Got admits from IIMA PGPX, IIM Bangalore EPGP, and IIM Calcutta PGPEX. Which one should I go for (I'm really confused about the placements, no clarity whatsoever)?
Posted On - Jul 27, 2021My friend is a PGPEX alumnus and claims that the program helped him double the salary he receives from his regular MBA. The ‘X’ in the program often is a source of hesitation for many prospective students ao it’s better the programs get the hype they deserve.
As far as choosing between IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore is concerned, I would recommend you go for the latter. IIM Bangalore has a better placement scenario and also has common classes across the institute in elective terms giving you a wider peer network. IIM Ahmedabad on the other hand has a bit of a location disadvantage and the exposure offered is nothing compared to Bangalore.
Here is a comparative analysis of the placement scenario of the 3 programs namely. IIM Ahmedabad PGPX. IIM Bangalore EPGP and IIM Calcutta MBAx
|
Particulars |
IIM Ahmedabad |
IIM Bangalore |
IIM Calcutta |
|
Average CTC |
INR 38.64 LPA |
INR 30.9 LPA |
INR 28.75 LPA |
|
Median CTC |
INR 30 LPA |
INR 26 LPA |
|
|
Top Recruiter |
Accenture and Adani Digital |
Accenture, PwC |
Axis Bank, NISG, Virtusa |
Your selection should be based on your profile, such as your work experience, industry, and, most importantly, what you hope to gain from the program. If you have 4-5 years of work experience, you can look at EPGP because they have gone through ISB and have capped the work experience of the candidates they accept.
The age range for IIMA is 5-20 years, so the learning will be unparalleled in terms of class discussions and peer group learning. If I recall correctly, IIM Calcutta has a lower batch strength, and the batch is slightly on the higher side of work experience.
Placements are good at all institutes, and your previous industry experience is important. This is something you cannot change and should accept, but you can look at how candidates in that sector have performed over time.
In terms of learning, you'll not find the variety you'll find at PGPX anywhere else. Make contact with both alumni and current students. Make an informed decision based on your motivation for enrolling in the program.
I have friends from IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta, so I think I can answer this question.
- One-year programs, be it from the IIMs or ISB, have always had issues with placements.
- A significant number of students, around 30% or more, go back to the companies they came from, in slightly senior roles to the ones they left a year back.
- The challenge is pronounced for candidates with more than 5 years of work experience. The junior ones, with 2 to 4 years, get good consulting roles.
Given my interaction with the alumni of IIMA, IIMB, and IIMC, the wise preference for 1-year programs would be IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, and IIM Bangalore. You should choose the program depending on your profile, your work experience, your industry, and most importantly what you are looking for from the program.
