The value of education in India has been brought into sharp focus by a recent social media post from a student who received a ₹3.5 lakh stipend as an intern at IIM, sparking a debate about whether it is merit or privilege that determines success.
This raises questions about the affordability and accessibility of education in India's prestigious institutions like IIMs and IITs. The student who posted about their stipend claimed that it was not enough to cover living expenses while studying. This highlights a broader issue: while degrees can provide a significant advantage, especially in places that value them, they are often out of reach for many students.
The lucrative internships shared by users on social media only serve to underscore this point. For example, one user mentioned a 2-month internship paying ₹25 lakh, demonstrating that success is not solely dependent on education, but also on access to opportunities and resources.
However, for many students, securing such opportunities can be challenging due to financial constraints. The debate highlights the need for greater accessibility and affordability in India's educational system, particularly at top institutions like IIMs and IITs.