When I joined IIT in '99, I remember going abroad was the first thing in everyone's mind. Those who stayed either could not make it or had a strong reason to stay back. In some fields upto 80% people joined US universities. By the time I finished last year, the trend reversed completely. Except the few toppers and hard-US-minded, almost everyone in my batch and friend circle decided to stay back. And their decision seems to be paying off. Some of them are saving more than the ones in US.
There are several reasons: First, there were indeed high paying companies in the placements. Second, the futute clearly seems bright. Many parents, under these circumstances, advis their kids to opt for jobs back home. Third, the MBA option is going strong. Fourth, the 'dual-degree' program has influenced a large number of students. Not only the option of an MS is lost (which leaves one with a PhD of several uninterested years in most cases) many people are finding 'dual degree' a good reason to join jobs in their academic fields instead of IT. Finally, the number of offers have drastically gone down. All due to the increased panic after 9/11, which is inclined to grow. Hence, more homeward moves.
