How good is IIM Kashipur??

I've got my own reasons for not picking IIM Kashipur, as I've taken a close look at different institutes. After my second try at the CAT, I made it to the merit lists of the New IIMs, but in the end, I decided against it.

Here's why I didn't choose IIM Kashipur:

• Location Concerns - I prefer to stay near Delhi or consider options at an Old IIM or another B-School. IIM Kashipur doesn't fit either of these criteria. Even if it's close to Haridwar and has an industrial vibe, I'd rather work in a city or with a well-known brand after my MBA.
• Return on Investment - Spending 17 Lakhs or more, plus giving up two years of salary, is a big deal for me, especially for an IIM that's still finding its footing. This is a major life choice, and I might not get another chance to do an MBA. The starting roles after graduating from IIM Kashipur didn't seem appealing to me, though I admit my expectations might be a bit high.
• Alumni Connections - I didn't come across any standout alumni on LinkedIn who could be role models for the next 15 years. The alumni network exists but is still expanding, and I didn't find it very prominent back in 2018.
• Presence of Major Companies on Campus - I'd like to see top companies like HUL, P&G, Nestle in FMCG, Amazon & Flipkart in e-commerce, or Deloitte S&O, PWC Strategy in consulting at an MBA campus. Unfortunately, I didn't find them at IIM Kashipur.

I know IIMs often highlight median salaries of 15 LPA or average salaries of 17 LPA, but the factors I mentioned above make me skeptical of these figures.

On a positive note, students from IIM Kashipur have recently done well in some corporate events, securing coveted PPOs through competitions. These PPOs can be a great way to land a good job from campus.

These are just my thoughts.

Enjoy your reading.

Students at IIM Kashipur get to learn from some of the top-notch faculty members in the country. Let's look at a few:

• Dr Dwarika Prasad Uniyal: He taught management at LBSNAA, Mussoorie, where he helped train India's civil servants. The Government of India recognized him as a national expert in retail for the Asian Productivity Organization in Tokyo. He also attended a special international program on developmental evaluation at Carleton University in Canada. At MICA, Ahmedabad, he started two programs: one in Retail Communications Management and another for Communications for Executives.
• Dr Gautam Sinha: Back in July 2011, he won the Best Teacher in Operations Management Award at Asia’s Best B-School Awards in Singapore. He got trained as a TQM Trainer by the Institute for Resource Development in Columbia in 1991 and also received an ISO Lead Assessor Certificate from BSIQA.
• Prof. Atulan Guha: He has worked as a consultant for the Kerala State Planning Board. He was once the Member-Convenor of the Task Force on Special Economic Zones and part of the Plan Committee on Industries during Kerala's 11th 5-year plan. Currently, he is a member of the State Advisory Committee of the Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission.
• Dr Kampan Mukherjee: He earned his PhD from Moscow Institute of Economics and Statistics in 1988 on a government scholarship and later became a Senior Visiting Fellow at University Paris Dauphine, thanks to the Government of France in 1998. He has held visiting professorships in several European countries, Australia, and Dubai.
• Dr R K Padhy: Worked as the Senior Deputy Director at the National Productivity Council in New Delhi, which falls under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He is certified with a Black Belt in Six Sigma from Advanced Manufacturing Technology Associates, Glenview, Motorola.
• Prof. Vaibhav Bhamoriya: He has worked with organizations like the World Bank, UNDP, and the Government of India, among others. He is also on the academic advisory board for the WeSchool program on Emerging Economies and advises the Kaushalya Foundation.

Deciding how 'good' IIM Kashipur is really comes down to your personal perspective.

Choosing the right B-school can be a real challenge for MBA hopefuls, as it involves big investments of money, time, and effort. The decision is often based on the returns you expect from these investments. What makes an MBA college worth it can vary greatly from person to person. Some people aim only for top schools like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta and might see other schools, like IIM Raipur, as having some drawbacks. But for those who have worked hard to get a decent CAT score, considering other top-tier schools could be a smart move.

IIM Raipur, now over a decade old, is growing fast and is a good option for several reasons:

• Placements: IIM Raipur focuses on building a corporate culture and offers experiential learning with industry exposure. Events like leadership and HR summits, along with guest lectures, help in this area. These efforts have attracted more companies for placements, with increasing average packages and diverse roles in fields like analytics and wealth management. You can check their placement reports for more details.
• IIM Brand: The IIM name is highly respected and considered a mark of excellence in the industry. Holding this brand gives students confidence in tackling major career challenges and is seen as a badge of honor throughout their lives.
• Infrastructure: Since moving to a new campus in 2018, IIM Raipur boasts state-of-the-art facilities. There are modern classrooms, single-occupancy hostels with private bathrooms, and sports facilities like a swimming pool and squash courts. The infrastructure is continually improving, with a forward-thinking approach from management.
• Fees: Despite its impressive facilities, IIM Raipur, as a non-profit government institution, has more affordable fees compared to many private colleges.
• Course Pedagogy: The IIM Bill gives Raipur the autonomy to design its own curriculum, allowing students to tailor their studies in industry-relevant ways. They can major in more than one specialization, which broadens career opportunities.
• Life at IIM Raipur: Beyond academics, students can engage in extracurricular activities like case competitions and club events, enhancing leadership and interpersonal skills while creating lasting memories.

Of course, like any college, it has its downsides. The mess food isn't quite like home cooking but is still better than what you might find in engineering hostels. Raipur might not be a top-tier city, but it has enough hangout spots and is well-connected by air to major cities, which helps in networking with companies. The school is making significant progress in all areas, as shown by its rising B-school rankings. It's a solid choice compared to many other schools in its range. Personally, I'm glad I picked IIM Raipur over other options. If you have any questions about joining, feel free to ask. I wish you all the best!