In recent years, many Indian students have moved to countries like the U.S., Australia, and Europe. This has sparked a lot of debate, often labeled as “brain drain,” where it’s believed that India’s top talent is leaving for better opportunities abroad. However, the reality is quite different—India is actually benefiting from this trend, while countries like the U.S. are not gaining the skilled workers they hoped for. Most of India’s best students are still in the country. Prestigious schools like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs) continue to attract top talent. Many students recognize that there are now plenty of good job opportunities in India, especially in fields like technology and engineering, with salaries often comparable to or better than those in the U.S. or Europe. Those who do go abroad are usually not the top performers. Many of these students either struggled in India’s tough educational system or have different motivations for studying abroad. They’re often looking for a better lifestyle and the financial benefits of living in a Western country, rather than focusing on academic success.
A big reason for this migration is the influence of agents and education consultants who present an overly positive picture of life overseas. They convince students and their families that moving to a foreign country guarantees financial success and a higher standard of living. For those who can’t succeed in India’s competitive exams, studying abroad seems like an easier way to achieve their goals. Additionally, the difference between the value of dollars and rupees makes working abroad appealing. Earning in U.S. or Australian dollars and sending that money home can be very profitable, even for students who may not excel in their studies. This perception of higher earnings and the desire to settle abroad lead many students to see education as a path to permanent residency. A recent report from an Australian newspaper indicated that around 90% of Indian students applying to Australian universities are not truly interested in studying; they mostly want to settle down there. This trend is also seen in other popular countries for migration.
Countries like the U.S. think they are attracting the best talent, but often they are getting students who struggled to succeed in India. Once they graduate, these students enter the U.S. job market but usually don’t contribute much in terms of innovation or new ideas. The idea of brain drain, where India supposedly loses its best minds, is no longer accurate. In fact, India benefits from sending students abroad who might not thrive in its competitive environment, avoiding the burden of mediocrity while still gaining from the money they send back home.