In a move challenging deep-seated educational norms, Zoho Corporation's co-founder Sridhar Vembu has declared that the software giant has completely eliminated college degree requirements from its hiring process. Vembu framed this as a necessary "major cultural shift" for India, urging parents and corporations to reconsider the traditional emphasis on formal degrees over practical skills.
The Call for a Cultural Shift
Taking to social media platform X, Vembu pointed to a growing trend in the United States where "smart American students now skip going to college" with the support of progressive employers. He believes this model empowers young individuals to achieve financial independence early in life, avoiding the burden of substantial student loans. Vembu asserted that this change in mindset has the potential to reshape not only career trajectories but also broader cultural and political landscapes.
"I would urge educated Indian parents and high schoolers, as well as leading companies to pay attention," Vembu wrote in his post dated December 3, 2025. He emphasized the concept of "youth power," enabling young men and women to stand on their own feet without incurring heavy debt.
How Zoho Enforces Its Skill-First Policy
Detailing Zoho's internal mechanism to uphold this policy, Vembu revealed that the company has a zero-tolerance approach towards degree requirements in job descriptions. "If some manager posts a job that requires a degree, they get a polite message from HR to remove the degree requirement!" he explained. This strict enforcement ensures that hiring managers evaluate candidates solely on their skills, competencies, and potential, rather than on academic credentials.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
Vembu's comments ignited a vigorous debate online, reflecting a societal divide on the issue. Many users strongly supported his viewpoint. Industrialist Dr. Akkshye Tulsyan agreed, stating that talent and determination hold more value than a certificate.
Several others argued that India must stop treating degrees "like sacred relics," especially in an era where skills are increasingly acquired through online platforms and self-learning. One user commented, "Half our job descriptions demand a PhD just to operate Excel, while the real talent is busy teaching themselves everything online." They added that if America can break the "college or nothing" mindset, India should at least stop using degrees as mandatory entry tickets to professional life.
However, the proposal also faced criticism. Some expressed concern that this approach could lead to the exploitation of a "cheap workforce" and have long-term negative consequences for societal structure. Others questioned the maturity of school leavers to make career decisions and worried about the pressure to earn at a young age, potentially robbing them of their youth.
The discussion initiated by Sridhar Vembu underscores a pivotal moment for India's job market and education system. As a leading homegrown tech success story, Zoho's formal adoption of skill-first hiring places significant weight behind the argument for a more flexible, competency-based approach to building careers and companies.
