IITs Bar Over 20 Firms From 2025 Placement Season Over Past Offer Withdrawals

As the placement season kicked off at India’s premier Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on Monday, more than 20 companies have been barred from participating this year due to previously revoked job offers, some of which were withdrawn as late as June and July 2025 — just days before the scheduled joining dates.

Student Career Plans Disrupted

Officials told The Times of India that last-minute offer cancellations not only disrupted students’ career trajectories but also impacted their mental well-being. In response, IITs decided to exclude these companies from the current placement drive, although they were later allowed to recruit via off-campus placements.

The ban targets firms that rescinded offers across multiple IITs, particularly in the software and data analytics sectors. The institutes also reviewed historical records to identify repeat offenders. A professor associated with placements explained, “Some companies had revoked offers in six to seven IITs previously. There were also cases of salary reductions after letters were issued. Placement cells are engaging with higher authorities in these firms to prevent future disruptions.”

Students’ Experiences Highlight Impact

An IIT Bombay computer science graduate from the 2025 batch shared his ordeal: “My offer was revoked on May 29, just two days before joining. The package was nearly Rs 30 lakh. Fortunately, I received a better opportunity through an alumnus, so I didn’t need further assistance. But several peers faced similar issues, and by June-July, institutes find it harder to help because the phase-II placement cycle ends by then.”

Focus on Start-ups and Emerging Opportunities

Despite these challenges, IITs are seeking broader participation from start-ups, particularly those incubated under the Centre’s Viksit Bharat initiative. “The job market may be slow, but we are reaching out to start-ups and new ventures to connect them with top talent,” the professor added. Early indications suggest a positive placement season overall.

The move to bar firms with a history of rescinded offers underscores IITs’ commitment to protecting students’ interests and ensuring fair and reliable recruitment practices.