Are Indian MBA Graduates Saying No to the US? Viral LinkedIn Post Sparks Debate

A viral LinkedIn post recently stirred a major debate online by suggesting that more Indian MBA graduates are now rejecting job offers in the US and choosing to build careers in India instead. The post, made by an IIM graduate, claimed that some of his batchmates had deliberately decided to skip H-1B visa sponsorships and stay back in India despite lucrative opportunities abroad. The post struck a nerve, sparking thousands of reactions and comments from people on both sides of the argument.

I decided to write about this topic because it touches on something larger than just career choices. For years, “studying abroad” has been a dream for Indian students, often linked to a better quality of life and higher salaries. But if some of the brightest minds are rethinking this path, it signals a shift in how young Indians see the world—and their future. We need to understand whether this is just a one-off internet debate or part of a growing trend. This conversation also raises important questions about work culture, opportunity, brain drain, and whether India is finally turning into a land of real professional promise.

Why Are MBA Grads Rethinking the US Dream?

The core of the viral post was that some IIM graduates, after studying in top-tier institutions, chose not to pursue jobs in the US. Their reasons ranged from visa uncertainties to the rising cost of living abroad, and even emotional reasons like staying close to family or being part of India’s startup ecosystem. Here are some of the main reasons discussed:

H-1B Visa Hassles: Many graduates don’t want to be stuck in the lottery system or tied down by restrictive visa rules
High Living Costs in the US: With inflation and rising rent, many feel the dollar salary isn’t as attractive as it once was
India’s Booming Startup Culture: More young professionals are drawn to Indian startups, unicorns, and even launching their own ventures
Better Work-Life Balance in India: Some grads say they feel more ‘at home’ in India—literally and mentally

While none of these reasons are new, what’s surprising is the growing number of people who are now openly saying “no” to jobs abroad despite the big paychecks.

What the Numbers Say

While we don’t yet have official data that proves a mass reversal of the brain drain, a few trends do stand out:

According to GMAC, the number of Indian MBA aspirants applying to US B-schools has declined in recent years
India’s startup ecosystem now ranks third globally, creating more high-paying jobs locally
Remote work has made it easier for Indians to work for global companies while staying in India
A growing number of global firms like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google now offer India-based leadership roles with competitive salaries

This doesn’t mean the US dream is dead—but it’s certainly evolving.

What People Are Saying Online

The original LinkedIn post had over 20,000 likes and thousands of comments. Reactions were mixed. Some praised the courage of those choosing to stay back, saying it’s a sign of confidence in India’s future. Others said it was naive to give up dollar salaries and global exposure.

Some interesting arguments that came up in comments:

“India now offers enough opportunities for smart, ambitious folks—you don’t have to leave anymore.”
“It’s not always about money. Living close to family and contributing to your country matters too.”
“Yes, but we should be careful not to glorify one path over another. Everyone’s journey is different.”

So, Is This a Trend or Just Online Noise?

From what I see, this is not yet a full-blown movement, but it’s also not just noise. More young professionals are thinking about what kind of life they want, not just what kind of job pays more. With India’s tech, finance, and startup sectors growing, staying back is no longer seen as a “backup plan.” It’s becoming a first choice for some.

Also, with rising political uncertainty and tougher immigration rules in the US, students and professionals are weighing their options more carefully.

Puducherry CM Rangasamy Highlights How Medical Education Builds the Nation

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy addressed the induction ceremony for new MBBS students at Takshashila Medical College, under Takshashila University in Tindivanam, and emphasised that medical education is a key pillar of nation-building. He called on young doctors to serve society with both compassion and integrity as they embark on their journey in the medical profession.

I’m writing about this because when a senior political leader highlights the value of medical education in such a way, it’s a reminder how future doctors are not just healthcare providers — they are nation-builders. In a country like ours, where healthcare and public service are deeply tied to societal progress, leaders’ messages like these matter a lot. New MBBS students often feel the weight and promise of their choice; to hear from the CM that their role goes beyond hospitals and clinics gives them a broader purpose. This also signals the government’s long-term commitment to supporting quality medical education in Puducherry, which can motivate more students to contribute meaningfully to public health.

Why Medical Education Matters for Nation-Building

Medical education is more than just learning to treat illness — it shapes the very infrastructure of a country’s health system. With strong medical training, future doctors contribute to public health, innovation in medicine, and healthcare equity. By urging graduates to use their education in service of others, the CM reinforced that these students are part of a larger mission: creating a healthier, stronger nation.

What CM Rangasamy said at the Induction Day

He praised the establishment of Takshashila Medical College, saying it aligns with the vision of building a socially responsible healthcare future.
Rangasamy reminded students that skills must be matched with values: “Compassion and integrity should guide your decisions,” he said, urging them to treat patients not only as cases, but as people in need.
He mentioned that medical education in Puducherry must serve all sections of society, encouraging graduates to go beyond personal ambition and contribute to public service.
He also called for leveraging government support and infrastructure to improve healthcare access, reinforcing that training alone is not enough without purpose.

The Prominence of Takshashila Medical College

Takshashila Medical College, under the larger umbrella of Takshashila University, represents a fresh push in healthcare education in the region. By starting a new MBBS batch, the college is playing its part in developing more doctors who can serve both local communities and national needs. For many students in Puducherry and nearby regions, this college offers an opportunity to receive good medical education without having to move far from home.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Even as the CM’s words inspire, there are practical challenges:

Infrastructure: Medical colleges need strong labs, hospital attachments, and patient inflow for effective training.
Faculty Quality: To uphold the CM’s vision of compassionate education, the institution will need teachers who are excellent clinicians as well as educators.
Affordability and Access: There is always a risk that medical education remains out of reach for economically weaker students. Government policies and scholarships will play a big role.
Public Health Orientation: Graduates must be encouraged to work in underserved areas, not just big cities, so that the promise of nation-building becomes a reality in poorer communities.

Why This Message Is Important for Students and Society

For students, this is a moral call: being a doctor is not just a profession, it’s a public trust.
For parents, it underscores that supporting a child through medical college has wider societal value.
For society, strong medical education means having trained professionals who can respond to public health crises, improve healthcare access, and innovate in medical research.
For policymakers, it’s a cue to continue investing in medical colleges, infrastructure, and ethics-driven training.