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Nikhil Kamath's Columbia Exchange Puts MBA Value Under Fresh Scrutiny

The viral exchange refocused the MBA debate on network access rather than classroom skills.

Overview

  • At Columbia Business School's India Business Conference, student Anaheez Patel asked Kamath why he spoke at the event after calling 25-year-old MBA aspirants 'idiots' last year.
  • Kamath replied that he was there for 'return on access,' joking that $300,000 per MBA and roughly 500 students made a $90 million room and that meeting 'the rich kids of India of tomorrow' held value.
  • Patel posted the exchange on Instagram, called him a 'chill guy,' praised his talk, and said he indicated he might endorse an MBA for the access.
  • The moment revived his late-2025 argument that colleges teach for a world that no longer exists and that real-world work can beat pricey degrees as tech and AI reshape jobs.
  • The video drew wide attention online, with Indian Express reporting it crossed a million views, as many commenters argued top MBAs chiefly deliver elite networks that help students move into higher-paying roles.