After the recent JEE results, many students feel demotivated and uncertain about their future. Once, a highly craved dream of becoming an IITian starts fading. However, this blog aims to highlight the harsh realities of engineering in India and help students explore alternatives that may be more fulfilling and rewarding than an engineering degree. If you are one such student who wants to learn what other alternatives are and how B.Tech might not be the best option, this blog is for you.
In this blog, we will discuss:
- Harsh realities of IITs and Engineering colleges
- Alternatives to IITs- IISERs and NISER
- Is a B.Sc. better than a B.Tech?
Harsh realities of IITs and Engineering colleges:
IITs are considered the top engineering institutes in India, but even at the prestigious IIT Bombay, 36% of students failed to secure placements last year. This is because only 6.1% actively seek employment, most opting for placements through the institute’s program or pursuing higher studies. This raises serious concerns about the job market and the viability of pursuing a traditional B.Tech degree.
This alarming trend could be due to the global economic slowdown and the impact of emerging technologies, such as AI, on the job market. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted that up to 40% of global employment could be disrupted by AI, which poses a significant threat to entry-level tech jobs. Additionally, major tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Flipkart have already begun large-scale layoffs, further worsening the suffering of the job market.
Alternatives to IITs- IISERs and NISER:
It is a great time to recognise the limitations of the traditional engineering path, and introduce ourselves with alternative options that offer more promising prospects. Government-funded institutions like the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) and the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) provide a research-oriented, interdisciplinary approach to education. There are 7 IISERs (Kolkata, Pune, Mohali, Bhopal, Thiruvananthapuram, Tirupati, Berhampur) and 1 NISER (Bhubaneshwar) all over India.
These institutes offer five-year integrated master’s programs in various fields like physics, chemistry, earth sciences, biology, mathematics, engineering, and humanities, emphasising research and hands-on learning. The advantages of these programs include the opportunity to pursue research interests, receive scholarships, and gain exposure to cutting-edge facilities and resources. You don’t do BSc here, but BS and BSMS in these institutes.
There are several other specialised institutions like the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) and the Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI), which are renowned for their excellence in mathematics and statistics. These institutions offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, catering to students with a strong inclination towards the mathematical sciences. Also, you can get into the best institute in India for science, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc Bangalore), through the IAT exam. Check out this blog for more information.
Is a B.Sc. better than a B.Tech?
There are many benefits of pursuing research-oriented degrees from institutions like IISERs and NISER. The diverse career paths available to graduates include opportunities in academia, government research organisations, private research labs, and even the corporate sector. You don’t need to worry much about placements as you will get offers for PhDs abroad. If you are interested in science, this path could provide you with enough adventure and exploration.
For those with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, the alternative pathways mentioned above can also serve as a launchpad for innovative startups and ventures. By sharpening their research and problem-solving skills, students can develop cutting-edge solutions and become job creators rather than job seekers.
However, the common misconception is that research-oriented degrees lack financial stability. Most researchers get a reasonable stipend and can get excellent salaries further ahead in their careers. Apart from money, respect and privilege are unparalleled. It is important to consider your interests and passions when making career decisions rather than being swayed by the hype and glamour of engineering and the promise of high-paying jobs.
Conclusion:
The decision to pursue an alternative path may not be an easy one, but it can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career. With SciAstra’s guidance and support, you can start your preparation to these paths with confidence. Remember, the path to success is not always linear, and welcoming the unknown can often lead to the most remarkable discoveries. So, take the leap, explore the alternatives, and let your passion shape your future in this ever-evolving science and technology landscape.
FAQs:
- What are the alternatives to IITs?
Alternative options like IISERs, NISER, ISI, CMI, and IISc Bangalore offer research-oriented interdisciplinary programs. These institutions focus on hands-on learning, providing opportunities for research in various fields and exposure to cutting-edge facilities.
- Is pursuing a B.Sc. a better option than a B.Tech?
B.Sc. programs from institutions like IISERs and NISER offer diverse career paths in academia, research organisations, private labs, and the corporate sector. Graduates can also pursue PhDs abroad.
- How can I learn more about SciAstra?
To learn more about SciAstra, visit our website or download the SciAstra App from the Play Store.
About us:
SciAstra is a team of scientists and research scholars from the top research institutes around the world like Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and so on. Our vision is to promote critical thinking and scientific temperament by helping students in their careers in science.
We offer many free and paid courses where our mentors from the top research institutes like IISER, NISER, IACS, CMI,ISI IISC Bangalore, etc teach students in live classes, with study materials, mock tests, books, and everything needed. We have taught more than 10,000 students already since 2021 and achieved over 1000 selections with AIR 1, 7,10, 12, and 13 in IISc Bengaluru, IISERs, NISER, IACS, and so on. If you are looking to prepare for IAT / NEST 2024, you can check out our courses and get access to live classes, recorded lectures, study material, mock tests, doubt-clearing classes, and much more!
To know more about us, click here OR download the SciAstra App from the Play Store!
