This year, over 7,000 students from the 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) remain unplaced, a significant rise from 3,400 unplaced students two years ago. According to Singh, while the number of students participating in placements has increased by 1.2 times, the number of unplaced students has surged to 2.3 times in the same period.
At IIT-Delhi, nearing the end of its 2023-24 placement season, approximately 400 students are still without job offers. In response, the institute has reached out to its extensive alumni network for assistance. An RTI response revealed that IIT-Delhi has asked alumni to help provide job opportunities, referrals, recommendations, and internships for these graduating students. The Office of Career Services (OCS) emphasized the importance of alumni support in guiding the new graduates as they embark on their careers.
Similarly, IIT-Bombay has solicited help from its alumni. Despite ongoing placements that will continue until the end of June, around 10% of the current batch, or 250 students, remain unplaced. Last year, 329 candidates, including 171 from the class of 2022, were unable to secure employment.
Other institutes like the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) have also initiated outreach efforts to their alumni networks. Vice-Chancellor V Ramgopal Rao noted a 20% to 30% decrease in placements across the board. He pointed out that even when institutes claim full placement, the quality of job offers may not meet expectations. Rao attributed the decline to the rise of technologies like ChatGPT and large language models, which have reduced the demand for new hires by increasing efficiency. Additionally, overhiring in previous years and cautious hiring practices due to upcoming elections in several countries have further impacted job opportunities.
The situation underscores the evolving job market dynamics and the critical role of alumni networks in supporting current students. As institutes adapt to these changes, the emphasis on quality job placements and robust alumni engagement becomes increasingly vital.
