Recent updates on placements at IIMs, especially the newer ones, are raising serious concerns. In just the past week, I’ve come across five instances where students were compelled to sign “opt-out” forms as the placement season came towards the end. If these unofficial reports are to be believed, then nearly 30–40% of students of the current batch at these IIMs shall remain unplaced.
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It’s easy to point fingers at the IIMs, but the situation demands a closer look at some hard truths:
a) Entry Barriers and Quality Dilution
Almost 50% of the batches at IIMs enter with less than a 70 percentile in CAT which is roughly 15–20 marks out of 180.
This isn’t about reservation, but about the dilution of quality standards due to these low entry barriers of such institutes of excellence. One must maintain a decent level of entry barriers for such institutions of high repute, even if the seats go vacant.
b) IIMs Are Not Placement Agencies
Getting into an IIM is not the finish line but it’s the starting point of a career. Students must carve their own niche: be the topper, lead the debating society, or drive the Finance Club. Companies that recruit the best; why would they choose a “bland” profile when stronger candidates are available?
c) Brand Ubiquity Weakens Value
The IIM brand is being stretched thin. Stop opening new IIMs just as election promises. Strengthen the existing ones instead. Premium brands cannot and should not be everywhere. BATA can be in every neighborhood; GUCCI should not.
d) Look Beyond India
Aspiring students must be open to considering global options. In India, competition is brutal and resources limited. Even at 99 percentile, an IIM call isn’t guaranteed. Yet schools like ISB or HEC may admit you at 91 percentile in GMAT. The “baby IIMs” remain questionable in brand value.
e) Transparency in Entrance Exams
Why, after 30 years, is there still no comprehensive CAT syllabus? A clear framework would improve awareness, preparation, and fairness. Why can’t we have a document which reveals what type of questions will come? Why the unending mystery and unpredictability? Better information creates better awareness and better evaluation system.
IIFT Delhi Concludes Summer Placements for MBA IB & BA Batch 2025-27
The Bigger Picture
Every time I write about CAT/IIMs, I return to the same conclusion: Indian students must increasingly consider exams like GMAT or GRE.
It may not be a first choice for someone with less than 24 months of work experience yet, but definitely for someone with more experience, going abroad is more imperative than a choice!
About the Author : Dhrubajyoti Banik has been the go-to person for any kind of expertise we may need when it comes to MBA entrance Exams and he has done 20+ live seminars for us and guided thousands of students through our YouTube Channel. He has been leading a team of SMEs in one of the leading knowledge management organizations of India. His area of expertise and interest include Academic Administration including quality control of Academic Delivery, Designing and Implementation of Course structure and courseware, Launch of new courses and ensuring transition of knowledge and process. His Specialties: Academic Quality Control, T&D of Knowledge Professionals, Strategic Planning especially in a Knowledge Driven Organization.
He can be reached LinkedIn
