Bisma Fareed, a class topper at Delhi University’s Hansraj College, sheds light on the importance of skills over academic marks
NEW DELHI – A heartfelt social media post by a Muslim student from Delhi University (DU) has triggered a broad discussion on the relevance of academic excellence in today’s job market. Bisma Fareed, a final-year English student at Hansraj College, recently took to LinkedIn to express her frustration after being repeatedly rejected for internships despite an impeccable academic record, including more than 50 certificates, over 10 medals, and several trophies.
Her candid post, which has gone viral, has ignited a national debate about the gap between traditional education and skill-based employment, drawing attention from both students and educators.
In her viral message, Bisma revealed how disheartened she felt when internship recruiters seemed indifferent to her academic achievements.
“I am a topper, and I am not getting an internship. Yes, it took me a lot of time to accept that skills matter more than marks — and it would be better if others realise it sooner too,” she wrote.
I’m a topper or MUJHE INTERNSHIP NHI MIL RHI ! 😭😭😭 Yes, it took a lot… | Bisma Fareed | 625 comments
 I’m a topper or MUJHE INTERNSHIP NHI MIL RHI ! 😭😭😭 Yes, it took a lo…I’m a topper or MUJHE INTERNSHIP NHI MIL RHI ! 😭😭😭 Yes, it took a lot in me to accept the fact that SKILLS m… |
According to Bisma, companies no longer ask about marks. Instead, they want to know what practical skills a candidate possesses.
“But sir, I was not prepared for this question. All my professors, teachers, and relatives just said, ‘Focus on studies — that will be useful in the future,’” she added.
The post included a photo collage of her many academic certificates and awards, with a sharp, introspective caption: “How many marks did you get in 10th? Have you forgotten? And if you remember, what role did they play in your life?”
Despite the challenges, Bisma’s tone was constructive. She urged fellow students not to abandon education but to combine it with skills that have real-world application.
“I am not telling you to throw away books or burn your bags. Just choose a skill, make it a daily habit, master it, and then see — opportunities will run after you.”
Bisma’s statement strikes at the heart of a common dilemma faced by India’s youth: Does academic excellence guarantee success in the professional world? Her story seems to suggest otherwise.
Responding to the viral post, Dr Sharf Ilahi Siddiqui, Assistant Professor at Ramjas College and a globally recognised researcher, recently listed among the top 2% scientists worldwide by Stanford University, supported Bisma’s argument.
“With the speed at which the world is progressing, the role of skills has become as important as marks,” said Dr Siddiqui. “Marks are an important criterion, but it is skills that keep you in the market and make you adaptable to the needs of the present time.”
Dr Siddiqui’s agreement with the student adds academic weight to the rising concerns that India’s education system still prioritises rote learning over real-world preparedness.
Within hours, Bisma’s post was flooded with reactions from students, professionals, and educators alike. She later added in an edit: “Looks like I broke LinkedIn on a normal Friday morning. Thanks to all!”
What started as a personal expression of disappointment has now evolved into a larger debate about the relevance of Indian education in the face of growing unemployment and skill-based hiring.
Netizens offered overwhelming support for Bisma, calling her story “relatable”, “eye-opening”, and “a wake-up call”. One user wrote, “This post is a mirror for the Indian education system.”
Another commented, “It takes courage to speak the truth. You have not failed; the system has.”
Some critics, however, felt that Bisma’s case might be an exception rather than the rule, and that certificates still carry weight in certain industries.
Bisma Fareed’s story is not unique. According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) and reports from industry leaders like NASSCOM, more than 50% of graduates in India are considered unemployable due to a lack of job-ready skills.
While top universities like DU continue to produce academically excellent students, the disconnect between syllabus content and industry needs remains a major concern.
Career counsellors and HR professionals argue that soft skills, technical proficiency, internships, and project-based learning now play a far bigger role in hiring than mere academic results.
Dr Siddiqui insists on adapting education to the demands of the 21st century.
“We need a system that blends theory with practice. A curriculum that encourages critical thinking, communication, digital literacy, and innovation,” he said.
Some universities have begun integrating skill-based learning and internships into their programmes, but the pace of change is slow and uneven across institutions.
As the job market becomes more competitive and technology-driven, stories like Bisma Fareed’s underline a stark truth: degrees and certificates alone are no longer a passport to success.
Her experience is a reminder for students, parents, and educators to rethink priorities, adapt to changing times, and ensure that education is not just about grades, but about growth.
Bisma Fareed’s viral post is more than just a personal lament — it is a bold critique of the current education paradigm. It has sparked an essential conversation about how young people are being prepared for the future. And in that sense, her greatest achievement may not be found in her medals or certificates, but in her courage to speak up — and inspire change.
