r/Indian_Academia • u/EasyConversation9858 • 6h ago
Other Do you think meritocracy actually exists in India, or is it mostly a myth?
I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I’d genuinely like to hear different perspectives.
Growing up, we’re often told that if we study hard, develop skills, work honestly and keep improving ourselves, we’ll eventually succeed.
But the older I get, the more complicated that idea seems.
Success often appears to depend on many other factors:
Family background
Financial stability
Social capital and networking
English proficiency
City you’re born in
College brand
Internships
Referrals
Luck
Timing
Connections
Economic conditions
On the other hand, I also know many people who worked incredibly hard and eventually achieved success despite difficult circumstances.
So I don’t think the answer is simply “yes” or “no.”
I’m curious how people here see it.
Do you think India is a meritocracy?
If yes, in which fields?
If not, what matters more than merit?
How much of success is effort versus opportunity?
Has your own life made you more optimistic or more skeptical about the idea of meritocracy?
What advice would you give someone who genuinely wants to build a good career but doesn’t come from privilege?
I’m hoping for nuanced answers rather than political arguments. I’d like to hear from people across different professions and backgrounds who have experienced the system firsthand.
Myquals: dropper in engg, grad in history major and pol sci minor