IIT-B graduates prefer career in tech over non-core engineering jobs: senior survey 2024

The survey included multiple-choice questions under four categories. For the question on curriculum, 206 out of 288 respondents said that the new curriculum aligns better with industry needs. Whereas 162 of 288 said that Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (AI/DS) knowledge was required by everyone.

IIT Bombay introduced a course on AI/DS for all its undergraduate engineering students from 2023-24, irrespective of the branch they pursue. In the 2022 curriculum overhaul, IIT Bombay introduced a big basket of non-engineering subjects with courses in Humanities, Arts, Social Science, Management, Entrepreneurship, and Design (HASMED) to meet changing trends of students taking up non-core engineering jobs.

As they graduate, 212 out of 289 respondents have already accepted job offers, 10 are still considering between offers, and 26 are currently searching for positions. Others are either going to be self-employed or not look for a job at the moment.

On the question related to immediate plans after graduation, 169 of 291 responded that they will be associated with the core engineering and technology industry, be it in their career or further academics. Seventy two of the responders selected other options such as finance, consulting and MBA.

Regarding academics, 133 of 288 responded they will continue in the core engineering field while 226/290 students responded they were first generation IITians. Seventy six expressed that they were interested in engineering before but do not feel the same anymore. Sixty five of the respondents said they were never interested in pursuing core-engineering academics.

Apart from academic and career related revelations, the survey also explored other angles to student life on campus such as mental health and their dating lives.

While mental health and academic stress at IIT Bombay has been highlighted in the past, the survey showed that 158/286 respondents said they never felt the need to take any therapy or counselling. Seventy five respondents shared that they considered therapy but never pursued it as people around them helped.