Why 85% of Indian Graduates Are Choosing Certifications Over Degrees for Career Success

New insights from the CFA Institute Graduate Outlook Survey 2025 reveal a significant shift in how Indian graduates view their career paths, with a strong preference for professional certifications over traditional postgraduate degrees.

Certifications Lead the Way in Career Growth

• 85% of Indian graduates report that certifications have directly improved their employability or earnings.
• 68% believe certifications offer better career progression than a postgraduate degree, highlighting a move towards flexible, outcome-driven learning.

Finance: The Top Career Choice

• 38% of Indian graduates rank finance as their top career choice, ahead of IT (32%) and education (21%).
• The sector's stability, growth potential, and global relevance in India’s expanding economy are key factors driving this preference.

Embracing AI and Digital Tools

• 92% of graduates feel confident using AI tools in the workplace, with more than half actively seeking employers that offer AI training.
• Interest in AI careers has risen from 59% in 2024 to 63% this year, indicating a pivot towards future-aligned fields.

Global Learning, Local Opportunities

• While nearly two-thirds of Indian graduates consider studying abroad, 67% prefer to return to India for employment, reflecting confidence in the domestic job market.

Digital Platforms for Career Exploration

• 46% use social media to explore career paths and build their professional presence.
• 83% trust AI assistants for financial advice, and 74% rely on insights from social media influencers, showcasing a growing reliance on tech-driven support.

Trust in Financial Guidance

• 91% of Indian graduates place the highest trust in human financial advisors.
• Friends and family (83%), AI assistants (83%), and online financial education resources (75%) are also highly trusted.

Margaret Franklin, CFA, President and CEO of CFA Institute, noted the increasing interest in finance as a career choice, emphasizing its essential role in society and the need for committed young professionals to address societal challenges.