Will The Degree System Be Abolished? Education Minister Pradhan Highlights Skill Gap

Last Updated:January 02, 2026, 6:09 PM IST

The Education Minister emphasised that education’s purpose now extends beyond classroom learning to understanding the real needs of the industry.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced significant changes to the education system in the country. He stressed the need to move beyond traditional education that only awards degrees. In today’s evolving global environment, it’s insufficient for young people to have just a formal degree; they also need practical skills. The government’s goal is to create an education system based on skills, entrepreneurship, and apprenticeship.

The Education Minister highlighted that the current education system has long focused solely on books and exams, leading to a substantial gap between industry and academia. To address this, major reforms are being implemented under the New National Education Policy (NEP). Dharmendra Pradhan pointed to successful models like Zoho and large companies such as TCS to demonstrate how the criteria for assessing talent have shifted. Now, companies prioritise working ability and innovative thinking over degrees.

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Practical skills are more important than theoretical knowledge

The Education Minister emphasised that education’s purpose now extends beyond classroom learning to understanding the real needs of the industry. He praised the Zoho Education model in Chennai for prioritising direct skill acquisition over theoretical burdens. When students learn the intricacies of work while studying, they are better equipped for future challenges.

Changing industry demands

Dharmendra Pradhan noted that the industry now seeks “solutions” rather than just “certificates.” Through the Vikasit Bharat Education Foundation, skill development and apprenticeships are being integrated into the curriculum. This will enable students to gain work experience while continuing their studies.

No ‘three-language formula’?

The Education Minister dismissed the ongoing language debate, emphasising that the real challenge is communication and understanding, not language itself. The “three-language formula” in the new education policy aims to ensure children become proficient in their mother tongue as well as other languages. A strong foundational understanding will enable young people to express themselves confidently at a global level.

Increasing women’s participation

To achieve a developed India, Dharmendra Pradhan placed special emphasis on increasing women’s participation in the labour force. He believes that a strong economy requires active participation from all segments of society, especially women. Connecting women with digital skills and technology is a priority for the government to achieve this goal.

The impact of technology

Citing the example of drone technology, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan explained how modern skills are transforming traditional sectors like agriculture. Future advancements such as “AI for Education” will further modernise teaching methods. The right combination of technology and labour force will create new employment opportunities. To make India a global leader, we must combine “knowledge with understanding” and “degrees with skills.”

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