Parents Still Push Old Courses, But Students Are Choosing Differently

In 2025, one of the clearest education trends is the growing divide between what parents want their children to study and what students themselves prefer. For decades, traditional courses in humanities, general business, and pure sciences were considered safe and respectable choices. But today’s learners are steering away, driven by job prospects, career clarity, and skill relevance in a fast-changing economy.

Humanities and General Arts Losing Appeal

Parents often recommend arts and humanities degrees because they seem broad and respectable. Yet across India, enrolments are shrinking. At Kerala University this year, courses like BSc Mathematics and Computer Application filled only about 10% of seats, while vocational programs in IT and tourism barely reached 3–10%. Globally too, interest in generic humanities and social sciences has been declining as students opt for fields with clearer career pathways.

Business Degrees Without Skills Fall Behind

Business administration, commerce, and management remain popular suggestions from parents, but recruiters now demand more than broad theory. Hiring reports show employers prefer candidates with digital skills, analytics expertise, and real project experience. A plain BBA or general business degree no longer excites students unless it directly boosts employability.

Pure Sciences Shift Toward Applied Streams

Parents often push physics or chemistry degrees, believing they showcase academic strength. But students increasingly choose applied sciences and life sciences, which connect to careers in healthcare, biotech, and environmental research. At Delhi University, BSc Zoology recently ranked among the top three preferred courses, overtaking English honours—a sign that students want subjects tied to tangible job opportunities.

Engineering and medicine remain strong choices, but preferences have shifted within these fields. Applied engineering branches and MBBS programs are in demand, while generic or low-outcome options are losing traction.

Foreign Degrees Lose Their Shine

Studying abroad, once seen as prestigious, is also losing appeal. Rising costs, stricter visa rules, and doubts about return on investment have led to fewer Indian students heading to Canada, the UK, or the US. Even globally respected degrees are being reconsidered if they don’t promise clear career payoffs.

What Students Are Choosing Instead

Today’s learners are gravitating toward:

• STEM and applied science degrees with direct career pathways

• Skill-linked short courses that add value early

• Professional programs offering fast entry into paid work

• Vocational and technical education in growing job sectors

School data shows only 47% of Indian schools currently offer skill-based classes, and even fewer students take them—highlighting a gap educators and parents are now eager to close.

The Bottom Line

Parents may still push traditional courses, but students are prioritizing relevance, outcomes, and career clarity. Degrees with vague job prospects are losing their appeal, and unless they adapt to modern needs, this trend is unlikely to reverse.