In a concerning development, more than 8,000 graduating students from 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) remain unplaced this year, according to a report based on data gathered from Right to Information (RTI) queries, annual reports, media sources, and student insights. This represents a sharp increase compared to the previous year, when around 4,170 IIT graduates were left without jobs through campus placements.
The report indicates that the number of unplaced students has surged significantly in the last three years. In 2022, over 3,000 IIT graduates remained unplaced, while in 2023, that number rose to 4,170. This year, the figure has further escalated to an alarming 8,090.
The data reveals that in 2024, approximately 21,500 students registered for campus placements, of which 13,410 were successfully placed. However, a staggering 8,090 graduates were left without job offers. This indicates that nearly 40% of the graduating IIT students who opted for campus placements failed to secure employment through this route.
The report also highlights the disparity in salary packages offered to IIT graduates. While a few students make headlines for securing exceptional packages exceeding 1 crore or even 2 crore, the lower-end salaries are quite concerning. Media reports suggest that some annual packages have dipped below 10 lakhs, with some graduates receiving offers as low as 3.6 lakhs to 6 lakhs.
This situation has prompted concerns among educators and industry experts. Dheeraj Singh, an IIT alumnus and placements mentor, has urged IITs to implement rolling placements so that unplaced students can have multiple opportunities to secure employment in the next session. He has also requested alumni and industry associations to provide support and work opportunities to these students.
The report underscores the challenges faced by IIT graduates in securing jobs in the current economic climate. The decline in job opportunities and the increasing competition for employment have made it more difficult for students to find suitable placements. It is essential for IITs and industry stakeholders to work together to address this issue and ensure that all graduating students have access to meaningful employment opportunities.
