'Gen Z knows reels, but...': Bengaluru CEO after job candidates struggle to solve Class 5 math question

The post quickly gained traction on LinkedIn, triggering a divided response.

A Bengaluru-based chief executive has sparked mixed reactions on LinkedIn, raising concerns that Generation Z’s proficiency in social media may be coming at the expense of essential skills such as problem-solving and financial literacy. Ashish Gupta, who recently conducted a campus recruitment drive, shared his observations in a post titled “Gen Z Knows Reels, But Not Real Math?”, questioning whether digital expertise alone is sufficient for success in the professional world.

Gupta recounted his experience of interviewing over 50 students from various disciplines, including BBA and BCA. As part of the selection process, he posed a fundamental mathematics question, typically taught in Class 5: "If a car travels the first 60 km at 30 km/h and the next 60 km at 60 km/h, what is its average speed?"

Only two students were able to answer correctly, while the majority struggled. However, when asked about marketing strategies, the students displayed extensive knowledge of Instagram reels, viral content, and digital trends.

"This highlights a stark reality—Gen Z is highly skilled in social media but lacks fundamental problem-solving, logical reasoning, and financial literacy. If these trends continue, we may have a generation struggling with personal finance, decision-making, and analytical skills," he wrote. Gupta urged educators, employers, and mentors to address this skill gap, stating that “Critical thinking and basic numeracy are non-negotiable life skills.”

The post quickly gained traction on LinkedIn, triggering a divided response. Some supported Gupta’s viewpoint, agreeing that foundational skills were being overlooked, while others argued that a single question was not an accurate measure of intelligence or capability.

One user questioned the relevance of the math test in the hiring process, commenting: "Sir, you've raised a valid point regarding math skills, but how does this relate to hiring? If the role is for sales, then this question is irrelevant. If you're hiring a maths tutor, I understand your concern. Many CEOs themselves may not answer this correctly, yet they are where they are. Relevance of skills should be the main criteria, not just aptitude tests."

Another user took a more humorous approach, joking, “That was still tough; next time, ask them 100 divided by half.”

Some disagreed with the broader generalisation of Gen Z’s capabilities. One comment read: "It may be an issue with that particular group of students rather than an entire generation."