Two friends, similar JEE rank but different choices: One jobless; other gets Rs 50 LPA package

A young engineering graduate recently expressed his disappointment after watching a close friend secure a high-paying job worth ₹50 lakh per year. Sharing his emotions on the Indian Workplace subreddit, he admitted that the contrast between his own unemployment and his friend’s success had left him feeling anxious and regretful.

The graduate explained that he had completed his degree at a Tier-2 university in Karnataka. Because his branch was circuital, he was excluded from the recruitment processes of several major software companies. Despite putting in consistent effort from his fourth semester onward, his average academic scores and limited placement opportunities left him without a job by the time college ended last month.

The Friend Who Took a Different Path

Adding to his frustration, the graduate revealed that his friend—who had performed similarly in the JEE 2021 entrance exam—chose to take a gap year and later secured admission into a Tier-1 university, though not an IIT or NIT. That decision, according to him, changed the trajectory of his friend’s career.

The friend completed an internship at a leading technology firm and has now been offered a permanent role with a compensation package of ₹50 lakh CTC, which includes a base salary of ₹20 lakh, a joining bonus of ₹10 lakh, and stock options worth another ₹20 lakh. While he was genuinely happy for his friend, the graduate confessed that he could not help but feel distressed, often wondering how his life might have turned out had he also taken a drop year. In his view, both of them had similar levels of intelligence and communication skills, yet the prestige of the institution made all the difference.

Mixed Reactions from the Online Community

Fellow Reddit users responded with a range of perspectives. Some attempted to reassure him, pointing out that while a prestigious college name might provide an early career advantage, skills and perseverance eventually outweigh credentials. One professional shared that some of the most talented engineers he worked with hailed from Tier-3 and even Tier-5 colleges, while many high achievers from reputed institutions remained stuck in poorly paying roles.

Others, however, argued that early access to opportunities matters significantly. They emphasized that being in a higher salary bracket from the start enables exposure to larger projects, influential networks, and better career growth. According to them, optimism aside, the “initial push” of a college tag can shape long-term progress.

A few members added cautionary tales about taking drop years, highlighting that it is a gamble. Some aspirants managed to secure seats in IITs, while others ended up in lower-ranked institutes despite sacrificing a year.

In the end, the consensus leaned toward focusing on skill-building, persistence, and career strategy rather than comparing journeys.