'If you’re 25 and doing an MBA, you’re an idiot': Nikhil Kamath’s comment sparks discussion
Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, provoked a lively debate on social media after making a controversial statement about young people pursuing MBAs.
“If you’re a 25-year-old going for an MBA, you must be some kind of idiot.”
Kamath made this remark during Zerodha’s ‘Ask Me Anything’ session, where he appeared alongside his brother and fellow co-founder, Nithin Kamath, and other senior members of the company.
When asked about the future of content and education in India, Kamath expressed his personal belief that traditional higher education is becoming obsolete.
“In my personal opinion, colleges are dead. If you are 25 and going to an MBA college today, you must be some kind of an idiot.”
He argued that in the next five years, the shift away from formal education will accelerate, forcing more people into entrepreneurship as traditional jobs decline.
“Five years from now, this trend will be exaggerated, expedited, and a lot more people will not be opting for entrepreneurship, but they’ll have to choose it as there would be fewer jobs in the traditional sense.”
Online Reaction
Kamath’s comments sparked sharp backlash online, with many social media users labeling them dismissive and disconnected from the realities faced by most young professionals.
“Easy to say this when one grows up with a well-to-do family in a tier 1 city with good networks and connections already. If you don’t have that, an MBA is valuable for the institute’s name — it’s not just about the course.”
Many critics highlighted that the statement overlooks the role of formal education for those without privileged backgrounds or access to strong networks.
Author’s Summary
Nikhil Kamath’s bold remarks on MBAs questioned the relevance of formal education, stirring online debate about privilege, practicality, and the changing job landscape.