Manipulation in Campus Placements: IITs Ignite a Needed Ethical Revolution

— Lalit Gargg—

The recent decision of India’s premier technological institutions—particularly the IITs—to bar more than 20 companies from campus placement is not merely an administrative action; it is a bold step that strengthens ethics, transparency, and student protection within the country’s higher education system. These companies issued offer letters, kindled hope in families, and then cancelled them at the last moment without clear justification. This is not just a breach of contract—it is a direct attack on a student’s future, mental stability, and social confidence.

Securing admission into IITs, NITs and top universities reflects years of hard work and talent. A placement offer is not just a job; it represents family security, social recognition, and personal confidence. When companies arbitrarily withdraw their commitments, students not only suffer professional loss but also endure severe mental stress, distrust and social pressure. Their morale weakens, and their dignity is deeply injured. Such incidents are not just stains on India’s higher education system—they expose the shameful insensitivity of corporate players and government in safeguarding student lives.

Indeed, the global economy is facing recession, layoffs and uncertainty. But shifting this burden onto students is neither humane, nor professional, nor ethical. Universities are not laboratories where students are subjected to risky corporate experiments. The IITs’ decision sends a clear message—tampering with a student’s future and dignity will not be tolerated, and institutions will firmly stand with their students. It marks the restoration of integrity in higher education and respect for national talent. It should serve as a guiding model for other universities because the purpose of education is not just to confer degrees, but to ensure secure and reliable futures. Entering elite institutions is itself a daunting challenge; students struggle to meet hefty academic expenses. If at the end they are denied employment, it pushes their lives into darkness.

Most educational institutions in India lack the strong and transparent placement mechanisms IITs follow. Thousands of students wait with hope, while some companies exploit the situation, adopting the unjust trend of offer withdrawal. It is time that other universities adopt strict and disciplined placement policies—maintaining behaviour records of companies and blacklisting habitual offenders. If top institutions collectively enforce such norms, ethical discipline will naturally penetrate corporate culture. This issue is no longer confined to universities—it has become a national concern. Growing unemployment, uncertain opportunities and unchecked corporate arbitrariness are harming the country’s talent pool. Therefore, the role of government and regulatory agencies becomes crucial. The government must establish clear guidelines ensuring accountability in placement contracts, maintain a national database of corporate behaviour, deny incentives or public projects to erring companies, and ensure legal action where required. Backup placement support, financial assistance and contractual safeguards must be developed so that a student’s future does not depend on corporate whims.

Securing admission into an IIT is an achievement in itself. The IIT placement system already follows disciplined and binding procedures, with multiple pre-requisites for companies. Yet, if a company backs out, it must be held answerable. When a prestigious firm issues an offer letter, it becomes a promise for the student’s career and their family’s future. Cancelling it without valid reasons is not just a lack of professional discipline—it is outright betrayal. Today’s corporate world is rapidly changing, its values increasingly fragmented. As India marches ahead towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, such tragic and ironic situations are alarming. They also undermine the global credibility of India’s premier educational institutions and push students towards pursuing opportunities abroad.

India is a nation driven by knowledge and youth potential. Its top institutions can retain global respect only when placement processes remain trustworthy, dignified and ethical. Companies must understand that exploitative conduct harms their reputation and weakens their societal ties. The IITs’ decision is not only a warning to firms but also an opportunity for academia and policymakers—an opportunity to build a system where student dignity and life security stand supreme. If institutions, government and society collectively form a transparent, firm and ethical framework, young talent will surely be protected—and India’s credibility reinforced. Students are not mere degree holders; they are the foundation of nation-building. Their futures must never be toyed with. The IITs’ decision deserves appreciation and should be seen as a decisive move toward systemic reform. If other universities, government and society move in the same direction, our youth will receive the respect, security and opportunities they truly deserve. Corporate manipulation and deceit in campus placements have become grave concerns. Students are often lured with high packages, bright futures and secure jobs, only to face reduced salaries, temporary contracts, irrelevant work roles or deferred joining once they are selected. Such betrayal damages not only students but also institutional credibility and the integrity of the education system.

The Government of India must therefore formulate a clear, strict and transparent policy—ensuring accountability of hiring companies, enforcement of contractual terms, and punitive measures for violation. This will secure student futures, preserve the dignity of education, and nurture a culture of ethics and trust in industry. In this context, the IIT administration’s decision to ban such companies sends a strong signal that student dignity, career and future are paramount. Institutions like IITs and NITs must adopt similar policies nationwide. This will pressure corporations to uphold professional discipline and boost student confidence that their institutions stand by them. Additionally, the government and higher education regulators must issue clear directives—along with a national mechanism to record incidents of offer withdrawal and blacklist repeat offenders. Such action will not only protect students but also restore transparency and trust in the placement ecosystem.