‘The MBA Era Is Over’: CEA V Anantha Nageswaran Advises Youth to Prioritise Trade Skills and Human-Centric Jobs

17 June, 2026: Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran has urged young people to prepare for a changing job market, saying that artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way people work and creating new challenges for traditional careers.

In an interview with ANI, Nageswaran said that software engineering and MBA degrees, which were once considered among the most promising career options, may no longer guarantee long-term job security as AI continues to advance.

He said students should focus on learning practical and human-centred skills that cannot be easily replaced by technology.

Focus on Skills AI Cannot Replace

According to Nageswaran, the future job market will increasingly value skills that require human interaction, creativity, care and hands-on expertise.

He said young people should consider careers where human presence is essential, as these fields are less likely to be affected by AI-driven automation.

Need to Respect Skilled Trades

The Chief Economic Adviser also highlighted the importance of skilled trades such as plumbing, electrical work, welding and carpentry.

He said countries like Switzerland, Germany, Japan, South Korea and China have given strong recognition to vocational professions, helping them build successful economies.

In contrast, many skilled manual jobs in India are often seen as less desirable. Nageswaran said this mindset needs to change if the country wants to strengthen its workforce and economy.

Unemployment and Skill Gaps Remain a Concern

Nageswaran said India faces two major challenges,  unemployment and a lack of job-ready skills among many workers.

He noted that economic growth alone is not enough if it does not create sufficient employment opportunities. According to him, the focus should be on helping people find sustainable livelihoods and developing skills that match industry needs.

Careers Expected to Remain in Demand

The CEA pointed to several sectors where demand for workers is expected to remain strong and where AI is unlikely to replace people completely. These include:

• Elderly care and caregiving services
• Counselling and therapy for children with special needs
• Healthcare and hospital support services
• Sports education and coaching
• Culinary arts and food-related professions

He said these sectors currently need more trained professionals and could offer good career opportunities in the future.

Adapting to the Future

Nageswaran said young people should look beyond degrees alone and focus on building practical skills that can help them succeed in a rapidly changing economy.

His remarks come as governments, businesses and educational institutions around the world continue to assess the impact of AI on jobs and workforce requirements.