Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Creators Challenge Degrees as Gaming and Digital Careers Surge
Some young people in India are earning money by making videos, playing games, telling jokes and using technology.
One gamer said he makes ₹30 lakh a month from streaming.
Other creators earn through advertisements, brand partnerships, consulting and online platforms.
Aaryamann Sethi says he built a career without completing a degree.
Comedian Mohammad Hussain chose comedy instead of an MBA and campus placement.
Soundarya Thakur says content creation also taught her how to run a business.
However, not every gamer or creator earns a lot, and many incomes can change from month to month.
A lawyer says people should understand the risks and keep a financial backup.
The article says degrees are still needed for some careers, such as becoming a doctor or lawyer.
Gaming star ScoutOP, also known as Tanmay Singh, said he earns ₹30 lakh monthly from streaming.
YouTubers, comedians, gamers and streamers are increasingly earning through brand deals, platforms, consultancy and other digital work.
Several creators featured in the article pursued content careers instead of degrees, campus placements or conventional jobs.
Tech creator Himanshu said his income comes from AI advertising, brand deals, consultancy and vibe coding after earning nothing for two years.
Experts caution that high creator incomes are not typical and recommend financial backups, while saying degrees remain necessary for professions such as medicine and law.
- Who
- Indian YouTubers, comedians, gamers, streamers and other digital creators, along with education and gaming-career commentators.
- What
- The article examines how creators are building careers and substantial incomes outside conventional degrees and salaried employment.
- When
- The discussion includes the premiere of Bigg Boss 20; specific dates are not provided.
- Where
- The creators and examples discussed are primarily connected with India, including Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad and Delhi.
- Why
- Digital platforms, brand deals, streaming, consultancy and changing skill demands are creating alternative career paths, while some people question the cost and relevance of traditional degrees.
Digital Careers Offer Opportunity and Flexibility
Traditional Paths Offer Stability and Protection
Value of degrees
Digital Careers Offer Opportunity and Flexibility
Aaryamann Sethi and Himanshu question spending several years and substantial fees on degrees that may lead to relatively low starting salaries or skills that quickly become outdated.
Traditional Paths Offer Stability and Protection
Himanshu acknowledges that degrees remain necessary for professions such as medicine and law, so their value depends on the career.
Income potential
Digital Careers Offer Opportunity and Flexibility
Creators can earn through streaming, brand deals, advertising, consultancy and online platforms, with some reporting very high incomes and greater control over their time.
Traditional Paths Offer Stability and Protection
Riya Rajkumar Sharma warns that exceptional earners are not representative of the average gamer or creator, whose income may be inconsistent.
Career security
Digital Careers Offer Opportunity and Flexibility
Content careers can provide flexibility, including the ability to travel and spend time with family, while allowing creators to build businesses around their work.
Traditional Paths Offer Stability and Protection
Salaried employment generally provides predictable income and employment protections, so aspiring creators are advised to understand the risks and maintain a financial backup.
- Featured gaming income
- ScoutOP, also known as Tanmay Singh, said he earns ₹30 lakh per month from streaming.
- Career alternatives
- The article highlights YouTube, gaming, comedy, streaming, AI advertising, consultancy and brand deals.
- Aaryamann Sethi
- The YouTuber said he is 12th-pass and believes a degree does not determine how much someone knows.
- Mohammad Hussain
- The comedian declined a campus placement after pursuing comedy and initially earned ₹50,000–₹60,000 monthly in sales.
- Himanshu’s early income
- The tech creator said he earned nothing during his first two years.
- Career risk
- Gaming lawyer Riya Rajkumar Sharma said top earners should not be treated as representative of all players.
- Degrees and professions
- Himanshu said degrees remain necessary for careers such as medicine and law.