Sanjeev Sanyal, member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM), has sparked intense debate by calling the pursuit of the UPSC exam and traditional degree-based education “a complete waste of time” in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid technological change. His remarks have kicked off a wider conversation about whether India’s education system is preparing students for the future job market or clinging to outdated paths.
Table of Contents
📊 Sanjeev Sanyal’s Take: Key Points at a Glance
| Topic | Sanyal’s Position |
|---|---|
| UPSC & Competitive Exams | Called pursuit of UPSC a waste of time in today’s tech-driven world. NDTV Profit |
| Traditional Degree Value | Degree-only education is becoming irrelevant. NDTV Profit |
| Role of AI | AI is vastly superior at delivering lectures and core knowledge. |
| Skill vs Degree | Emphasises skills, apprenticeships and practical experience. |
| Education Reform Needed | Universities must evolve to meet industry demands. India Today |
🤖 Why This Statement Matters
Sanyal’s comments reflect a growing debate over India’s education and career ecosystem. The UPSC Civil Services Examination has long been one of the most coveted paths for stable government careers in India. However, with AI and automation reshaping industries, traditional degree-centric approaches are facing scrutiny.
In a recent interview, Sanyal argued that AI can deliver lectures better and faster than traditional classroom settings — making lecture-based university systems less relevant unless they evolve. scanx.trade
He also suggested that many students spend years preparing for UPSC exams without gaining practical, employable skills in the process. In his view, this “obsession” with formal exams and degrees may waste valuable time and human resources. India Today
đź’ˇ What Sanyal Proposes Instead
Sanyal’s comments aren’t just criticism — they include suggestions for reimagining education:
- 🎯 Skill-first mindset: Prioritising industry-aligned skills over rote degrees. Amar Ujala
- 👩‍💻 Apprenticeships & real work: Starting work earlier while learning. scanx.trade
- 🤝 AI integration: Using AI tools for up-to-date instruction and personalised learning. Complete AI Training
This shift mirrors wider global trends where practical skills and adaptability are becoming crucial in a rapidly changing job landscape.
đź“Ś Real World Context
India’s academic institutions and competitive exam culture have delivered brilliant minds for decades — especially in bureaucratic services. But as AI, data analytics, and automation transform workplaces, questions arise on how education should evolve to match real-world demands. One official source for UPSC exam info is the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) website:
👉 https://upsc.gov.in (Official UPSC portal)
âť“ FAQs
Does Sanyal think UPSC should be abolished?
No — he highlights inefficiencies and urges skills and adaptive learning models alongside traditional paths.
Is AI really better than university lectures?
Sanyal argues AI can deliver consistent, updated content more efficiently, but humans are still crucial for mentorship and critical thinking.
