Nikhil Kamath, the co-founder of Zerodha, made headlines again with his controversial statement from 2025, claiming that anyone pursuing an MBA at 25 is 'some kind of an idiot'. This remark resurfaced during a recent discussion at the Columbia India Business Conference in New York, where he argued that traditional higher education is failing to adapt to rapid technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). Kamath suggested that the significant financial investment, often exceeding ₹2.5 crore (approximately $300,000 USD) for international degrees, could be better utilized in gaining practical experience or starting a business.

During the event, a student challenged him on his views, but Kamath stood firm, asserting that the true value of such education lies in the networking opportunities it provides rather than the academic content. His comments sparked a polarized debate within the business community, with critics arguing that while successful individuals like Kamath can afford to dismiss formal education, for many, an MBA remains a crucial pathway to high-level professional networks. Supporters of Kamath's perspective, including some leaders in the ed-tech sector, contend that as AI continues to automate many management functions, specialized skills and demonstrable experience are becoming increasingly important.