India’s Engineering Graduates and Coding Skills: A Controversial Debate
A provocative Reddit thread asserting that 90% of India’s engineering graduates cannot code has stirred significant discussions regarding the nation’s technological talent, hiring standards within startups, and the pressures placed on newcomers. The anonymous founder of a startup took to the platform to express discontent about frequently terminating new employees shortly after recruitment, even when they are presented with attractive salary increases.
Shared on the r/StartUpIndia subreddit, the post bears the title “India has 90% engineering graduates who can’t code.” The individual behind the post expressed frustration over the preparedness of fresh engineering graduates, particularly when moving from multinational corporations (MNCs) to the demanding atmosphere of startups.
He questioned the thought process of potential hires: “Before joining a startup, how difficult is it to consider the level of pressure and skills required compared to working in an MNC where one can easily blend in?”
The startup founder suggested that numerous new employees are drawn to his company because of higher salaries, but fail to meet expectations when actual tasks commence.
“When I employ anyone, I clarify the workload and skills necessary for success here. They seem enthusiastic given the pay increase. However, after a week or about 19 days, I often find myself having to dismiss them.”
The post also included a note clarifying that these terminations are not personal. “I don’t enjoy firing individuals who leave a previous job to join my startup. However, I am not at fault; they simply aren’t a suitable match for our team. They need to recognise that we are not fostering a hire-and-fire environment, but rather they expect to earn considerable compensation while only dealing with simple tasks like Excel or utilising ChatGPT.”
However, many internet users disagreed with this perspective. One prominent commenter contested the entire conclusion, remarking, “You generalised the hiring and then rapid firing within a month. Then your interviewers should be held accountable or perhaps you are part of the issue.”
Another user remarked, “Improve your interview process. MNCs are comfortable employing ‘mediocre’ coders at average salaries—this is their need. Why recruit those candidates at high salaries only to have their careers stalled after a month?”
Others challenged the broad generalisation regarding engineering graduates, emphasising that not all engineers are expected to code. “Do you believe all engineering graduates must code? Some may excel with AI technologies, while others, such as those in Civil, Biotech, or Chemical Engineering, may not require coding skills. Not every engineer in India operates in IT.”
One respondent provided a straightforward yet constructive observation: “If you find yourself dismissing someone after only a week due to skill deficiencies, that indicates a significant flaw in your hiring process, doesn’t it? If a week’s output is sufficient for you to decide a candidate isn’t suitable, what precisely occurred during the technical interview to justify that assessment?”
In spite of the backlash, a few seasoned developers resonated with the founder’s sentiments. “As an experienced engineer, I concur that a substantial portion of applicants appear unaware of fundamental concepts. However, let’s explore ways you can enhance this situation.”
