Students at Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are increasingly rejecting pre-placement offers (PPOs) for the 2025-2026 academic year. This trend holds despite a 10-20% increase in PPO offers across campuses. Students express confidence in securing better opportunities during final placements, set to begin on December 1 .
This year’s rejections mark a shift from previous cycles. In uncertain job markets, students often accepted PPOs, which are guaranteed positions offered before final placements. However, a strong internship season has fueled student optimism for the upcoming recruitment phase.
PPO Rejections Rise Across IITs
IIT Delhi, Kanpur, Roorkee, and Hyderabad report this rising rejection trend. An IIT Delhi placement advisor stated more students rejected PPOs to participate in final placements. He noted past cycles saw high PPO acceptance during weaker hiring periods, a contrast to current conditions.
Data from specific IITs confirm the increase:
| IIT Campus | PPO Offers (Current Year) | PPO Offers (Last Year) | PPO Rejections (Current Year) | PPO Rejections (Last Year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIT Madras | 10-20% increase | — | 10-15% increase | — |
| IIT Roorkee | 250 | 200 | 24 | 18 |
At IIT Madras, PPO rejections surged 10-15% compared to the previous year, despite a 10-20% rise in offers. IIT Roorkee saw 250 students receive PPOs, up from 200 last year. Twenty-four students rejected these offers, an increase from 18 in the previous cycle.
Shifts in Recruitment Landscape
The composition of recruiting companies has changed. Software and big tech firms are returning to campuses, with IIT Kanpur, Madras, and Hyderabad seeing increased software roles. Artificial intelligence (AI) positions show particular growth. An IIT Kanpur placement cell member indicated more companies now use PPOs and internships to assess student skills.
Conversely, opportunities in the consulting sector have contracted. Major consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain are not visiting some campuses this year. An IIT Delhi student noted consulting roles have been “painful.” IIT Hyderabad reports fewer students applying for consulting positions, citing no current market demand.
Salaries for most roles have remained stagnant. IIT Madras reported lower salaries from last year for AI and digital product firms. However, new companies, including startups and product firms, are showing interest.
International Hiring and Student Priorities
International recruitment has shifted geographically. While H1B visa restrictions previously impacted US company hiring, recruiters from Japan and European countries are now prominent. These companies replace many US firms on campus this year.
IIT Hyderabad presents an exception to some trends. The campus witnessed a 50% increase in quant companies this year. These roles came with significant salary hikes, ranging from 25-40%. Software roles also increased at IIT Hyderabad.
Student priorities are influencing PPO rejections. Students are rejecting offers that do not align with their work-life balance expectations. An IIT Madras student explained that students seek passion-oriented roles over mundane ones. This pursuit of work-life balance and passion drives many rejections at their campus.
Final Placement Schedule
The first phase of final placements for IITs begins on December 1 . The second phase of recruitment will take place in January . Students are preparing for these upcoming phases, expecting better and more desirable full-time jobs.