The three letters-IIM-have long been synonymous with premium placements, lucrative salary packages and unmatched career opportunities. However, the latest placement data suggests that the IIM tag alone may no longer guarantee high salary packages, especially among the newer or Baby IIMs.
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The latest placement data raises some uncomfortable questions. While the top IIMs (BLACKI) continued to report growth in median salaries, most of the Baby IIMs moved in the opposite direction. According to the placement data for the 2023-25 MBA batch, the average median salary across the Baby IIMs declined by 6.57% compared to the 2021-23 and 2022-24 batches. While premier IIMs (BLACKI) recorded a 3.76% increase in median salary, six out of the nine Baby IIMs reported lower median salaries. The sharpest declines were witnessed by IIM Bodh Gaya (-21.81%), IIM Amritsar (-19.07%), and IIM Kashipur (-15.93%).
Average median salary declined to Rs.14.94 LPA, down 6.57% from Rs.15.99 LPA.
6 out of 9 Baby IIMs reported lower median salaries.
IIM Bodh Gaya witnessed the biggest decline (-21.81%).
IIM Amritsar median salary fell by 19.07%.
IIM Kashipur median salary declined by 15.93%.
IIM Sirmaur posted the highest growth (+12.61%).
IIM Trichy recorded the highest median salary among Baby IIMs at Rs.18 LPA.
IIM Bodh Gaya had the lowest median salary at Rs.12.12 LPA.
The salary trend across the Baby IIMs paints a concerning picture. An analysis of NIRF placement data shows that the average median salary declined by 6.57% between the 2021-23 and 2023-25 MBA batches, with six of the nine Baby IIMs reporting lower median pay. The sharpest decline was recorded by IIM Bodh Gaya, where the median CTC dropped by 21.81%, followed by IIM Amritsar (-19.07%) and IIM Kashipur (-15.93%).
The overall decline would have been even steeper had it not been for IIM Sirmaur, which emerged as a notable exception by recording a 12.61% increase in median salary. Despite the slowdown, IIM Trichy continues to lead the Baby IIMs with the highest median salary of Rs. 18 LPA, while IIM Bodh Gaya reported the lowest at Rs. 12.12 LPA, highlighting the growing disparity in placement outcomes within the Baby IIMs.
Baby IIMs Median Salary | 2023-25 (Rs.) | 2022-24 (Rs.) | 2021-23 (Rs.) | Growth % |
15.00 | 15.50 | 16.00 | - 6.25% | |
17.03 | 16.00 | 16.85 | +1.07% | |
IIM Bodh Gaya median CTC | 12.12 | 13.00 | 15.50 | -21.81 % |
15.02 | 13.15 | 16.00 | -6.13% | |
IIM Sirmaur | 14.20 | 12.98 | 12.61 | +12.61% |
IIM Amritsar median CTC | 12.90 | 15.60 | 15.94 | -19.07% |
15.80 | 15.00 | 15.25 | +3.61% | |
IIM Kashipur median CTC | 14.46 | 15.03 | 17.20 | -15.93% |
IIM Trichy median CTC | 18.00 | 18.10 | 18.60 | -3.23% |
Baby IIM Average Median Salary | 14.94 | 14.92 | 15.99 | -6.57% |
*Figures in LPA
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Out of the nine Baby IIMs, six reported lower median salaries for the 2023-25 batch compared to 2021-23 and 2022-24 batches. Overall these Baby IIMs witnessed a decrease of 11.85% in the IIM median salaries as it went down from the Rs. 16.54 LPA to Rs. 14.58 LPA. IIM Bodhgaya median CTC took the highest hit, which went down by 21.81%, followed by IIM Amritsar median salary which decreased by 19.07% and IIM Kashipur whose median salary plunged by around 15%.
Baby IIMs Median Salary 2026 | 2023-25 (Rs.) | 2022-24 (Rs.) | 2021-23 (Rs.) | % |
IIM Vizag median salary | 15.00 | 15.50 | 16.00 | - 6.25% |
IIM Bodh Gaya median salary | 12.12 | 13.00 | 15.50 | -21.81 % |
IIM Sambalpur median Salary | 15.02 | 13.15 | 16.00 | -6.13% |
IIM Amritsar median salary | 12.90 | 15.60 | 15.94 | -19.07% |
IIM Kashipur median salary | 14.46 | 15.03 | 17.20 | -15.93% |
IIM Trichy median salary | 18.00 | 18.10 | 18.60 | -3.23% |
Baby IIM Average Median Salary | 14.58 | 15.06 | 16.54 | -11.85% |
*Figures in LPA
While most of the baby IIMs have witnessed the downfall in the IIM Median CTC, IIM Sirmaur is one of those few IIMs whose median salary witnessed the upward trends among the baby IIMs. Compared to 2021-23 and 2022-24, IIM Simraur median salary increased by 12.61% reaching to Rs 14.20 LPA. The other two Baby IIMs whose median salary increased within the said period was IIM Nagpur and IIM Jammu.
Baby IIMs Median Salary 2026 | 2023-25 (Rs.) | 2022-24 (Rs.) | 2021-23 (Rs.) | % |
IIM Nagpur median salary | 17.03 | 16.00 | 16.85 | +1.07% |
IIM Sirmaur median salary | 14.20 | 12.98 | 12.61 | +12.61% |
IIM Jammu median salary | 15.80 | 15.00 | 15.25 | +3.61% |
Baby IIM Average Median Salary | 15.67 | 14.66 | 14.90 | +5.17% |
*Figures in LPA
Baby IIMs ROI ranged between 0.71x to 1.15x. Out of all the baby IIMs, IIM Sambalpur has a highest ROI of 1.15x. In contrast, IIM Bodh Gaya recorded the lowest ROI (0.71x), reflecting both a lower median salary and relatively higher programme cost.
Baby IIMs 2026 | Baby IIMs Fees 2023-25 (Rs.) | Median Salaries | ROI |
IIM Vizag | 18.25 Lakhs | 15.00 | 0.82x |
IIM Amritsar | 17.30 Lakhs | 12.90 | 0.75x |
IIM Bodh Gaya | 17.00 Lakhs | 12.12 | 0.71x |
IIM Sambalpur | 13.08 Lakhs | 15.02 | 1.15x |
IIM Kashipur | 17.30 Lakhs | 14.46 | 0.84x |
IIM Sirmaur | 16.00 Lakhs | 14.20 | 0.89x |
IIM Jammu | 19.50 Lakhs | 15.80 | 0.81x |
IIM Trichy | 19.50 Lakhs | 18.00 | 0.92x |
IIM Nagpur | 17.30 Lakhs | 17.03 | 0.98x |
*Figures in LPA
For years, the IIM tag has been viewed as a near-guaranteed pathway to a high-paying career. But the latest placement numbers from the Baby IIMs suggest that the equation is becoming more complex. If six out of nine newer IIMs are witnessing a decline in median salaries despite charging Rs. 15–20 lakh for an MBA, aspirants need to ask a difficult question: Is getting into any IIM enough, or does the top ones matter more than ever? For students investing two years, significant fees, and an opportunity cost, the real decision may no longer be “IIM vs non-IIM” but “which IIM offers the best placement quality, recruiter mix, alumni network, and ROI?” The Baby IIMs still offer valuable opportunities, but the data is a reminder that an MBA should be evaluated not just as a degree, but as a long-term career investment.
On Question asked by student community
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Here's a general guideline:
| Target B-school | Safe CAT Percentile (General Category) |
|---|---|
| Indian Institute of |
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Hello Dear Student,
Low-Tier IIIT CSE vs Jadavpur University B.Arch (for MBA Aspirants)
If your primary goal is to pursue an MBA later, switching from CSE at a lower-tier IIIT to B.Arch at Jadavpur University solely for academic diversity is generally not the best strategy.
B.Arch and MBA Preparation
Hello Dear Student,
EWS eligibility for CAT 2025-26 hinges on current financial records, but a renewed certificate is required for final IIM admissions. If future income exceeds the 8 lakh threshold, candidates will likely lose EWS status and be reclassified to the General category rather than facing seat cancellation.
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