an IIT or an MBA from an IIM typically costs between ₹10 lakh and ₹25 lakh. Even then, there is no guarantee of placement if a recession hits. In contrast, online skill courses or bootcamps can make you industry-ready within six months for a budget ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹1 lakh. For young people looking to avoid the burden of education loans, these courses have emerged as excellent and affordable options.

The IIT/IIM Network and Alumni Base: Hard to Overlook

While a six-month course can teach you the job itself, institutions like IITs and IIMs are renowned for their networking opportunities and brand value. The alumni network of premium colleges offers lifelong benefits. Furthermore, attributes such as leadership qualities, a problem-solving mindset, and peer-to-peer learning cannot be acquired through six months of online screen time alone.

The Hybrid Model is the Real Winner

The reality is that a six-month certification course is not a complete substitute for an IIT or IIM degree; rather, it serves as a valuable supplement. Today, the candidates who succeed are those who combine a strong educational foundation (a degree) with hands-on experience in the latest technologies (gained through certifications). If you are studying at an ordinary college, there is no need to be disheartened. Simply complement your degree with an in-demand six-month skill-based course, and you can go head-to-head with any IITian!

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.