The waning engineering obsession: Why India’s graduates are abandoning core industries amid a talent crunch

India’s engineering dream is unraveling. Once seen as a guaranteed path to stability and prestige, engineering degrees now struggle to deliver employable talent. Outdated curricula, shrinking core opportunities, and rising student debt push graduates toward IT, finance, or creative careers. While versatility rises, core industries face shortages, highlighting a growing disconnect between education, skills, and industry needs.