Mumbai: Students around the world are redefining what success in higher education means, placing well-being, purpose and affordability ahead of traditional measures such as global rankings and brand reputation,
according to the IC3 Annual Student Quest Report 2025. The findings suggest a decisive change in how young people assess universities and career pathways amid economic uncertainty, rapid technological change and rising concerns over mental health.
The report was released at the IC3 Regional Conference South Asia, held on January 23– 24, 2026, at O.P. Jindal Global University. Based on an international survey of high school students from the 2026 and 2027 graduating cohorts, the study offers a snapshot of how adolescents are navigating complex educational choices in an unsettled global environment.
Success beyond reputation
As the IC3 Movement marks a decade of work in career and college counselling, the report highlights a clear move away from conventional indicators of success. Instead of focusing primarily on league tables or international prestige, students are giving greater weight to cost, campus safety, emotional well-being, diversity and the likelihood of securing meaningful employment after graduation.
For many respondents, the decision is no longer about gaining entry to the highest-ranked institution, but about identifying an academic setting aligned with their personal values and long-term ambitions. Universities are increasingly viewed not simply as places of instruction, but as ecosystems that shape both professional prospects and quality of life.
A widening gap in career guidance
Despite students becoming more proactive in researching careers and institutions, the report points to a growing mismatch between their needs and the support available to them. Fewer than one in three students said they consulted a school counsellor when making key educational decisions, even though counselling is shown to improve clarity and confidence. Technology has partially filled this gap. More than 80 per cent of students surveyed reported using artificial intelligence tools for career research, university selection or application support. By contrast, only 60 per cent of counsellors said they used similar technologies, raising concerns about a widening digital divide between students and professional advisers. Without informed adult guidance, the report warns, students risk making critical choices in isolation.
Human guidance still matters most
While digital tools are now firmly embedded in student decision-making, the report underlines the continued importance of human relationships. Family members remain the most trusted source of guidance, with over 75 per cent of respondents saying parents or relatives play a central role in shaping their educational plans. Among students who received professional counselling, the benefits were marked. Four in five said counselling helped them make better-informed career decisions, while nearly two-thirds reported improved communication with their parents following counselling sessions. These findings reinforce the idea that technology can supplement, but not replace, personal support.
Entrepreneurship and innovation gain ground
Another notable trend is the rising importance of entrepreneurship and innovation. As career pathways become less linear, students are seeking universities that offer incubation centres, start-up support and exposure to real-world problem-solving. About 71 per cent of respondents said entrepreneurship services were an important factor in choosing a university, and more than 80 per cent believed entrepreneurial skills should be incorporated into school curricula. This reflects a broader shift towards adaptability and self-directed careers, with students recognising the need to create opportunities rather than merely compete for existing ones.
Affordability, careers and well-being
Concerns about return on investment now feature prominently in student thinking. Respondents expressed a strong preference for programmes that combine academic study with work-integrated learning and internships. At the same time, mental health provision, campus safety and a sense of belonging emerged as essential criteria, pointing to a more holistic definition of success. Commenting on the findings, Ganesh Kohli, Founder of the IC3 Movement, said the report captured a generation that is both pragmatic and purpose-driven. He argued that counselling must evolve “from being a service to becoming a culture”, embedded across leadership, classrooms, teacher training and parent engagement.
