The Great Indian Brain Drain: Who Really Benefits from the IIT Dream?
Every year, lakhs of India’s brightest young minds compete in one of the world’s most grueling exams — the JEE. The reward? A seat at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), institutions hailed as the apex of academic brilliance in the country. IITs are our pride. We speak of them on Republic Day. We build coaching empires around them. We speak their names with reverence. But here’s the truth no one wants to say out loud: The IITs are burning the midnight oil — but not for India. 🚨 Built by India, But for Someone Else Let’s look at the numbers. The Government of India spends ₹10–15 lakh per student during a 4-year B.Tech program at an IIT. The total IIT budget for FY 2024–25? Over ₹9,660 crore. Students pay a small fraction. Many pay nothing, thanks to scholarships and subsidies. So who pays the rest? You do . The Indian taxpayer. And how does the country benefit? ✈️ The Silent Exodus of Talent ● 30–36% of IIT graduates leave India for jobs or higher education ab...