Milind Chandwani Discusses Reservation and Equal Opportunity in Education

Social‑media influencer Milind Chandwani, who once attended IIT and IIM, has sparked a debate with a candid video about India's reservation system. He recounts a 2013 episode where a close friend asked, “What did you gain by scoring 98.5 %?” At that moment, Chandwani’s impressive marks had not generated any interview calls from IIM, whereas his friend received offers with only 58 %.

Both coming from modest, middle‑class backgrounds, the friend did not need a quota but exploited the reservation mechanism, securing admission while Chandwani, despite higher merit, was left waiting. This episode made Chandwani question the logic behind giving preference based on categories rather than performance.

His stance evolved after he began teaching under the banner of “Teach For India,” mentoring pupils from government schools. He observed that the students most in need of reservation are frequently unaware of the process, leaving them unable to benefit from the very policy meant for them.

Chandwani emphasizes that his critique is not a blanket condemnation of reservation. He acknowledges that many truly require it, and he refrains from aligning strictly with either side of the caste‑based quota debate. His central message is that before contemplating the removal of any affirmative‑action scheme, the government must ensure that every child from low‑income families receives high‑quality, equitable education, enabling them to compete fairly in the job market and competitive examinations.

The video has circulated widely as the “Remove Reservation” movement gains momentum online, with activists urging policy reforms. The nation remains split: some demand immediate changes, while others maintain that reservation is indispensable until social and economic parity is achieved.