The Question Every Student Should Ask Before Choosing College | Sanjeev Bikhchandani

Why do millions of students dream of IIT? Is it the passion for engineering—or the brand, opportunities, and identity that come with it? In this thought-provoking conversation, Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Founder of Info Edge (Naukri.com) and Co-founder of Ashoka University, shares the deeply personal moment that changed the course of his life. After qualifying for IIT, an unexpected medical test forced him to ask himself a simple but life-changing question: "Why do I want IIT?" That one question led him to rethink education, careers, and how students make some of the biggest decisions of their lives. He also reveals the inspiration behind *Ashoka University**, discusses why institutions like **Plaksha University* represent a new approach to higher education in India, why India's education system often forces students to specialize too early, and what can be done differently. In this episode you'll learn: Why Sanjeev Bikhchandani questioned his IIT dream The real inspiration behind Ashoka University How universities like Ashoka and Plaksha are rethinking higher education The biggest flaw in India's education system Why students should choose purpose before a degree How multidisciplinary education can shape better careers Whether your college or your branch matters more Career advice for students preparing for an AI-driven future Whether you're a student, parent, educator, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of learning, this conversation offers timeless insights that challenge conventional thinking. Chapters 00:00 Why Ashoka University Was Created 00:29 The IIT Dream That Changed Everything 01:18 "Did I Want Engineering or Just the IIT Brand?" 02:07 How St. Stephen's Shaped His Thinking 02:55 The Moment That Inspired Ashoka University 03:48 Why India's Education System Needs to Change 04:42 Why Students Should Choose Their Passion, Not Just Their Rank 05:32 The Future of Education in the AI Era 💬 What do you think matters more—your college, your branch, or your skills? Share your thoughts in the comments. About the Guest: Padma Shri awardee Sanjeev Bikhchandani is the founder of Info Edge — the company behind @Naukri, @99acres, @jeevansathi, and @shiksha. He was a strategic investor in Zomato, Policybazaar, and 100+ deep tech and AI startups through Info Edge Ventures. He is known as the Father of the Indian Startup Ecosystem, a patient venture investor, and has also supported transformative education initiatives including *Ashoka University* and **Plaksha University**. About Dilse Omni: Dilse Omni is a podcast by Saurabh Agrawal, founder of @daiom-ai, focused on honest conversations around omnichannel growth, marketing leadership, entrepreneurship, education, and building businesses that last—one insight at a time. Keywords: Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Naukri founder, Info Edge, Padma Shri Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Ashoka University, Plaksha University, liberal education India, multidisciplinary education, IIT, Indian education system, Zomato investment story, Policybazaar investment, Indian startup ecosystem, Hari Sadu ad story, how to build a startup India, DilSe Omni Talks, DAiOM podcast, Indian founders podcast, Ashoka University founder, Plaksha, anti portfolio India, venture capital India, India AI strategy, how to name a brand, traffic magnets marketing, Naukri origin story, Indian internet entrepreneur, patient capital investing, startup advice India, 99acres Jeevansathi Shiksha Info Edge 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Share, and Subscribe for more conversations with India's leading founders, CEOs, investors, and business leaders. #SanjeevBikhchandani #AshokaUniversity #PlakshaUniversity #IIT #Education #CareerAdvice #Naukri #CollegeLife #StudentLife #HigherEducation #Entrepreneurship #SaurabhAgrawal #DilSeOmni #CareerGuidance #FutureOfEducation #India