'If you’re 25 and doing an MBA, you’re an idiot': Nikhil Kamath’s comment on Zerodha AMA draws criticism

On LinkedIn, one professional wrote, “He is a founder of a stock broking platform. Let’s start from there. What is his credibility in judging education scenario?” The same user added, “Tomorrow he can say ‘AI is hype’. Maybe a day after that, ‘Researchers are stupid’. But never forget, he is founder of a stock broking platform.”

Another user argued that Kamath’s opinion ignored the realities of those without financial security. “It’s easy to look down on education when you already have wealth, access, and influence,” they said. “But when you come from a middle-class or humble background, you don’t have those shortcuts. Education is often the only bridge that lets you cross over.” They went on to add, “Sure, not every MBA makes you rich. But neither does every startup. Not every stock doubles every year, but people still invest.”

Several others agreed that, for students from smaller towns and limited means, an MBA can be a crucial step towards upward mobility.

The discussion also spread to Reddit, particularly on the r/CATpreparation forum, where students preparing for management entrance exams expressed frustration at Kamath’s statement. One user wrote, “Don’t listen to them. When times come, most companies hiring for upper management will want a top-tier B-school grad. It guarantees polish, aptitude, perseverance. He might not want an MBA grad, but thousands of others do.”

Another user explained, “Being at a top B-school is a signal of intellect and willpower. Obviously, there are people with the same qualities outside of MBA. But it requires a lot of effort to find them. Top B-schools bring such individuals together in one place, so recruiters don’t have to search widely.”

While most reactions were critical, some users agreed with Kamath’s view that formal degrees were losing relevance. One X user wrote, “He is right. Why would you waste your time, money, and energy pursuing something that won’t give the kind of returns that you can get at a fraction of the cost using AI? It’s better to channel your energy into creative pursuits, such as starting a startup.”

Another person added that the MBA model no longer guarantees career progress. “I have an MBA, and I agree. The degree used to open doors, but that benefit is fading. Most of what is taught in MBAs is outdated. You end up spending 20 lakh only to delay unemployment.”

Several others shared similar experiences. “I did an MBA, never needed it, never used it. Nobody has ever asked about my degrees. Most of my learning happened outside campus. At 25, you should already have real-world experience. Get out there, do interesting things, and improve how you communicate,” one wrote.

Still, a number of users took a moderate position, noting that broad statements by entrepreneurs often lack nuance. “Most entrepreneurs don’t know what they’re saying. It’s better to take their advice with context and focus on what’s necessary for your own goals,” one user remarked.

Another post summed up the anger: “According to Nikhil Kamath, if you’re 25 and going for an MBA, you must be some kind of idiot. But honestly, I found his statement more stupid. It’s easy to look down on education when you already have wealth, access, and influence. For middle-class people, education is the only bridge that opens doors. An MBA gives network, credibility, and trust — things billionaires already have by default.”

One more user pointed out class privilege, saying, “Easy to say this when you grow up in a well-off family in a tier-1 city with the right connections. For many of us, an MBA is not just about the course; it’s about the alumni, exposure, and community. It’s an opportunity to access spaces that are otherwise shut off.”

The backlash also revived discussion around Kamath’s earlier controversies. He had previously faced criticism for buying a home shortly after publicly stating that renting was a better financial decision.