India, June 15 -- An IIT graduate working in New York has sparked a discussion online after joking that his impressive academic and professional achievements still do not make him a top choice in the matrimony market back home.

The post, shared on X by Akash Sampurnanand Pandey, highlighted what he sees as a long standing mindset in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where government jobs and civil services positions are often considered the gold standard when it comes to marriage prospects.

(Also Read: 'Nothing is easy, but everything is possible': Air India cleaner's dream job story wins hearts)

In his post, Pandey reflected on the expectations many children grow up with in UP and Bihar households.

"If you are even remotely smart in ...