10 Common Myths About IITs And IITians

IITs are often viewed as the top engineering institutions in India, but there are numerous prevalent misconceptions and myths about them. Here, we debunk 10 common myths about IITs and their students.

Many engineering hopefuls in India, especially those who have just completed their 12th grade, aspire to gain admission into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Each year, around 12 lakh students take the JEE Main exam, hoping to get one step closer to IIT admission through the JEE Advanced exam. However, only 2.2 lakh students manage to qualify and get the opportunity to join an IIT.

Have you ever wondered what thoughts cross the minds of students aiming for IITs? Are there any misconceptions surrounding the IIT entrance exam? Are students aware of the realities of IITs?

In this article, we aim to dispel some of the common myths about IITs that students might have been misled by.

Common Misconceptions about IITs:

We will now delve into some of the widespread misconceptions about the Indian Institutes of Technology. Continue reading to learn more.

1. JEE Advanced is Impossible to Crack: The notion that the JEE Advanced exam is uncrackable is one of the most prevalent misconceptions about IITs. Even students who struggle at the +2 level can pass the exam with the correct strategy and preparation. With proper planning and execution, success in the JEE Advanced exam is achievable. The exaggerated difficulty level of the exam often demotivates students before they even start preparing. However, with the right guidance, a well-structured study plan, and timely preparation, qualifying for JEE Advanced and securing a seat in an IIT is possible. It’s crucial for candidates to familiarize themselves with the JEE Advanced exam pattern and utilize these JEE preparation tips to concentrate on the exam.

2. IITians Study 24/7

While it’s true that IITs, as the country’s top engineering institutes, require a significant amount of study, it doesn’t mean that IIT students are constantly under pressure. All tests, assignments, exams, and vivas are carefully planned to suit the students’ capabilities. IITians are often perceived as bookworms whose lives revolve solely around books. However, many well-known stand-up comedians, singers, and actors are IIT alumni. The institute not only emphasizes academics but also encourages participation in extracurricular activities and sports.

3. Ragging at IITs

Ragging was once common at some IITs, but it has been banned in recent years due to the Supreme Court declaring it a criminal offense. IITs now strictly forbid ragging on their campuses and have established anti-ragging cells to assist any student in need.

4. Misconception: IIT Graduates are the Highest Earners

Contrary to popular belief, graduates from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) are not necessarily the highest earners. The media often highlights the top salary packages, which are only offered to a select few. In reality, about 40% of IIT graduates receive an average salary package ranging from Rs. 4 lakh to Rs. 8 lakh per annum. It’s important to remember that salary packages are not determined by the prestige of the institution, but rather by an individual’s skills and knowledge in their chosen field.

5. Misconception: IITs Guarantee 100% Job Placement

The notion that all IIT graduates secure a job immediately after graduation is a myth. Not every IIT graduate leaves the institution with a job offer. During the recruitment season, companies visiting the IIT campuses do not solely consider a candidate’s JEE rank or academic grades. Instead, they look for candidates who fit their company culture and possess the necessary skills for the job. Therefore, the idea that IIT graduates easily secure jobs based on the institution’s reputation and receive high salaries is a misconception.

6. Misconception: Only Science Students Can Study at IITs

The belief that only students with a science background can study at IITs is false. Many IITs offer a range of courses that students from commerce or arts backgrounds can pursue. For instance, IIT Madras offers a five-year integrated M.A. course in fields such as English Studies, Development Studies, and Economics. Thus, non-science students also have the opportunity to experience life at an IIT.

7. Only Candidates Who Take Coaching Can Get into IITs

Many people, including IIT hopefuls and their parents, are under the impression that enrolling in a coaching institute is the only way to pass the JEE Main and JEE Advanced exams. While it’s true that a large number of students do opt for specialized coaching, it’s not the only path to gaining admission into the IITs. There are numerous instances of students who have successfully passed the JEE Advanced exam through self-study. Even students from rural areas have demonstrated that with dedication and hard work, cracking the JEE is achievable. This belief about the necessity of coaching for IIT admission is not only a widespread myth but also a hotly debated topic.

In recent years, coaching classes have become increasingly popular. While they do offer guidance, they are also time-consuming and often lack personal attention due to the large class sizes. Moreover, joining a coaching class doesn’t guarantee success in the JEE. Coaching institutes can provide support and study materials, but the onus of hard work, effective time management, and focus lies with the students themselves.

8. IITians Do Not Have a Social Life

Another common misconception is that IIT students, or IITians, lack a social life. This couldn’t be further from the truth. IITs are famous for their cultural festivals like Mood Indigo at IIT Bombay, Saarang at IIT Madras, and Rendezvous at IIT Delhi, among others. These events provide IITians with opportunities to socialize, connect with a diverse range of people, companies, and communities, and even showcase their talents. These festivals also help students expand their business and social networks.

9. IITians Do Not Prefer Domestic Packages

Another myth that revolves around the IITs is that they do not prefer domestic jobs as they do not offer fancy salary packages and perks. On the contrary, it is observed that a majority of IIT graduates prefer working for Indian industries rather than abroad.

10. There are No Girl Students in IITs

It is true that the number of female students in IITs is lower as compared to the male counterparts. However, the fact that IITs are working very hard to improve the gender ratio in their campuses is something which must also be considered. As per the new bill which was recently passed, IITs will offer 779 supernumerary seats for a female candidate this year and increase the number of female students by 20% at IITs by 2021. Also, there has been a significant increase in the number of girls studying in IITs. Many institutes have put a special focus on reaching out to female students by setting up a special helpline for them as well.

We hope this article will change your opinion about IITs and IITians in general in a positive way!