For years, a popular belief has persisted in India: “Once you enter an IIT, your life is set.” But is that really the case?
While the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) continue to report impressive placement figures, not every graduate secures the job they hoped for. Some struggle to land their preferred roles, while others find themselves searching for opportunities long after graduation.
One such case has recently sparked discussion on Reddit, where an IIT alumnus opened up about their growing uncertainty regarding his career path.
The graduate revealed that, like many of his peers, he spent years preparing for software development, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data science roles. However, despite his efforts, he has been unable to secure a full-time position that matches his expectations.
Now, they find himself facing a difficult question: Should he continue searching for a job, or pursue a PhD instead?
In the post, the IIT graduate shared that they had appeared for seven to eight interviews across a range of roles, including product management, machine learning, and data science.
While some applications were rejected during the initial screening process, others progressed further but failed to convert into offers. In several cases, they could not make it beyond the HR round.
The alumnus further revealed that even after completing their BTech, he continues to work on data structures, algorithms, and system design while undertaking an off-campus internship at a small startup that offers limited compensation.
Adding to their uncertainty is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. They admitted that concerns about AI’s long-term impact on technology jobs have pushed him to consider an alternative path.
The IITian said he is now contemplating a PhD, particularly in the emerging field of quantum computing. He asked fellow Reddit users whether he should continue applying for jobs until the end of June or redirect his efforts towards doctoral studies.
SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION
The post quickly attracted responses from users who urged the graduate to carefully evaluate his motivations.
One commenter argued that pursuing a PhD simply because the job market appears challenging could be another form of blindly following a trend.
The user advised him to take time for introspection and identify what genuinely interests him rather than making a decision based on external circumstances.
Another commenter was even more direct:
“Don’t do a PhD because you’re scared of the job market. That’s probably one of the worst reasons to start a PhD.”
The commenter went on to explain that a doctoral degree typically involves four to six years—or even longer—of intensive research, uncertainty, publication pressure, and a very different kind of stress compared to corporate jobs.
According to the user, a PhD should be pursued only if someone is genuinely excited about research and is willing to dedicate years to solving complex problems, often with no guarantee of immediate rewards.
THE BIGGER QUESTION: IS A PhD THE RIGHT CHOICE?
The IIT graduate’s dilemma also raises a broader question: Are doctoral studies becoming a less attractive option for students in India?
Data suggests that while the number of PhD scholars has increased over the years, doctoral research remains a niche pursuit.
According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22, India had approximately 2.02 lakh PhD enrolments, accounting for just 0.5 per cent of total student enrolment.
More concerningly, several premier institutions have reported a decline in interest in doctoral programs. Reports from IITs, NITs, and leading universities indicate that PhD applications have fallen in recent years. For example, IIT Bombay reportedly witnessed a significant drop in PhD applications compared to previous years, reflecting a broader trend across higher education institutions.
Experts and researchers point to several reasons behind this decline.
Research scholars often face challenges such as limited funding, uncertainty regarding long-term career prospects, pressure to publish academic papers, and a lack of job security. For many students, the opportunity cost of spending five or more years in research appears too high when compared with entering the workforce directly.
Another concern is the perceived lack of lucrative career opportunities after completing a PhD. While undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are often associated with immediate employability, doctoral research is frequently viewed as a long and demanding journey with uncertain financial rewards.
Many PhD graduates continue to work in academia on modest salaries, while industry positions specifically requiring doctoral qualifications remain relatively limited in India.
A DECISION THAT REQUIRES MORE THAN MARKET CONDITIONS
The IIT graduate’s story highlights a challenge increasingly faced by young professionals navigating a rapidly changing job market.
While a PhD can open doors to research, innovation, academia, and specialised industry roles, experts often caution against treating it as a fallback option when employment opportunities are scarce.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue doctoral research may depend less on the state of the job market and more on an individual’s passion for research, intellectual curiosity, and long-term career goals.
For students standing at a similar crossroads, the question may not simply be whether a PhD is a good option, but whether it is the right option for them.