New Delhi: Economist and member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, Sanjeev Sanyal, has sparked a debate on the future of tertiary education, arguing that traditional college degrees and the pursuit of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) jobs may no longer be relevant in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
AI Outpacing Traditional Education
Sanyal stated that AI is now “vastly superior” at delivering lectures and providing knowledge, rendering lecture-based universities increasingly irrelevant. “Till the 20th century, people going to university on a routine basis was an elite activity. Technology is making lecture-based universities irrelevant,” he said in a video interview with a prestigious news agency.
He highlighted the growing gap between tertiary education and the needs of the industry, describing it as a problem for the skilling system. According to him, while traditional tertiary education focused on intellectual and philosophical development, practical skilling – once considered a trade – has become critical in today’s technology-driven economy.
Reevaluating the Role of UPSC and Degree-Based Careers
Sanyal was particularly critical of the Union Public Service Commission, calling the pursuit of such positions “a complete waste of time.” He noted that while the UPSC model may have suited the 1960s, the rapid technological changes of the 21st century make such rigid systems outdated.
He added, “Technology has changed, and it is now a routine affair. Upgrading the entire professor faculty to keep pace with rapid advancements, similar to how phones are upgraded every year, will be very difficult.”
Apprenticeships and Skill-Based Education
The economist stressed that education systems should pivot towards apprenticeships and practical skill development rather than solely focusing on degrees. “Industry is ahead of academia,” he said, advocating that students should enter the workforce early and pursue degrees alongside jobs.
He cited examples like Sridhar Vembu, founder of Zoho, and Elon Musk, who prioritized practical work experience over formal degrees. Sanyal recommended online classes and examinations while working, emphasizing that AI should be embraced as a tool to upgrade skills and career prospects.
Social Life and Education
Addressing concerns about students’ social experiences, Sanyal argued that social life is not contingent on attending university. “Till the 20th century, people didn’t have a social life. Many people don’t go to university, but people still have social lives,” he said.
He underscored that the combination of AI, practical work, and online education can provide both professional growth and personal development.
Preparing for an AI-Driven Future
Sanyal concluded by emphasizing that AI will cause significant disruption in the education and job sectors. Those who adapt quickly and integrate AI into their skill-building processes will have a competitive advantage. He reiterated the urgent need to rethink tertiary education in India to ensure students are prepared for a rapidly evolving job market.
