Bisma Fareed, a Delhi University star, faced rejections despite 50+ certificates, exposing a skills gap.
Her viral post urges students to prioritize practical abilities over marks.
Bisma Fareed, a first-year English Honours student at Hansraj College, Delhi University, amassed over 50 certificates, 10 medals, and 10 trophies as a consistent academic topper. Yet, on April 20, 2025, her LinkedIn post revealed a harsh reality: she couldn’t secure an internship. Interviewers consistently asked, “What are your skills?”—a question she wasn’t prepared for, expecting her 9+ CGPA and accolades to suffice.
Raised on the mantra “marks matter most” from teachers and family, Bisma realized private companies prioritize results-driven skills over academic achievements. Her post, garnering 6,000 reactions, stated, “Companies don’t want toppers with no skills besides rote learning.” She advised students to master practical abilities like coding or communication, asking, “How much did your Class 10 score help in life?” On X, posts like @EduTrends’ with 1,200 views echoed her, noting 70% of Indian graduates lack employable skills, per a 2024 study.
The viral post sparked debate, with 80% of LinkedIn comments agreeing skills trump grades, per social media analytics. One user commented, “Schools don’t teach real-world readiness.” Critics, however, argued her approach lacked strategic preparation. Bisma remains optimistic, using her experience to advocate for skill-building alongside academics.
With 1.5 million graduates entering India’s job market annually, per 2023 data, her story underscores the need for education reform to bridge the skills gap, resonating with countless students.
