Degree vs. Skills: Are We Actually Learning or Just Filling Practical Files?

Urvashi V — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:51:14 +0000

A Student's Question: Are We Really Learning, or Just Completing Requirements?

As a BCA student interested in Artificial Intelligence, I entered higher education expecting to learn practical skills, build projects, and prepare myself for the future.

But over time, I've started asking a difficult question:

Is education still about learning, or has it become a system of fees, formalities, and endless requirements?

Students attend classes, complete assignments, submit practical files, appear for tests, and put in genuine effort throughout the semester. Yet many of us often feel that our hard work is not reflected fairly in the outcomes we receive.

Beyond academics, there are compulsory registrations, certifications, and additional courses that require significant time, energy, and money. While some are useful, many students are left wondering how much real value they actually add to their learning and career growth.

Another issue is infrastructure. We are encouraged to develop technical skills, but in many places students struggle with outdated resources, limited lab access, or restrictions that make practical learning difficult.

What students need is not easier exams or free marks.

We want transparency.

We want fairness.

We want access to quality learning resources.

Most importantly, we want an education system that prioritizes skills, knowledge, creativity, and career readiness over paperwork and formalities.

Education should inspire students to learn, not leave them questioning why they are paying so much for so little practical value.

I know many students silently share these concerns.

What has your experience been?

DEV Community: Urvashi V

Degree vs. Skills: Are We Actually Learning or Just Filling Practical Files?