Even in an era of rapidly expanding online learning platforms like Coursera, UpGrad, and YouTube, most Indian professionals aren’t ready to trade in their degrees just yet. According to a recent report by TeamLease EdTech, 66% of Indian working professionals believe that traditional degrees and diplomas remain the most valuable qualifications for long-term career advancement.
The report, titled Impact of Upskilling on Performance Appraisals, surveyed over 14,000 professionals across key sectors such as Sales, Tech, HR, and Finance.
Degrees Still Dominate the Career Ladder
While online certifications are increasingly used for quick skill acquisition, professionals remain sceptical about their ability to drive promotions or significant career shifts. Traditional degrees, on the other hand, continue to serve as trusted career credentials—especially during performance reviews and appraisals.
“A degree still carries weight as a structured, recognised signal of competency. It adds credibility during evaluations and helps define clear career pathways,” the report notes.
Short-Term Courses Serve Tactical Needs
That’s not to say online learning isn’t catching on. Over 50% of respondents reported using short-term online certifications, typically lasting 1 to 3 months, to quickly adapt to evolving job requirements. Platforms like YouTube, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning are especially popular for targeted, role-specific learning.
This trend is most prominent in Sales and Marketing, where 80% of professionals said they rely on short courses for immediate, job-relevant skills—not necessarily for long-term growth.
Long-Term Thinking Fuels Formal Learning
When it comes to serious career progression, structured academic programmes still lead the way. The study found:
- 61% of respondents cited long-term career planning as the top reason for upskilling
- These individuals were 3x more likely to feel confident about their career direction
- 84% of professionals pursued some form of upskilling in the past year, with a significant number opting for degrees or diplomas
Interestingly, those who chose long-format courses—even without immediate promotions—reported greater clarity and future readiness in their careers.
Who’s Paying? Employees, Mostly
While employer-sponsored learning exists, most professionals are taking charge of their own upskilling:
- 46% self-funded their most recent course
- Only 24% received full financial support from their companies
- In tech and finance sectors, 78% of respondents paid out-of-pocket
This growing trend of self-initiated learning signals a shift toward individual career ownership—with degrees seen as a long-term investment in employability and stability.
Two-Speed Upskilling: Quick Skills vs. Career Gains
The report highlights a clear dual approach in learning strategies:
- Short-term certifications are used for on-the-job efficiency
- Long-term education is preferred for career advancement and structural growth
Over 42% of professionals who upskilled (especially through formal programmes) reported a promotion, salary hike, or new role within 18 months—proving the enduring impact of traditional qualifications in a dynamic job market.
The Bottom Line
Online courses may offer speed and convenience, but for most Indian professionals, degrees still define direction. As career paths become increasingly nonlinear and competitive, formal education provides not just knowledge, but a reliable roadmap—helping individuals navigate their future with clarity and confidence.
