Challenges in the 2024 Job Market: IIT Students Grapple with Placement Woes and Pay Package Concerns

The job market for students at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in 2024 appears to be challenging, with many students facing difficulties securing employment during the placement season. Despite efforts to reach out to recruiters through platforms like LinkedIn, some students have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of opportunities and pressure felt during the placement process.

At IIT Delhi, where the placement process unfolds in three stages, including two phases in December and February followed by a final phase in May, several students have struggled to secure placements. Many have resorted to alternative avenues such as networking, seeking recommendations, or considering further qualifications.

An alumnus of IIT Kanpur highlighted the challenges of off-campus placements and expressed concerns over the dissatisfaction among on-campus placed students regarding offered salary packages.

According to some students, companies have been more selective during this year’s placement season, preferring candidates with specialized expertise. This trend, coupled with fewer tech companies participating due to recession fears, has added to the challenges faced by students.

Even IIT-Delhi officials had anticipated a difficult year for placements, attributing reduced recruitment to overhiring during the pandemic. Despite this, during the initial phase of the placement season for the academic year 2023-24, students secured approximately 1050 job offers, including pre-placement offers (PPOs), with over 50 international offers extended to students from various countries.

Prominent recruiters during this phase included Air India, Microsoft, Texas Instruments, Goldman Sachs, Bajaj Auto, and Ola Electric. Despite the challenging job market, efforts are ongoing to support students through various initiatives, including alumni interactions, career fairs, and networking opportunities.