The IIT/NIT Obsession: Whose Dream Are We Chasing?
Every year, as JEE results are declared, social media floods with proud parents sharing their child’s admission to an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) or National Institute of Technology (NIT). While these institutions undeniably offer world-class education, a pressing question arises: Is the pursuit of an IIT/NIT tag driven more by a parent’s need for validation than their child’s genuine aspirations?
The Cultural Weight of “Success”
In India, engineering has long been considered a “safe” career path. For decades, parents have equated admission to prestigious institutes like IITs or NITs with lifelong security and societal respect. This mindset is deeply rooted in a collective cultural narrative where academic achievement isn’t just personal—it’s a family trophy. A child’s success becomes a reflection of parental sacrifice, hard work, and social standing.
But this narrative often overshadows individual dreams. Take 17-year-old Arjun, who spent two years preparing for JEE Advanced while secretly sketching fashion designs. His parents, however, dismissed his passion as a “hobby,” insisting engineering was the only “real” career. Stories like Arjun’s aren’t uncommon. A 2022 survey by a youth counseling platform revealed that 68% of Indian students felt pressured to choose STEM fields, even if they preferred humanities or arts.
The Parental Pressure Paradox
Why do parents fixate on the IIT/NIT tag? For many, it’s a mix of genuine concern and unconscious bias. Middle-class families often view these institutes as a gateway to financial stability—a justifiable worry in a competitive job market. Yet, there’s also an unspoken fear of societal judgment. Conversations at family gatherings or workplace tea breaks frequently revolve around children’s academic milestones. Admission to a top-tier college becomes a badge of honor, a way to “prove” one’s parenting skills.
This pressure isn’t always overt. Sometimes, it’s subtle: comparisons to cousins who cracked JEE, casual remarks about “wasted potential,” or the silent disappointment when a child expresses interest in non-engineering fields. Over time, children internalize these expectations, conflating their self-worth with exam ranks.
The Child’s Silent Struggle
Beneath the celebratory Instagram posts lies a reality rarely discussed. Many IIT/NIT students report feeling unfulfilled despite their “success.” A study by an IIT alumni group found that nearly 40% of graduates switched to non-engineering careers within five years, citing lack of passion or burnout. Others battle anxiety and imposter syndrome, having spent years chasing a goal they never truly owned.
Consider Priya, who aced JEE to fulfill her parents’ dream but dropped out of her NIT in her third year. “I felt like a fraud,” she admits. “I was good at solving physics problems, but I hated it. It took therapy to realize I’d been living someone else’s life.” Such stories highlight a troubling gap between parental expectations and a child’s authentic journey.
Redefining Success: A Path Forward
Breaking this cycle requires a shift in perspective—for both parents and society. Here’s how:
1. Separating Pride from Projection
Parents must ask: Are we celebrating our child’s achievement or our own? Encouraging open conversations about interests—without judgment—helps children feel heard. Career counselor Anjali Mehta advises, “Instead of asking, ‘Will this pay well?’ try asking, ‘Will this make you happy?’”
2. Broadening the Definition of Excellence
Success isn’t confined to IITs/NITs. India’s evolving economy values diverse skills—from app development to content creation—that don’t require an engineering degree. Highlighting role models in unconventional fields (e.g., a successful graphic designer or chef) can broaden a family’s vision of “achievement.”
3. Addressing Systemic Biases
Schools and media play a role in perpetuating the IIT/NIT myth. Career guidance programs should expose students to varied professions early on, reducing the stigma around “alternative” paths.
4. Embracing Failure as Growth
The fear of “what will people say?” often traps families in rigid paths. Normalizing setbacks as part of learning—not shameful secrets—reduces the pressure to conform.
Conclusion: Whose Journey Is It, Anyway?
The IIT/NIT tag isn’t inherently problematic; many thrive in these institutions. The issue arises when the pursuit becomes less about the child’s growth and more about fulfilling a parent’s unmet dreams or societal checklist.
As education evolves, so must our mindset. A child’s journey should be defined by curiosity, resilience, and self-discovery—not just a prestigious college logo. After all, true pride lies not in forcing a path, but in nurturing a child’s courage to walk their own.
Names changed for privacy.
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » The IIT/NIT Obsession: Whose Dream Are We Chasing