BITS Pilani Shifting Narrative from Highest to Median package to Foster Healthier Learning Environment
BITS Pilani, a renowned institution known for its commitment to innovation is taking a significant step towards inculcating a healthier academic environment. Starting this academic year, BITS Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses have decided not to publicize their highest placement package. Instead, these campuses will focus on highlighting the average or median packages their graduates secure. This resolution stems from BITS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ramgopal Rao’s perspective of addressing the enduring concerns among students and parent community about the unhealthy competition created by such monetary disclosures. This decision also aligns with BITS Pilani’s unwavering commitment to fostering a well-rounded and inclusive learning environment.
Shifting the narrative from the highest package to the median or average, will enable BITS Pilani to reduce the undue pressure that often accompanies the race for the highest salaries. At these BITS campuses in the AY2022-23 the domestic median salary has risen to 18 lakhs, a growth of 12% over the last AY 2021-22. The average domestic salary grew to reach 20.74 lakhs, a growth of 11 % over the last academic year, along with this the minimum salary also rose by 17% over the last year. Another important aspect has been the increase of 10% in the number of unique companies which have visited the campus this year for placements.
Speaking on the initiative, BITS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ramgopal Rao said, “Recent incidents underscore the dire consequences of an excessively competitive environment and the need for changing the current landscape of higher education in India. BITS Pilani acknowledges that while striving for excellence is important, it should not come at the cost of mental health and well-being. This paradigm aligns with institute’s comprehensive mission to provide an education that prepares students not only for their careers but also for a fulfilling and a balanced life beyond the campus walls. Also, other similar institutions of such rich legacy and repute need to be aware of the impact of their practices on the mental and emotional well-being of the students. They must be willing to adapt and evolve, taking proactive measures to create an environment that fosters growth, learning, and, most importantly, the overall well-being of their students.”
The dire need for the country, as also outlined in the 2020 National Education Policy, is increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in our higher educational institutions from the current ~27% to 50% in the next decade. This requires exploring options of developing many new educational institutions into better quality ones in addition to increasing the student count in existing high quality institutions. Keeping this in mind, BITS is in the process of augmenting its physical infrastructure in the coming years to reach a total student enrolment of 25000 in all of its campuses. This strategic endeavor is poised to position BITS Pilani institutions uniquely, as they strive to offer top-tier education at a significant scale.