'Grass looking greener in India': Mumbai startup founder claims reverse brain drain is rising as Indians studying abroad look to return home

A growing number of international graduates are considering returning to India after completing their studies abroad, entrepreneur Arjun Vaidya said following his interaction with Indian students at the London Business School campus.

Sharing his observations on Instagram, Vaidya said students cited India's economic growth, investor confidence and purchasing power as factors influencing their career decisions. He described the trend as a potential "reverse brain drain".

Indian students at LBS discuss plans to return home

Vaidya said his visit to the London Business School campus gave him insights into changing career preferences among Indian students.


Recalling his interaction, he wrote that many students expressed their desire to move back to India after graduation, adding that they felt "the grass seems greener in India with growth".

Vaidya said he had earlier spoken at the institution's India conclave and later visited the campus to meet students.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Arjun Vaidya (@abvaidya)

Salary comparison highlights purchasing power difference

Vaidya said he compared earning potential in India and London to understand the financial considerations behind students' choices.

He said a salary of around Rs 50 lakh per annum in India could offer similar savings from a purchasing power perspective as a salary of around GBP 150,000 per annum in London.

According to Vaidya, growth opportunities, stability and investor confidence appeared stronger in India, influencing the outlook of graduates from foreign universities.

Social media reacts to reverse brain drain trend

Vaidya's post sparked discussions online, with users sharing different views on the reasons behind graduates choosing to return to India.

One user said more foreign degree holders were applying for roles in India but argued that graduates from Indian institutions often had advantages due to lower salary expectations, familiarity with the domestic market and work culture.

Another user attributed the trend partly to visa challenges and difficulties in securing company sponsorship abroad, while noting that those interested in entrepreneurship were more open to returning.

A third user said reverse brain drain was becoming a growing trend among international students.

About Arjun Vaidya

Vaidya completed his schooling at Dhirubhai Ambani International School and graduated from Brown University. He co-founded a startup in 2021.

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