Why IITs banned 20 companies from participating in placement drive
What's the story
Over 20 companies have been barred from participating in the Indian Institutes of Technology's (IIT) placement drive. The decision comes after these firms withdrew the job offers made to students during the previous academic year, some even as late as June or July this year. The retraction of such offers not only jeopardized career prospects but also affected students' mental well-being.
Recruitment policy
Companies allowed to recruit through off-campus processes
The banned companies, including those in data analytics and software, are still permitted to recruit students through off-campus processes. The decision to bar these firms was taken unanimously by the IITs after offers were withdrawn at more than one IIT.
Verification process
IITs cross-verified companies' records before banning
An IIT professor involved in the placement process revealed that the names of the firms were cross-verified by placement coordinators at 15 IITs. "We looked at their past records too. Some of these companies had a history of revoking offers and six to seven IITs had already banned them from participation," he told The Times of India.
Salary issues
Companies reduce salary packages or revoke offers
Some companies have even revoked offers for alumni who were supposed to join them. Others have reduced the salary packages mentioned in their offer letters. The placement cells are currently trying to engage with higher authorities in these companies over such issues, as per the IIT professor's statement.
Personal account
IIT Bombay graduate shares experience of revoked job offer
A computer science graduate from IIT-Bombay shared his experience of getting hired only to have a job offer rescinded. He said he was hired by a trading platform last December with a joining date of June 1, 2025. However, his offer was revoked on May 29, just two days before he was supposed to join.
Initiative
IITs encourage participation by start-ups under Viksit Bharat scheme
The IITs have also decided to emphasize more on participation by start-ups promoted by the Indian government under the Viksit Bharat scheme. "The job market is slow, but we are trying to reach out to many more companies and encourage start-ups incubated on prominent campuses to reach the best targets," said the professor involved in the placement process.