For many engineering students, the dream is to get admission to the prestigious IITs, with the belief that doing so will open doors to high-paying job offers. The families of these students also expect that a degree from IIT will secure them a well-paying job in the future. However, there is an interesting trend emerging at IIT Delhi that is making headlines. Despite receiving lucrative job offers, many IIT graduates are choosing to pursue a career in civil services instead.
Currently, IIT Delhi is in the middle of its placement season. Many top companies are offering lucrative salaries to graduates through campus interviews. According to a recent exit survey, several insights have come to light about the placements at IIT Delhi this year. Out of 2,665 graduate students, 1,411 have received job offers, which accounts for about 53.1% of the students. This statistic clearly shows that the majority of students have secured offers, but there is an intriguing twist: a large number of students are not even utilizing the campus placement facility. In a survey conducted in August 2024, 134 students, approximately 5%, reported that they were actively looking for career options that were even better than the offers provided through campus placement.
The survey also revealed that 224 students are not interested in working for any company at all. Instead, they wish to start their own businesses, seeing entrepreneurship as a more profitable and fulfilling option. These students are already working on their start-ups and pursuing entrepreneurship, setting themselves up for independent ventures. This shows that IIT graduates are not only thinking about traditional career paths but are also venturing into the world of business and innovation.
When it comes to higher studies, many IIT Delhi students are also choosing to pursue further education after graduation. According to the survey, a significant number of students have expressed interest in higher education, such as PhDs, post-doctoral research, or preparing to become professors. This trend highlights the academic inclination of these students, as they are not just looking for job security but also for intellectual growth and a deeper understanding of their fields.
Now, let’s talk about why so many IIT graduates, despite being offered lucrative job packages, are choosing to pursue careers in civil services like IAS and IPS. The allure of civil services lies in its job security, prestige, and the opportunity to serve the nation. These students see civil services as a highly respected and stable career, offering them a chance to make a significant impact on society. In addition to these reasons, there are other factors that influence their decision to choose UPSC exams over corporate job offers, such as job security, the desire to make a difference, social influence, the competitive nature of the exam, and a shift from traditional careers.
Let’s dive into the story and explore why these students are opting for a path that turns down millions in salary for a role in the IAS or IPS. You can watch this video by The Hinduzone and find out those reasons.
