Engineering enrolments rose 47% in four years, but net tech job additions fell 70%; why India's middle-class career dream is changing

India's traditional engineering-to-IT career pathway is facing growing uncertainty as artificial intelligence reshapes entry-level jobs. Citing figures highlighted by Chetan Bhagat in his The Times of India column, the article examines the widening gap between rising engineering enrolments and declining technology-sector hiring. It explores how AI is changing fresher recruitment, the potential experience gap for future professionals, and why students and parents may need to rethink career choices, embrace AI skills and reconsider blue-collar professions.