The once-coveted IIT tag, synonymous with lucrative job offers and a secure future, is facing unprecedented scrutiny. Recent data paints a stark picture of the challenges faced by IIT graduates in securing employment through campus placements. A significant surge in the number of unplaced IITians has raised alarm bells across the academic and industrial spheres. The narrative of India’s premier engineering institutions churning out highly sought-after talent is undergoing a subtle shift.
While the overall placement scenario might still appear promising on the surface, a deeper dive into the numbers reveals a concerning trend. The percentage of unplaced students has almost doubled in just two years, indicating a growing mismatch between the skills and expectations of graduates and the demands of the industry. According to a recent report based on data from 23 IITs, the number of unplaced IITians has surged alarmingly in recent years. While the class of 2024 witnessed a staggering 8,000 students left jobless after campus placements, the trend has been steadily worsening. In 2023, the figure stood at 4,170, a significant increase from the 3,400 recorded in 2022. This escalating crisis has raised concerns about the employability of engineering graduates, once considered a surefire path to lucrative careers.
The increasing difficulty faced by engineers in securing jobs is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. Here are six key reasons:
1.
Rapid Technological Evolution and Skill Gap:
The rapid evolution of technology and industry demands has outpaced the curriculum in many engineering programmes. A significant portion of graduates lack the specific skills required by employers, leading to a skill gap mismatch.2.
Heightened Competition and Changing Hiring Practices:
Traditionally, IITs have been synonymous with high-paying campus placements. However, the increasing number of engineering graduates has led to heightened competition, making it challenging for all students to secure desirable jobs through this route. While technical proficiency is essential, employers increasingly seek candidates with strong soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Many engineers lack these skills, hindering their employability.3.
Economic Fluctuations and Industry Shifts:
Economic fluctuations and shifts in industry preferences can impact job availability for engineers. For instance, sectors like IT and e-commerce, which were once major recruiters, have experienced slowdowns, affecting job opportunities.4.
Inflated Salary Expectations:
The perception of engineering as a lucrative career path has led to inflated salary expectations among many graduates. This can make them less competitive in the job market, especially during economic downturns.5.
Lack of Industry Exposure and Practical Training:
Many engineering programmes lack sufficient industry exposure and practical training, making it difficult for graduates to transition smoothly into professional roles.The challenges faced by IIT graduates highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to address the evolving demands of the job market. This includes curriculum revisions to incorporate emerging technologies and skills, fostering stronger industry collaborations, and promoting the development of soft skills alongside technical expertise. Failure to adapt to these changes could further erode the once-unquestioned value of the IIT tag.
