By team abhyaspeeth 
Abhyspeeth News Desk | April 12, 2025
Pune, widely recognized as one of India’s top educational and IT hubs, is currently grappling with a sharp decline in campus placements—a concern that’s casting a shadow over the future of thousands of graduating students. This year, several reputed engineering and management colleges in the city have reported significantly lower hiring numbers and reduced salary packages, a trend that is both alarming and unprecedented in recent years.
At institutions like Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, which earlier saw impressive placement statistics, the mood has shifted considerably. According to Deepak Navalkund, Training and Placement Officer at the university, the average package has dropped from ₹7.4 LPA last year to around ₹5.5–₹5.6 LPA this year. Many companies that used to visit for mass hiring, particularly from the IT and software sectors, have either reduced their intake drastically or opted out of the placement process altogether. What’s more concerning is that some companies who initially registered for recruitment drives have withdrawn their participation midway, leaving students anxious and confused.
This year’s placement cycle has also seen a shift in hiring trends. Students report that roles in core marketing, human resources, and operations have been replaced largely with sales-driven profiles. Moreover, employers are now emphasizing internships and prior experience, which places freshers—especially those without relevant exposure—at a disadvantage.
The situation is not limited to one institution. At MIT World Peace University, students echo similar experiences. With fewer companies offering jobs, competition has intensified and even high-performing students are struggling to secure roles. A mechanical engineering student from the college shared that despite having good grades and multiple certifications, he has yet to receive a single offer.
Experts link the decline in campus hiring to a broader slowdown in the tech and services industry. According to recent reports, Indian IT companies are expected to hire only 70,000 to 80,000 fresh engineers this fiscal year, the lowest in two decades. A combination of global economic uncertainties, cautious client spending, and increased automation has led major firms like Infosys, TCS, and Wipro to adopt a more conservative approach to hiring.
In light of these challenges, students are being forced to re-strategize. Many are looking beyond traditional campus placements and exploring off-campus opportunities through job portals, internships, and startup ecosystems. Some are even considering higher studies, public sector jobs, or entrepreneurship as alternate paths.
Educational institutions, too, are stepping up. Placement cells are organizing more career guidance sessions, inviting alumni for mentorship, and collaborating with industry partners to understand shifting hiring needs. There’s also a push toward skilling students in emerging technologies like AI, data analytics, and fintech to align with market demand.
As Pune’s campuses adapt to these uncertain times, one thing is clear: students are being tested not just on their academic merit, but on their adaptability, resilience, and ability to navigate a tough job market. The city that once promised every graduate a stepping stone into India’s booming tech economy now presents a sobering reality check—and a call for innovation in career-building strategies.
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