The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is more than an institution; its corridors resemble the footsteps of generations of the brightest and most industrious people in the country. But what does an IITian dream of after getting the highest degree in India? Is it the desire to change the future of the country or build jobs in foreign countries? This leads to another question: Should those who have been brought up with the education of this country have to leave behind to find better opportunities?The answer is not as simple as yes or no. The most important question, which is often hidden in the sky, is this: Why are they leaving in the first place?On Monday, the Center presented its clear views on the matter to Parliament, saying that an IIT graduate’s decision to pursue higher education or work abroad is a “matter of personal choice” and not due to a single or political failure.In response to a question raised by Trinamool Congress MP Mala Roy in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar said that migration among IIT graduates is influenced by several factors, including affordability, access to student loans, exposure to outsiders, and the possibility of special education. However, in dealing with migration concerns, the government stopped short of disclosing how many IIT graduates had secured opportunities to go abroad, leaving a gaping hole in the debate that has raged for years.
A question without numbers
The parliamentary exchange revealed as much by omission as by response. Roy researched information about the establishment of campuses at IIT over the past three years, the number of graduates who have moved abroad after receiving a place, and the reasons behind their choice. The ministry answered all three questions together but did not provide immigration figures.The public discourse surrounding IIT graduates often oscillates between celebrating global news and lamenting the “brain drain.” But without detailed follow-up, the discussion runs the risk of being shaped by opinion rather than evidence.
Beyond pay: Why graduates leave
The government’s response moves from simple explanations that limit immigration to higher wages.Instead, it identifies many motivations: economic potential, educational opportunities, access to bank loans, exposure to international education, and eligibility for special education. It also says that many students leave temporarily, only to return after completing higher education or technical skills.The difference is important.The migration of skilled workers is now different from what it used to be. Increasingly, jobs are becoming multi-national, with expertise flowing through research partnerships, multinational companies, and environmental businesses rather than permanent migration.In the connected information economy, movement is no longer the same as loss.
What the IITs are doing at home
The Center highlighted several initiatives taken by the IITs to boost employability and corporate participation.According to the ministry, schools have expanded academic and industry conferences, business meetings, leadership networking, educational opportunities, mock interviews, informal learning, and career development programs. Alumni networks are also being supported to improve connections with employers around the world.What is also important is the change of interests among the students themselves. Not every IIT graduate seeks establishment in traditional schools. Many choose research, entrepreneurship, competitive exams, or recruiting outside of school. The technology incubators and pre-incubators set up within the IIT campuses are increasingly becoming startups, transforming graduates from job seekers into job creators.This variable results in static statistics, which do not explain much about the choices that graduates make.
A serious political problem
The government’s response also places the discussion within the framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to make India’s education world-class and position India as a global education hub.Here is an interesting paradox. India promotes foreign universities, international cooperation, student exchange, and international mobility under the NEP. At the same time, public concerns persist over India’s higher education graduates crossing international borders.Would a country want to become a global learning center while expecting its brightest students to be sustainable?Perhaps the goal of the most important policy is not to prevent migration but to ensure return routes, a strong environment for environmental research, a globally competitive environment, and advanced industries that attract talent back. And on the other hand, there is another concern: if they are moving to another country for some reason, it is important to dig out the “why”. What is deficiency?
India’s debate must continue
The story of IIT graduates leaving India is often told as one of departure. But the real problem may not be who leaves.Instead, the most important questions are: Is India creating enough global research opportunities to attract its best engineers to stay? Are industries investing enough in advanced technology and advanced manufacturing? Can universities compete globally not only in terms of accreditation but also in innovation, funding, and academic freedom?Talente did not perceive national boundaries as rigid barriers. Ideas don’t. In today’s interconnected world, the true measure of a country’s intellectual strength is not how strong it is for its graduates, but whether it creates a compelling environment for talent to return, collaborate, invest, and innovate.The government’s latest response reframes immigration as an individual choice. However, the main discussion of the world is not over.Because the future of India’s financial literacy may ultimately depend less on where IIT graduates go than on whether India becomes the place they choose to develop their big ideas.