Parents remain the biggest influence on degree choices, finds College Vidya Career Guidance Gap Report

• 54.2% of respondents said a parent shaped their career decision, while only 37.3% received advice from someone with direct field experience

NEW DELHI: Parents continue to play the most influential role in shaping higher education and career decisions, according to College Vidya’s Career Guidance Gap Report, which examines how learners choose degrees and who guides them through these choices.

The report found that 54.2% of respondents were primarily influenced by a parent while making their career decision. Fathers emerged as the single biggest influence at 33.3%, followed by mothers at 20.9%. Another 11.2% cited relatives such as uncles, aunts or other family members as the biggest influence.

The findings suggest that for many learners, career decisions continue to be shaped within the family, often before students consult trained counselors, teachers, industry professionals or verified education platforms.

While family support remains critical, the report points to a gap between influence and expertise. Only 37.3% of respondents said the person advising them had direct experience in the field being recommended. This means a large number of learners relied on advice from people who may have been well-intentioned but did not necessarily have field-specific knowledge.

Commenting on the findings, Rohit Gupta, Co-Founder and COO, College Vidya, said:

"Parents play an irreplaceable role in a student’s education journey, but today’s higher education landscape is far more complex than it was a generation ago. Students are no longer choosing only between a few conventional degrees. They are evaluating multiple universities, online and hybrid programmes, affordability, recognition, career outcomes and long-term return on investment. In such an environment, family advice must be supported by credible information and structured guidance."

The report also highlights why this matters. Three in four respondents reported at least one tangible consequence from their degree decision, including lost time, financial loss, career setbacks, or an impact on confidence and mental well-being. Nearly one in three respondents said they would probably or definitely not choose the same course again if given the opportunity.

According to College Vidya, the findings do not diminish the role of parents but underline the need to equip families and students with better decision-making support. As higher education options expand across traditional, online, hybrid and work-integrated formats, students need access to verified information, trained counsellors and transparent comparisons of universities and programmes.

This is especially important for learners evaluating online degrees, where decisions involve not only the course but also university recognition, programme credibility, flexibility, career alignment and industry acceptance.

The Career Guidance Gap Report suggests that India’s education choices have expanded faster than its guidance systems. Strengthening career counselling access, improving awareness, and helping families make informed decisions could play a critical role in reducing degree regret and improving student outcomes.

About the Career Guidance Gap Report

The Career Guidance Gap Report is based on a survey of nearly 900 individuals across India who have navigated higher education degree decisions at some point in their lives. Respondents ranged from 18 years to 36 and above, and included first-time degree seekers and recent graduates to working professionals reflecting on decisions made years earlier. The study examined three key areas: who influences degree decisions, what quality of guidance accompanies those decisions, and what measurable consequences emerge from those choices.