Some common degrees in India have become too broad or outdated for today’s job market. Simply graduating isn’t enough anymore, especially when lakhs of students choose the same path each year.
With rising competition, automation, and changing industry expectations, several degrees, despite their popularity, won’t get you far without additional skills, certifications, or practical experience.
Here’s a breakdown of 12 such degrees and specific, actionable ways you can strengthen each one to stay relevant and employable in India.
1. B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce)
B.Com remains one of the most popular undergraduate choices, but it’s also among the most crowded. Most entry-level jobs in commerce pay very little unless you bring in-demand skills.
How you can strengthen it: Consider pursuing CA, CMA, or CFA if you’re drawn to core finance. If you’re more interested in accounting or operations, add hands-on training in Tally Prime, Power BI, Excel, or GST. These skills are often required in private firms and startups.
2. BA in English Literature
Strong language skills alone no longer guarantee a job. Without domain knowledge or digital experience, it’s difficult to stand out in hiring.
Ways to expand your scope: Learn content writing, SEO, and editing for online platforms. Get comfortable with tools like WordPress, Grammarly, and Canva. Freelancing or running a personal blog helps demonstrate real-world impact.
3. BSc in General Science
This degree offers academic knowledge, but little workplace application unless you specialize further. Many students find themselves unsure of where to apply this background.
What helps make it useful: Go for a PG diploma in clinical research, environmental science, or lab tech. For those interested in government roles or research, GATE or CSIR-NET is a smart next step.
4. BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)
While BBA introduces basic business concepts, it doesn’t offer deep skills in finance, analytics, or operations. Most roles require proof of practical business understanding.
How to move forward: Pursue SAP training, Google Data Analytics, or marketing certifications from Meta and HubSpot. If you’re aiming for management roles, consider an MBA, but only if you qualify for Tier-1 or Tier-2 institutes.
5. BA in Political Science, History, or Sociology
These degrees build strong theoretical frameworks but rarely connect to real job roles in the private sector unless paired with targeted skills or exams.
What you can explore: For public sector careers, UPSC, SSC, or State PSC exams are natural fits. If you want to stay in the development sector, consider NGO management, public policy, or data for social impact.
6. BSc IT or BCA (Computer Applications)
This route gives a tech foundation, but students often struggle to get hired due to limited programming depth or real-world project experience.
Ways to upgrade: Learn Python, JavaScript, and web development through coding bootcamps or platforms like Coding Ninjas or Coursera. Add DevOps or cloud certifications like AWS to access better-paying IT roles.
7. BJMC (Journalism and Mass Communication)
Traditional journalism is shrinking, and many new graduates don’t have digital production or media marketing experience, both of which are now essential.
How to get ahead: Focus on video editing (Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve), podcasting, and writing for social media platforms. Building a YouTube channel or newsletter on Substack shows initiative and creativity.
8. B.Ed (Bachelor of Education)
This degree is a must for school teaching, but no longer guarantees private school placement unless you know digital tools and can handle blended classrooms.
Ways to improve employability: Master Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and Canva for education. A short course in early childhood education or special needs teaching adds new opportunities in urban schools.
9. BSc in Agriculture
A respected field with solid government opportunities, but very limited roles in the private sector unless you pivot toward agri-business or tech.
How to scale it: Learn precision farming, agri-tech, or GIS mapping. Explore master’s programs in agribusiness or sustainable agriculture, especially if you’re interested in startups or development work.
10. BA in Psychology
Graduating with psychology gives you insight into behavior, but most roles in therapy, HR, or research demand postgraduate credentials.
Next steps that help: You’ll need an MA/MSc in Psychology to work in clinical or academic roles. Add certifications in counseling, HR analytics, or organizational behavior depending on your interests.
11. Hotel Management
Many graduates enter the field with great enthusiasm, only to find themselves stuck in entry-level jobs with long hours and minimal growth.
How to boost your prospects: Try event planning, social media marketing for restaurants, or food styling. Learn Oracle Hospitality or other hotel ERP tools. If you’re entrepreneurial, consider building your brand on Swiggy or Zomato.
12. Fashion Design (from lesser-known institutes)
If your degree isn’t from NIFT or a top school, placements and recognition can be difficult to achieve without strong personal branding or visibility.
What helps break in: Build a digital portfolio on Behance or Instagram. Learn CLO 3D and Illustrator to show your technical edge. Intern with boutiques or launch your designs through platforms like Etsy or IndiaMART.
Final Suggestions to Future-Proof Any Degree
Even if your degree isn’t on this list, the core idea applies widely in 2025:
- Don’t stop at graduation – Combine your degree with a clear skill set, online certification, or internship.
- Focus on outcomes, not just qualifications – Employers care about what you can do, not just what you’ve studied.
- Use platforms that matter – NASSCOM’s FutureSkills Prime, Coursera, upGrad, and AICTE’s NEAT 3.0 list industry-linked skills for Indian jobs.
