In 2023, the job landscape in Indian B-schools presents significant challenges for students. InsideIIM recently conducted a survey to gauge the state of placements across various campuses in India.
This article aims to provide insights into the current state of B-school placements in a simplified manner, making it accessible to everyone. By doing so, InsideIIM and our community can better understand the challenges students are encountering and find ways to support them effectively.
Here is a brief overview of the challenges faced by students at various B Schools across India.
Please consider this information solely for informative purposes to gain an understanding of the current situation.
- Unplaced Graduates: A Lingering Concern
Among the B-schools we surveyed, including IMI, New Delhi, SIBM Bengaluru, UPES Dehradun, Integral Institute of Advanced Management (IIAM) Vizag, and several others, a concerning trend emerges: a significant number of students remain unplaced. In most institutions, more than 50% of candidates are in this situation, adding significant pressure to the aspirations of these students, who now grapple with uncertainty about their future careers.
- Limited Job Opportunities
One of the key factors contributing to the dismal placement figures is the limited number of job opportunities available. Many institutions report that only a fraction of students find placements in their chosen fields. In some cases, companies that do visit campuses are offering positions to as few as 1 or 2 candidates, leaving the majority in a fix. A student from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun quoted that firms such as Accenture & KPMG have hired a mere 5% of the batch from the campus.
- Deferred Offers and Lack of Transparency
Deferred offers have become a recurring problem for many B-school graduates. A student from SIBM, Bengaluru reported that offers from companies like Thoucentric, Tresvista, and Bain & Co. have been pushed back to 2024, leaving fresh graduates in a state of uncertainty. Similar incidents have been reported by students from XIM University. The lack of transparency in communication fuels the frustration, as students are left in the dark about their future prospects.
- High Expectations, Poor Stipends
While a few graduates have secured well-paying internships, the overall situation is still challenging. Many companies are offering stipends that are below the expected B-school standards. Moreover, there's a catch with students accepting mediocre offers – they are often restricted from participating in placements with other companies.
- Reduction in Salaries Offered
While the Batch of 2024 has had the privilege of securing positions with highly sought-after companies such as Deloitte, PWC, JP Morgan, ITC, and AbInbev, it's disheartening to note that these impressive opportunities have come with a significant setback. The Cost-To-Company (CTC) packages offered to these students have been cut substantially, with reductions ranging from a substantial 20% to a 25%.
- Lack of Diversity in Job Profiles
The data also highlights a lack of diversity in the types of job profiles offered during placements. Many campuses report a lack of opportunities in finance-related roles. Moreover, campuses have also reported a dearth of opportunities in marketing and other fields. This limited choice could disadvantage students with different career goals.
- Pressure on Placements Committees
The burden of placements often falls on the shoulders of placement committees, who are under immense pressure to secure opportunities for students. Instances of committees directly entering interviews and limiting students' choices highlight the magnitude of the challenges they are facing.
Despite the tough job market for Indian B-school students in 2023, remember this: determination often leads to success. Many students will secure placements through hard work and dedication. As the placement season continues, keep hope alive, knowing that bright opportunities await these future professionals. Success isn't just about the job you land; it's also about the determination and spirit you display on your journey.
In our upcoming articles, we will offer valuable insights into the placement scenarios at the premier IIMs. Additionally, we will also analyze the situation at other colleges, including the Baby IIMs, and New IIMs, as well as renowned colleges like FMS and MDI. Stay tuned for detailed analyses that will shed light on the challenges and opportunities faced by students across these institutions.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the responses we have received through our survey. It is intended solely for educational purposes and should be considered as general information. InsideIIM takes no responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of the claims made in this article. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and verification for any specific information or decisions they may wish to make based on the content presented here.
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