"Cleared JEE, GATE, but earns just Rs 35,000 a month": PhD scholar's story sparks online debate on research conditions in India

Clearing tough exams like JEE and GATE is no small feat. Getting into a PhD programme at IIT Delhi is even more impressive. Yet, despite all this, a student working on artificial intelligence and innovation at the institute is earning just Rs 35,000 a month as a stipend.

His story was shared by his friend Rehan Akhtar on LinkedIn, and it quickly sparked a debate online. The post raised concerns about how brilliant minds in Indian research are being underpaid and often ignored.

Rehan’s friend not only cracked highly competitive exams but also cleared a PhD interview and is currently contributing to cutting-edge research. Alongside his research, he also teaches undergraduate students, has reviewed over 100 academic papers, and has published his own work.


Still, he finds it hard to manage daily expenses, especially with family responsibilities. “Why does our system reward mediocrity in the form of money and genius with just survival?” Rehan asked in his post. “PhD students are not ordinary students, they're teachers, creators, and moulders of the future. But they're being ignored. Passion shouldn't have to cost poverty."

The post touched a nerve, with many users, especially IIT alumni and current PhD students, sharing similar experiences. Some said they had to give up their research dreams for better-paying jobs.

One person commented, “I quit research because I had bills to pay. The passion was there, but passion doesn’t pay rent.”

An IITian wrote, “The industry doesn’t care about your JEE or GATE score, your research papers, or how many degrees you hold. What matters is whether you have the skills they need. Many PhD students are juggling their research with preparing for competitive exams. Is this a healthy situation?”

While most people agreed with the post, some offered a different view. One user pointed out that low stipends for researchers are a global issue, not just limited to India. "Respectfully, I think this is a rough comparison,” they wrote, referring to how stipends depend on market demand and funding.

Among the comments was a kind offer from someone who wanted to help. “Hi Rehan, can you connect me to him? I have a few projects that pay well. Maybe I can help.”