A specialization in any field be it Information Management or Finance, will limit your job prospects whereas a general PGDM will keep your options open. By choosing the IM specialization you can expect the following roles

• Consulting (strategy, operations, technology)
• Sales/pre-sales (software)
• Product managers
• IT managers (corporate IT roles)
• Analytics
• Banking

If these are exactly the kind of roles you were looking for, then specialization in IM is not a bad option. But if you want to explore more fields then PGDM is best for you.

It’s important to note that these roles will automatically be offered to you even if you choose the MDI Gurgaon PGDM course in addition to other job profiles in Marketing, Finance, Ops, etc.

So choosing PGDM will keep your options open, whereas choosing SP Jain will limit your options as you have to stay committed to your specialization both in terms of what you learn and what jobs you are looking for. However, if you are choosing SP Jain because of personal preferences like location, batch size, brand name, or course, then it is altogether a different topic.

MDI Gurgaon does, however, provide the best opportunity of the three. Because IIM A serves as its mentor, IIM Udaipur benefits from excellent pedagogy.

An IIM designation is a tasty differentiator, but most corporations do not differentiate in MBA programs except ABC.

MDI provides the best placements of the three. And, as an MBA graduate, you're all about the numbers. No college can guarantee you the job you want. However, at MDI, you will have plenty of opportunities in the field of your choice. You'll also benefit from good industry relationships built over years of goodwill. Even during downturns, some companies attend MDI on a regular basis. New IIMs have several years to build self-sustaining industry goodwill. Placements are thus unpredictable.

Nonetheless, if the IIM designation is a general requirement. The location is the new IIMs. However, you must work equally hard because that title alone does not guarantee a successful career.

It is hard to compare one specific major or stream but whatever is in the public domain the general ranking of these three colleges in HR domain quality-wise and RoI-wise is given below in a table.

Below is a table comparing these colleges on absolute numbers like fees, highest package, and average package.

For HR domain XLRI is the best and RoI wise for HR domain TISS is the best.

SPJIMR is undoubtedly better than MDI. Comparatively, SPJIMR has lower fees and a better ROI than MDI. SPJIMR is known for its strong brand and exposure to the corporate sector, particularly in Mumbai's financial hub where many reputable companies are based. Additionally, the batch is described as vibrant. While MDI Gurgaon is also a well-known brand, SPJIMR has a competitive edge in this comparison.

According to an unofficial report, SPJIMR's placements in 2023 saw the highest package of INR 77.8 LPA, with an average package of INR 33.02 LPA and the median package of INR 32.89 LPA. The FMCG sector was the top recruiter, accounting for 35% of placements, with 42 first-time recruiters and over 47% of students receiving PPOs. Notable recruiters included Asian Paints, Castrol, Godrej Group, and Hindustan Unilever Limited.

In the previous year, SPJIMR's PGDM placements in 2022 saw 70 companies visit the campus, with 123 PPOs made. The highest and average packages offered were INR 52.16 LPA and INR 32.06 LPA, respectively. Top recruiters in 2022 included Amazon, Microsoft, and Tata

When considering whether to attend IIM Raipur or Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of both institutions. Below are some key parameters to consider:

• Return on Investment (ROI): IIM Raipur fares better in terms of ROI as the fee difference is at least 10 lakhs or more. Additionally, given the current uncertain scenario, it is important to consider how things may unfold in the future.
• Location: Gurgaon has the advantage of hosting corporate offices of many multinational companies (MNCs). MDI also has a strong brand reputation, which can attract more companies to campus offering diverse roles. To gain specific insights into the Post Graduate Program in International Management (PGP-IM), it is recommended to reach out to alumni and current students.
• Placement: Placement is a crucial deciding factor in selecting a business school. The average package offered during MDI Gurgaon placements 2022 is INR 26.2 LPA. In the placement drive of 2022, the highest CTC stood at INR 42.15 LPA, which was offered by IT/ITES companies and the average CTC stood at INR 17.73 LPA, whereas the median CTC stood at INR 16.95 LPA.
• Campus Life: IIM Raipur boasts of a glamorous campus with lavish infrastructure and amenities. MDI also has a decent campus life. Both institutes are considered to be on par in this aspect.
• B-School Competitions: MDI is considered to be one of the top 10 business schools in India and therefore students have ample opportunities to participate in corporate competitions. On the other hand, newer IIMs may lag in this aspect.
• Alumni Base: MDI is an established business school and has a rich alumni network. It has produced some prominent personalities and corporate leaders. IIM Raipur, on the other hand, is in its 12th year since its inception and is not yet close to the alumni network of MDI.

In conclusion, if you were in this situation, it is suggested to go with IIM Raipur with an aim to remaining in the top 10% of the class. It is also recommended to consider all the factors and make the decision that best aligns with your goals and priorities.

The answer can be divided into two main parts: Curriculum and Placements.

In terms of Curriculum, TISS is rated as having the best. Colleges whose core degree is not HR will be at a disadvantage when it comes to curriculum.

In terms of Placements, XLRI is ranked as having the best package and profile offerings, followed by a tie between TISS and SCMHRD. The colleges whose core is not HR will not offer as good a package post-MBA as compared to the colleges with core HR competencies.

In terms of packages offered, XLRI can be ranked the highest, followed by SCMHRD and TISS in a tie, and then MDI, SIBM, and XIMB.

One of the HRs in a top market research firm has his own Brand perception of the top B Schools in India. According to him, B Schools in India can be divided into 4 categories. The B Schools falling in the same category have similar features and brand names.

1. Ivy League: IIM ABC
2. Superb B-schools: FMS, IIML, XLRI
3. Elite B-Schools: MDI, SPJIMR, IIMK
4. Top B-Schools: IIM I, IIFT Delhi, NITIE

Now considering your question, a PGDM in Marketing should be done only in IIM ABC or FMS if not MDI Gurgaon. If you have MDI as one of the options, well and good. But choosing IIM Indore is not a very wise choice as MDI is ahead of IIM I in most cases of brand perception.

The best way to analyze the brand value of a B School is to look for the perception the recruiters carry about your B School. An IIM tag is usually considered a tag that will reap benefits throughout your life. But in reality, this tag has got its value from the excellent performance of IIM ABC only and not that of the new IIMs.

Don’t hesitate and choose MDI Gurgaon, as this is the best option for Marketing you can avail yourself.

Be it fresher or not, MDI Gurgaon is definitely a better option than IIM Shillong. I have drawn a comparison between the 2 B Schools based on the following parameters 

Fees: The fees of the PGPM program at IIM Shillong stands at INR 14.6 Lakhs whereas that of MDI Gurgaon is INR 24,47,400. While some might comment on the huge difference in fees, the ROI at MDI Gurgaon is worth it.

Placements: The table below compares the placement statistics of both B Schools.

Location: MDI Gurgaon has a location advantage over IIM Shillong as it is located in the commercial hub in contrast to the North-Eastern location of IIM Shillong.

Though I have given my opinion about MDI being better, the final decision is yours to make.