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The Great Indian Obsession: The Untold Story of India's Engineers
"If engineering were a religion, it would be the 5th most populous religion in India." In India, you become an engineer first and then figure out what you want to do with your life. On 4 October 2014, more than 300 individuals across the globe contributed close to 14,000 AUD and created crowdfunding history. This book became the highest crowdfunded book in India and the 6th highest in Asia. In a nation that is exasperatingly diverse, engineering seems to be one of the biggest obsessions. India produces more engineers annually than twice the population of Iceland. I set on a backpacking trip across the country to unravel this massive phenomenon at the end of which I lost a camera full of images, but I found a story to tell the world. It is through this journey that I present to you the world's most interesting educational story.
- GenresIndiaNonfictionEducation
178 pages, Paperback
Published November 30, 2015
35 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 8, 2017
I absolutely loved the book, so much that I read it in one sitting.
It's a well-researched, beautifully written book that recites stories of different facets of engineering. How it emerged as an industry, how it all started, how entrance exams became a thing and how educational hubs like Kota emerged.
It also puts a light on the worrisome trends related to the field and is absolutely awesome and a must-read for every engineer in India as well as for anybody who is related to those Indian engineers.
It's a well-researched, beautifully written book that recites stories of different facets of engineering. How it emerged as an industry, how it all started, how entrance exams became a thing and how educational hubs like Kota emerged.
It also puts a light on the worrisome trends related to the field and is absolutely awesome and a must-read for every engineer in India as well as for anybody who is related to those Indian engineers.
January 25, 2016
What this book is NOT:
1) A rant on engineering or the education system of India
2) An opinion piece on Engineering or education system of India
Instead, this book is rich in a lot of primary insights from actual students, teachers, administrators in this billion dollar "BUSINESS" of Engineering.
Mandatory Disclosure : I received a copy of the book from the author so my views will be biased.
1) A rant on engineering or the education system of India
2) An opinion piece on Engineering or education system of India
Instead, this book is rich in a lot of primary insights from actual students, teachers, administrators in this billion dollar "BUSINESS" of Engineering.
Mandatory Disclosure : I received a copy of the book from the author so my views will be biased.
July 3, 2016
After reading this book, my heart goes out to those kids who have either forgotten or have never even entertained the possibility of life outside academics. I don't blame them as much as I do to their parents. But having expressed my ill-will regarding these unhappy incidents, I'm optimistic about the future as I've seen our surroundings changing generation by generation. I see that previously our parents' future course was chosen for them by their parents, now what I've seen in our generation is that parents provide us freedom to choose our own career, I hope that our generation in future will carry the baton forward and we will be the parents who will help our wards to take an informed decision regarding their career.:)
May 23, 2017
The great indian obsession portrays the journey of engineering in India right from its advent to the present time where engineering degree and IT jobs has become the biggest obsession among the Indians. For middle class household engineering degree is the ticket to better life and reputation in society.
Apart from its benefit, the author has highlighted many detrimental side effects of this obsession. There is undue pressure on young shoulders to be amongst toppers both from parents and society. Failure in doing so many a times results in depression, stigma of looser and in extreme situation suicide as well which is becoming increasingly common.
The obsession for engineering has led to the advent of flourishing coaching industry in India in order to crack the competitive exams. The author has written in detail about the beginning of coaching centres and its rise and rise.
The book also brings out the darker side of the Indian education system. Pathetic government school conditions, expensive private schools and colleges, donations, uselessness of primary education, flourishing tuition centers, reservation issue, importance of caste over merit.
It's a hard hitting book and an eye opener. The book does not dissuade from pursuing an engineering degree but the author just want from parents and society not to crush the dreams and aspirations of young ones only for better financial health.
It's a must read book.
Follow the link to read the full review
http://thebookworld.org/great-indian-...
Apart from its benefit, the author has highlighted many detrimental side effects of this obsession. There is undue pressure on young shoulders to be amongst toppers both from parents and society. Failure in doing so many a times results in depression, stigma of looser and in extreme situation suicide as well which is becoming increasingly common.
The obsession for engineering has led to the advent of flourishing coaching industry in India in order to crack the competitive exams. The author has written in detail about the beginning of coaching centres and its rise and rise.
The book also brings out the darker side of the Indian education system. Pathetic government school conditions, expensive private schools and colleges, donations, uselessness of primary education, flourishing tuition centers, reservation issue, importance of caste over merit.
It's a hard hitting book and an eye opener. The book does not dissuade from pursuing an engineering degree but the author just want from parents and society not to crush the dreams and aspirations of young ones only for better financial health.
It's a must read book.
Follow the link to read the full review
http://thebookworld.org/great-indian-...
April 15, 2021
It is one of the closest book to my 'student heart'. As a student who opted science (with mathematics) in secondary education, the book was totally relatable.
The author has brought and compiled various stories and facts in this book that a student can relate with. Reading the book was itself like a journey, a journey of emotions. A journey of a student, struck in the education system and an obsessed society. The society that is too much obsessed with Engineering.
The book brings out various stories from various corners of the country, which gives a rough idea about life of Engineering students/aspirants in different parts of this country.
The author has brought and compiled various stories and facts in this book that a student can relate with. Reading the book was itself like a journey, a journey of emotions. A journey of a student, struck in the education system and an obsessed society. The society that is too much obsessed with Engineering.
The book brings out various stories from various corners of the country, which gives a rough idea about life of Engineering students/aspirants in different parts of this country.
September 23, 2018
Grab this book without any expectations well researched.
September 23, 2019
A really good book. Definite binge read!
January 7, 2016
This book is a very interesting read to understand the background of how and why the indian education system works especially in regards to the engineering domain. The book truly achieves what the author set out to do, explain the obsession that is Engineering in India.
I finished this book in a day and it was worth every minute. Adhitya Iyer is very meticulous when it comes to his research. He has written anecdotes in a way that is engrossing and gives a great insight in the mentality of the indian people, especially the parents who determine the future of their sons and daughters.
Adhitya has also woven the stories well enough to make them flow seamlessly but i would warn the readers to read carefully or they might juat lose track.
The size of the book is perfect for the content it presents. The stories are very interesting and they make you want more.
This is a definite must read for all the people who can relate to engineering, peer pressure, indian education system, or even a general curiosity regarding the millions of Engineers coming from India.
I finished this book in a day and it was worth every minute. Adhitya Iyer is very meticulous when it comes to his research. He has written anecdotes in a way that is engrossing and gives a great insight in the mentality of the indian people, especially the parents who determine the future of their sons and daughters.
Adhitya has also woven the stories well enough to make them flow seamlessly but i would warn the readers to read carefully or they might juat lose track.
The size of the book is perfect for the content it presents. The stories are very interesting and they make you want more.
This is a definite must read for all the people who can relate to engineering, peer pressure, indian education system, or even a general curiosity regarding the millions of Engineers coming from India.
March 19, 2016
Been an Indian Engineer at any point in your life? Then this book is for you! A quick yet gripping read on the mandatory metamorphosis a common Indian kid is made to undergo in order to become that coveted "Engineer" or a "Doctor". It is only in India that all of us become engineers first and only then figure out what we are really passionate about. Now some of us are lucky and get the opportunity to "switch" to other careers. But the vast majority toils day after day - just for the heck of it, inside the air-conditioned IT factories in India and the US.
Most importantly, this book is something Indian parents need to read. Times have changed and you really don't need that "Engineer" title on your kids for them to lead a good life. Let you kids follow their passion and decide for themselves, decent money will always follow somehow.
Most importantly, this book is something Indian parents need to read. Times have changed and you really don't need that "Engineer" title on your kids for them to lead a good life. Let you kids follow their passion and decide for themselves, decent money will always follow somehow.
September 21, 2016
Except a few vocab mistakes, the book was with plain English and almost any (school goers) can read to understand the whys and the whats of Engineering and Schooling. Though there were a lot of statistics (which I was excited to know about) to support his ideas, it is not everyone's cup of tea.
Overall, it was a worthy book to spend time on, as most of you would've experienced or be experiencing in your student life. Also, it is an eye opener for anyone who would want their children to be just one of the billions of engineers.
Overall, it was a worthy book to spend time on, as most of you would've experienced or be experiencing in your student life. Also, it is an eye opener for anyone who would want their children to be just one of the billions of engineers.
November 6, 2015
A must read for everyone who wants a sneak peek into the most massive education sector in India. The author has done some intensive research to bring to limelight some of the things about the current state of the education system in India with a touch of his sarcastic humour. Don't go with a presumption that it's just a book with only negative criticism on Engineering in India. No! He has covered both sides of the coin with as much justice as possible.
October 1, 2017
Loved it. Especially being an Engineer and now working in the Education sector, I could relate to it. Looking forward to bringing some changes to our current state of education. Thank you for a wonderful read, Adhitya.
April 10, 2019
Great research, stories and insights on some of the lesser known facts of Indian Education system.
The sad part is that even after reading this book, what can be done to change this pathetic system churning out thousands of engineers, MBA's from our colleges.
More disappointing is the fact that the people, kids for whom this book is written may never even find or courage to read this through.
As pointed out in the book itself, initially or may be now also, good education is often deemed as a tool to lift an entire family or even a generation from poverty and provide them with a sustainable future to pursue their dreams apart from daily hassles of bread and butter. But what about those families who have enough income to afford better free lives for their children but end up imitating their parents only. A classic case is a family of doctors where a couple spends half of their life in establishing a good clinic in a small town and them in order to have someone continue their legacy, the children are again supposed to become doctors (particularly in same specialization) in order to continue running that clinic, nursing home. I hope if this book can liberate even 100 children from this cycle of class/test/pass/fail, it would have achieved some objective.
The sad part is that even after reading this book, what can be done to change this pathetic system churning out thousands of engineers, MBA's from our colleges.
More disappointing is the fact that the people, kids for whom this book is written may never even find or courage to read this through.
As pointed out in the book itself, initially or may be now also, good education is often deemed as a tool to lift an entire family or even a generation from poverty and provide them with a sustainable future to pursue their dreams apart from daily hassles of bread and butter. But what about those families who have enough income to afford better free lives for their children but end up imitating their parents only. A classic case is a family of doctors where a couple spends half of their life in establishing a good clinic in a small town and them in order to have someone continue their legacy, the children are again supposed to become doctors (particularly in same specialization) in order to continue running that clinic, nursing home. I hope if this book can liberate even 100 children from this cycle of class/test/pass/fail, it would have achieved some objective.
August 19, 2019
Adhitya Iyer took a good swing at how education at large is perceived in India. Though he is more inclined into engineering in the entire book; this is exactly what India's education is going through.
Starting right from Macaulay to finishing up with Anand Kumar, the journey is very exciting, showing through stages of how engineering came to life, built upon the core and now is rotting due to overpopulation, untamed seeding and narrow vision.
If you are a student or a parent in any stage of life. This book should at least be read ones, for whom who are far beyond the initial choices, will feel relieved in knowing the pain that they went through for all the years, weren't guilt for self but a sham that the entire country run. And for those who are still studying, can get a clear perspective of a career in accordance with the bigger picture, to perceive well and build their selfs devoid of the course or stream they chose.
Starting right from Macaulay to finishing up with Anand Kumar, the journey is very exciting, showing through stages of how engineering came to life, built upon the core and now is rotting due to overpopulation, untamed seeding and narrow vision.
If you are a student or a parent in any stage of life. This book should at least be read ones, for whom who are far beyond the initial choices, will feel relieved in knowing the pain that they went through for all the years, weren't guilt for self but a sham that the entire country run. And for those who are still studying, can get a clear perspective of a career in accordance with the bigger picture, to perceive well and build their selfs devoid of the course or stream they chose.
August 12, 2018
Probably the only book of its kind on the craze of Engineering in India. It contains exactly what you'd want in such a book, details regarding the history that led up to this craze, the reasoning behind its existence, along with interesting stories of the students currently part of this obsession. The ideas regarding the current schooling system really hit home and its about time someone forced an open discussion on it.
Every Engineer has gone through the grind of preparation for entrance exams and will relate to this book and its ideas from their own personal experiences. For non-engineers, its provides some great insight into the lives of students and the immense pressure that they go through to fulfill the hopes and dreams of their loved ones.
It all sums up to “If you’re unsure about your career, do Engineering first then figure out what to do next”
Every Engineer has gone through the grind of preparation for entrance exams and will relate to this book and its ideas from their own personal experiences. For non-engineers, its provides some great insight into the lives of students and the immense pressure that they go through to fulfill the hopes and dreams of their loved ones.
It all sums up to “If you’re unsure about your career, do Engineering first then figure out what to do next”
June 6, 2022
A well researched book which logically & factually exposes Indian education system in every aspect.
The evolution of coaching factories in Kota, Kanpur & Southern States and their working mechanism.
The interconnection among IITan, dowry & NRI.
The engineers export to the USA & English language link.
Rise of Infosys & other Indian IT giants.
The 10+2+3 education system.
Reservation system in education.
Teaches of Indian education system.
Heritage of IITs & their history.
The evolution of coaching factories in Kota, Kanpur & Southern States and their working mechanism.
The interconnection among IITan, dowry & NRI.
The engineers export to the USA & English language link.
Rise of Infosys & other Indian IT giants.
The 10+2+3 education system.
Reservation system in education.
Teaches of Indian education system.
Heritage of IITs & their history.
October 7, 2018
Expected more....
I am also an ex student of bansal classes so I was aware or majority of the issues raised in the book.
Everything writtien is so true and takes me back to the days of bansal classes. I just hope people realize that a person's life is more important than studies.
I am also an ex student of bansal classes so I was aware or majority of the issues raised in the book.
Everything writtien is so true and takes me back to the days of bansal classes. I just hope people realize that a person's life is more important than studies.
January 3, 2026
What a great book! As a diasporic Indian, i didnt know much about India’s education system/ obsession with engineering. Surprisingly, this book offered a lot of insight into the common patterns among myself and my Indian ancestry peers that persist even in Western countries. This book was an engaging, and informative. I will definitely be sharing /gifting this book to my nears and dears.
May 3, 2019
I loved reading this book. Had never heard of this book and just happened to get a copy of this from a friend. It was so beautifully written that I finished it in a single sitting. A well researched and well written book. Would surely benefit prospective student and their parents.
May 9, 2020
A true page turner
This man came to our college as a speaker and I was truly inspired by the datas he collected and truth about the Indian education system which shouldn't include the word system in it
This man came to our college as a speaker and I was truly inspired by the datas he collected and truth about the Indian education system which shouldn't include the word system in it
July 8, 2017
Good description on Indian education system.
March 3, 2018
very nicely written, it keeps you entertained with loads of new information while giving out a message...
July 13, 2018
It's worthy to read it
July 21, 2018
Pretty tremendous book.. uncovering the harsh truths
January 24, 2020
3.5 stars
February 13, 2020
Loved the way he narrated the facts.
April 9, 2020
It is an amazing book. I loved it because I have been through those situations.
August 16, 2020
A truly remarkable study on Indian education. Adhitya just showed us a mirror.
IIT nikal do phir to Zindagi set hai.
Must read for the facts of Indian Engineering Education.
IIT nikal do phir to Zindagi set hai.
Must read for the facts of Indian Engineering Education.
June 20, 2021
Pan India coverage of engineering coaching situation
It's a deja vu experience reading this book. A very detailed and candid coverage of all the JEE coaching institutes.
It's a deja vu experience reading this book. A very detailed and candid coverage of all the JEE coaching institutes.
September 10, 2023
Well research memoir book on the Indian education system and their obsession for IITs
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews