FAQโ€บAcademicsโ€บIs engineering really the only career option ...
Iim AhmedabadIim BangaloreIim Calcuttacat

Is engineering really the only career option in India?

โœ“Last verified March 2026 ยท Spot outdated data? Email verify@collvera.com
Claude's answer

Engineering is not the only career option despite systemic pressure - strong alternatives exist in BCom/CA, law, medicine, pure science research, and design. The Reddit thread OP was ranting about this pressure: "not everyone is privileged enough to pursue engg and there are people who do not have the aptitude for engg, this neither makes you smarter nor more competent." At IIM Ahmedabad (Rs 27.

5L fees, Rs 35.22 LPA avg) and similar top IIMs, 35-40% of batches are non-engineers with successful careers. Non-engineering paths that match or exceed MBA outcomes: CA + Big 4 partnership track (Rs 80L-2Cr at 10-15 years), law (Senior Counsel at Rs 5Cr+ at 15+ years), medicine (Specialist consultants at Rs 50L-1Cr+), pure science research (low initial pay but academic prestige), design (top Indian designers earn Rs 50L+).

The "engineering = smarter" myth is false - each field selects for different cognitive skills. The OP's specific pain point: "Every job opening in linkedin now has requirement for tech degrees even if the job profile is sales and marketing" - this is a real distortion of Indian job market. The solution: MBA from IIM ABC/FMS is exactly the escape route non-engineers use to compete for corporate management roles.

Don't let pressure push you into wrong field - the 3-4 year opportunity cost of wrong field choice exceeds any career downside. For BSc candidates reading this: IIM path is open and diversity-friendly. Check your eligibility at collvera.

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