Consulting has always been one of the most sought-after career paths for MBA aspirants. The lucrative pay packages and diverse project opportunities make it a top choice among MBA graduates. However, the path to a consulting role isn't equally open for everyone as top firms like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG (collectively known as MBB) tend to hire primarily from the top IIMs, famously referred to as BLACKI (IIM Bangalore, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Kozhikode, Indore).
Even within BLACKI, hiring numbers vary, with relatively fewer roles offered at IIM Kozhikode and Indore compared to the likes of Ahmedabad or Bangalore. So the big question arises:
What options do students from other IIMs have if they aspire to break into consulting?
The answer lies in looking beyond MBB. While MBB may dominate the headlines, many other top firms hire for consulting roles at leading B-schools. Companies like Accenture Strategy, Deloitte, EY-Parthenon, Everest Group, PwC, and several boutique firms are actively hiring from a wide range of IIMs.
Let’s take a look at some new IIMs that have made a mark in consulting placements.
IIM Shillong
Established in 2007, IIM Shillong has steadily built a strong reputation, much so that it’s often no longer clubbed with the older IIMs. Thanks to consistently strong placements, it has become a reliable destination for consulting aspirants.
- Batch of 2022–24: Out of 283 students, the average package was ₹26 LPA, and a massive 32% of offers (approx. 90 students) were in the consulting and strategy domain. Firms like Accenture Strategy, EY, Everest Group, and even MBB recruited from the campus.
- Batch of 2021–23: Out of 238 students, 35% received offers in consulting and strategy (around 84 offers). Top recruiters included McKinsey, Bain & Company, and Accenture.
IIM Shillong is undeniably one of the best bets outside BLACKI for a serious shot at a consulting career.
IIM Udaipur
Founded in 2011 and mentored initially by IIM Indore, IIM Udaipur has carved out a strong presence among second-generation IIMs. From the start, the college attracted attention from big firms like Bain and BCG.
Although consulting offers have slightly dipped in recent years, they still remain significant.
- Batch of 2021–23: Out of 301 students, 66 were placed in consulting, making it the second-most popular domain after sales and marketing (67). Companies included Accenture Strategy, Bain Capability Network, Deloitte, Kearney, and McKinsey.
- Batch of 2022–24: Out of 298 students, 48 offers were made in consulting. The highest package for the domain touched ₹31 LPA. Recruiters included EY-Parthenon, PwC, Everest Group, Merilytics, Orane Consulting, and Accenture Strategy.
- Summer Placements 2023–25: Around 40 consulting offers came in from firms like Accenture Strategy, Deloitte, Acclime India, and Everest Group.
IIM Udaipur offers a clear path into consulting and should be on your radar if you're aiming for a role in this domain post-MBA.
IIM Trichy
While IIM Trichy is more known for its strength in finance, it has also shown promise in consulting placements.
- Batch of 2022–24: 16% of the batch received offers in consulting. Top recruiters included McKinsey, Accenture, EY, and PwC.
- The highest package stood at ₹26 LPA, while the average package for consulting roles was around ₹16 LPA.
If IIM Trichy is your best available option, and you're eyeing a consulting role, you’re still well-positioned to get there.
Cracking a role in consulting isn't reserved only for BLACKI students. With the right preparation, internships, and networking, non-BLACKI IIMs like Shillong, Udaipur, Trichy, and even Raipur can also open doors to top consulting firms.
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