For decades, Indian campuses produced two archetypes: first the engineer who solved technical problems, and second the manager who set direction. That neat separation defined careers across industries. But in 2025, that status quo is being challenged. Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, supported by leaders from IITs and IIMs, argues that the engineers vs managers divide is no longer relevant.
Narayana Murthy’s View: Asking the Right Questions
Murthy puts it simply: managers ask “what”, engineers ask “how”. Both are problem-solvers, just working from different ends of the same equation. The real intelligence, he says, lies in asking the right questions—a skill that even AI cannot replicate (India Today).
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IIT and IIM Leaders on Blurring Boundaries
According to the enquiry from India Today, top institutions are already adapting to this shift:
- At IIM Ahmedabad, Director Bharat Bhasker explained that management students now study AI, analytics, and machine learning, alongside strategy and leadership.
- At IIT Gandhinagar, Director Amit Prashant noted that engineering programs now cover design thinking, public policy, ethics, and sustainability, expanding well beyond traditional silos.
Also Read :Digital Electronics for Placements – A Step-by-Step Guide
Then vs Now: How Skills are changing in Indian Campus?
| Earlier Divide | Now Emerging |
|---|---|
| Engineers → Code, design circuits | Engineers → Systems thinking, ethics, public policy |
| Managers → Strategy, finance | Managers → AI, data analytics, product design |
The Future of Hybrid Professionals
Well if you study deeply you will find that this academic shift aligns with global industry demand. The World Economic Forum (2023) forecasts growth in hybrid professional roles such as AI product managers and business analysts—jobs requiring both technical fluency and strategic vision .
My View: Beyond Engineers vs Managers
In my view, Murthy’s argument is not about comparing engineers and managers, but about redefining success. The future belongs to professionals who can combine engineering depth with managerial breadth. The real edge will come from curiosity—the ability to ask the right questions in an age where AI can generate endless answers.
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