Authored article by Fabha Afreen, an Assistant Professor of Law and a passionate advocate for educational reform.
KARIMNAGAR, JULY 09, 2025: As I pored over the latest data from the Degree Online Services Telangana (DOST) 2025 counselling, a stark reality hit me: 2.93 lakh empty seats in Telangana’s undergraduate programmes are a glaring testament to the dwindling value of traditional degrees. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a warning sign that the education system is failing to deliver.
A Crisis of Confidence
Take Osmania University, for instance. With only 34% of its 1,95,397 seats filled, it’s clear that students are voting with their feet. Kakatiya University isn’t faring much better, with just 31% of its 1,07,080 seats taken. The National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management has only 7 students admitted out of 120 seats – a staggering 94% vacancy rate. And then there are the 64 colleges that reported zero admissions after three rounds of counselling. What’s going on?
The Shift: From “Degrees” to “Deliverables”
Today’s youth want more than just a piece of paper. They crave skills, mentorship, and real-world exposure. A degree that doesn’t guarantee employability, entrepreneurial edge, or industry-relevant knowledge is, quite frankly, worthless. Online platforms offering certifications in AI, digital marketing, and coding are snapping up students’ attention – and rightly so. Why invest three years and a small fortune in a degree that might not lead to a job?
Rebuilding the Degree System
So, what can be done? Here are some potential solutions:
– Skill-Embedded Degrees: Let’s make degrees more practical. A (link unavailable) student should graduate with Tally + GST training, while a B.A. student should have content writing or public policy certifications.
– Industry Integration: Mandatory internships, partnerships with local businesses, and co-designed syllabi can make degrees more relevant.
– Flexible Learning Paths: Multi-exit options, combined majors, and credit weightage for MOOCs can make education more accessible and personalised.
The Consequences of Inaction
If we ignore this crisis, we’ll be left with wasted public funds, unused infrastructure, and unemployed youth. The writing is on the wall: reinvent the degree system, or risk obsolescence.
The Future of Education
It’s time to listen to the voice of a generation that wants more than just a certificate. They want value. Let’s give it to them.
Source Reference:
Statistics and data referenced from: Akula, Yuvraj. “Telangana: 64 degree colleges score grand Zero Admission; nearly 3 lakh seats vacant.
Authored article by Fabha Afreen, an Assistant Professor of Law and a passionate advocate for educational reform
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