IITs, India’s top tech schools see opportunity in Trump’s H-1B curbs

Core Viewpoint - The sentiment among India's elite tech circles reflects a quiet defiance toward the recent immigration restrictions imposed by the Trump administration, with a growing confidence in domestic opportunities reshaping career ambitions for top engineers [1][16]. Group 1: Impact of US Immigration Policies - The Trump administration's introduction of a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications and 50% tariffs on India has led to a reevaluation of career paths among Indian engineers, with some considering returning home [6][10]. - Historically, graduates from prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have sought lucrative positions in the US, but this trend is shifting as domestic growth prospects improve [7][8]. Group 2: Domestic Opportunities and Growth - Major global companies like Microsoft, Amazon, JPMorgan, and Goldman Sachs are establishing significant operations in India, providing high-end job opportunities that are attracting talent to stay in the country [8][10]. - India's startup ecosystem is thriving, with several homegrown firms going public, further encouraging young engineers to build careers domestically rather than pursuing opportunities abroad [9][10]. Group 3: Changing Aspirations Among Students - A notable fraction of IIT graduates are now opting to remain in India, reflecting a shift in mindset where US jobs are no longer seen as essential for success [11][12]. - Applications from Indian students to US colleges have decreased by 14% since Trump's return to office, indicating a cooling of aspirations for studying abroad [12][17]. Group 4: Recruitment Trends - Early recruitment data from IITs show strong hiring momentum, with domestic job offers outnumbering international ones, suggesting a robust local job market [14][15]. - In the 2023-24 academic year, IIT Bombay reported 1,475 accepted job offers, with only 78 from international companies, highlighting the growing preference for local opportunities [14][17].