Is joining IIM Ranchi in my first attempt of the CAT 2020 worth it?

Joining IIM Ranchi for the MBA program was definitely worth it for me. The curriculum is designed to give you a solid foundation in various business aspects and is pretty industry-relevant. I found the faculty to be very supportive and knowledgeable, which made understanding complex concepts much easier. Plus, the placement opportunities are fantastic; I got a summer internship that paid me around 1 lakh per month. Overall, the experience has been enriching, and I feel confident about my career prospects after this course.

Personally, I found joining IIM Ranchi for the MBA quite beneficial. The rigorous curriculum helped me gain a comprehensive understanding of various business domains, which is crucial for my future career. The placement committee is dedicated and ensures that every student gets ample opportunities. I felt well-prepared for my internships, and I secured a good role with a leading company. The fees might seem high, but the scholarships available really help, and I think the investment is justified based on the placement statistics and overall learning experience.

Determining whether joining IIM Ranchi after your first CAT attempt is worthwhile really depends on what you want to achieve post-MBA.

Career Goals:
If your aim is to enter fields like management consulting, operations, or product management, it might be wiser to retake the CAT. Companies offering these roles typically hire from older IIMs or a few established private colleges. It may take some time before they consider candidates from newer schools.

Specific Industry Aspirations:
For those interested in FMCG, consulting, or investment banking, another attempt at the CAT could be beneficial. Many firms in these sectors prefer candidates from a select group of institutions.

Competitions and Live Projects:
Participating in corporate competitions is a fantastic way for B-School students to demonstrate their skills by tackling real-world business challenges. From quizzes to case presentations, these activities offer great exposure and learning opportunities. Live projects allow you to apply classroom concepts and understand industry expectations better. However, being a newer IIM, Ranchi has limited access to major competitions, which could mean missing out on some valuable experiences. Additionally, cities like Mumbai or Delhi, with more MNCs, offer richer environments for live projects.

Why IIM Ranchi Might Be a Good Choice Now:
If you're eyeing a career in HR, IIM Ranchi is a solid choice due to its strong reputation in this field. Many reputable MNCs recruit HR talent from there. Among the newer IIMs, Ranchi ranks high, just after Udaipur, and its impressive growth and expanding alumni network are promising for future opportunities. Gaining admission to any IIM is challenging, with only 2-3% of CAT candidates making it. Companies do recognize the value of the IIM brand, which can help you in the long run. CEOs and HR professionals I've spoken with acknowledge that just a few CAT questions can determine whether someone ends up at an older or newer IIM, so the IIM name carries weight.

I would say joining IIM Ranchi in my first attempt for the MBA was a great choice. The faculty is top-notch, and they really focus on practical learning through case studies. I got a chance to intern with some big companies, and the placement rates are impressive, with 100% of students getting placed each year.

Sure, the fees are around 20 lakhs, but the return on investment seems worth it given the high packages offered during placements. The campus life is also quite vibrant with lots of activities and events, making it a well-rounded experience.