Here's a comprehensive comparison between the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi, and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta, focusing on key aspects such as fees, placements, ROI, campus life, and specialization strengths. FMS Vs IIM Calcutta:
Overview
FMS Delhi: Established in 1954, FMS is a premier public business school affiliated with the University of Delhi. It's renowned for its exceptional return on investment (ROI) and strong placements, especially in marketing and consulting sectors.
IIM Calcutta: Founded in 1961, IIM Calcutta is one of India's oldest and most prestigious IIMs. It boasts triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) and is a member of the CEMS Global Alliance, offering a globally recognised MBA program.
Fees & ROI
FMS Delhi: Approximately ₹2.32 lakh for the entire two-year MBA program, making it one of the most affordable top-tier B-schools in India.
IIM Calcutta: Around ₹27 lakh for the two-year program, inclusive of tuition, accommodation, and other fees.
ROI Perspective: FMS offers an unparalleled ROI due to its low fees and competitive placement packages. Graduates can recover their investment quickly, often within the first year of employment.
Placement Comparison: FMS Delhi vs. IIM Calcutta (2024)
FMS Delhi –
Placement Highlights (2024)
Placement Rate: 100%
Batch Size: 289 students
Total Offers Made: 304
Companies Participated: 101
Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs): 109 made, 108 accepted
Highest Salary Offered: ₹1.23 crore per annum
Average Salary: ₹34.1 LPA
Median Salary: ₹31 LPA
Top 25% Average Salary: ₹51.5 LPA
Top 50% Average Salary: ₹42.9 LPA
Top 75% Average Salary: ₹37.7 LPA
Top Recruiting Sectors: Consulting & Strategy (29% of offers), Finance, Marketing, Sales, E-Commerce, IT
Top Recruiters: Microsoft, Amazon, Samsung, Coca-Cola, ITC, Dabur, Nestle, Puma, Uber, Accenture, Zomato.
Read More: FMS Summer Placements Report 2025
IIM Calcutta –
Placement Highlights (2024)
Placement Rate: 100%
Batch Size: 464 students
Total Offers Made: 529
Companies Participated: 194
Highest Domestic Salary Offered: ₹1.2 crore per annum
Highest International Salary Offered: ₹94.82 LPA
Average Salary: ₹35.07 LPA
Median Salary: ₹33.67 LPA
Top 10% Average Salary: ₹64.32 LPA
Top 25% Average Salary: ₹50.86 LPA
Top Recruiting Sectors: Consulting (40.5% of offers), Finance (15%), Product & Analytics (18.2%), General Management (14.3%), Sales & Marketing (9%), Strategy & Operations (3%)
Top Recruiters: Accenture, Deloitte, KPMG, Bain & Company, McKinsey & Company, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, Amazon, HUL, ITC, Nestle
Career Growth & Long-Term Salary Progression
FMS Delhi
- Early Career (0–5 Years Post-MBA): Graduates often start in roles such as Management Consultant, Product Manager, or Investment Banker.
Average starting salaries range between ₹30–₹35 LPA, with top performers earning higher packages. - Mid-Career (5–10 Years): Alumni progress to leadership positions like Senior Manager, Associate Director, or Vice President.
Salaries typically range from ₹50 LPA to ₹1.2 Cr, depending on the industry and role. - Long-Term (10–15+ Years): FMS alumni have achieved significant success, with some reaching C-suite positions.
While specific data for FMS is limited, comparable IIM alumni have reported average salaries over ₹50 LPA after 15 years, with top earners exceeding ₹1 Cr per annum.
From Arts Background to IIM Lucknow
IIM Calcutta
- Early Career (0–5 Years Post-MBA): Graduates secure roles in top consulting firms, investment banks, and tech companies.
Average starting salaries are around ₹35 LPA, with top packages exceeding ₹1 Cr. - Mid-Career (5–10 Years): Alumni advance to roles such as Engagement Manager, Director, or Senior Product Manager.
Salaries range from ₹60 LPA to ₹1.5 Cr, influenced by performance and industry. - Long-Term (10–15+ Years): IIM Calcutta alumni have reached prominent positions globally.
Highest reported salaries after 15 years are around ₹5.2 Cr per annum, with average salaries between ₹1.4–₹2.4 Cr.
Perspective – Your placement and career progression depend significantly on your professional performance during the MBA. The percentile or quartile you fall into within your cohort plays a crucial role—being in the top quartile at a less competitive college can often lead to better placement opportunities than being in the lower quartile at a more reputable institution. Similarly, irrespective of your college, being top performer at your company comes with rewards.
Campus Life & Infrastructure
FMS Delhi: Located in the heart of Delhi, FMS benefits from proximity to corporate hubs. However, it lacks a residential campus, which might limit the traditional MBA campus experience.
IIM Calcutta: Situated on a 135-acre campus in Joka, Kolkata, IIM Calcutta offers a fully residential program with state-of-the-art facilities, including a financial research and trading lab, extensive library, and multiple hostels.
Specializations & Academics
FMS Delhi: Known for its strength in marketing and consulting. The curriculum is rigorous, and the faculty comprises experienced academicians and industry professionals.
IIM Calcutta: Excels in finance and analytics, backed by specialised programs and research centres. The institute's global partnerships enhance its academic offerings.
Global Exposure
FMS Delhi: Limited international exchange programs and global collaborations.
IIM Calcutta: Offers extensive global exposure through its CEMS alliance, student exchange programs, and international internships.
Admission Criteria
FMS Delhi – MBA Admission Process (2025–27)
- Eligibility Criteria-
Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for OBC-NCL/EWS/PWD/CW; passing marks for SC/ST). Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for the final year examination can also apply. - Stage 1: Shortlisting for Interview
Basis: Candidates are shortlisted based on their CAT 2024 scores
Cut-off: While exact cut-offs are not officially disclosed, a minimum raw score of 104–106 has been suggested by some sources - Stage 2: Final Selection
Components and Weightage:
CAT 2024 Score: 50%
Class X Marks: 10% (60%–74.99%: 5%; 75% and above: 10%)
Class XII Marks: 10% (60%–74.99%: 5%; 75% and above: 10%)
Discussion on Statement of Purpose (SOP): 10%
Extempore: 5%
Personal Interview (PI): 15%
Additional Marks for Women Candidates: 5 marks added to the weighted score
IIM Calcutta – MBA Admission Process (2025–27)
- Eligibility Criteria-
Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD). Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for the final year examination can also apply - Stage 1: Shortlisting for WAT-PI
CAT 2024 Cut-offs:
(General Category: Overall percentile of 85+
EWS/OBC Category: Overall percentile of 75+)
Composite Score for Shortlisting:
CAT Score: 56%
Class X Marks: 10%
Class XII Marks: 15%
Gender Diversity Factor: 4%
Total: 85% - Stage 2: Final Selection
Components and Weightage:
Personal Interview (PI): 48%
CAT Score: 30%
Writing Ability Test (WAT): 8%
Academic Diversity: 6% (for non-engineering degrees and professional qualifications)
Work Experience: 8%
Total: 100%
Final Thoughts
Having to choose between FMS Delhi and IIM Calcutta is a good problem to have. I ended up choosing IIM Calcutta because of factors like interest in finance, brand name, alumni base, and foreign exchange program. But let me assure you, there are no wrong answers here. Both institutions are among India's elite B-schools, and the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences, career goals, and financial considerations.
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