Unlocking the Truth: Are New and Baby IIMs the Real Hidden Gems of Indian MBA Dreams in 2025?

Introduction

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are the gold standard for management education in India. Over the past two decades, the IIM family has expanded from just a handful of elite business schools (the “old” IIMs) to a network of 21 campuses, including the much-discussed “new” and “baby” IIMs. If you’re an aspirant, parent, or even a working professional, you’ve likely asked: Are the new and baby IIMs truly worth it? How do they stack up in terms of packages, fees, placements, and the all-important “IIM brand”?

This in-depth, humanized guide demystifies the world of IIMs—explaining the differences between old, new, and baby campuses, comparing costs and career prospects, and helping you decide whether the IIM dream is the right investment in 2025.

IIMs at a Glance: Types, History, and Reputation:

The IIM Timeline

• Old IIMs: The “original” and most established. Includes IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Indore, and IIM Shillong—established between 1961 and 2008.
• IIMs at Udaipur, Trichy, Kashipur, Ranchi, Raipur, Rohtak, Mumbai (previously NITIE), and other locations are among the new IIMs that were established starting in 2010.
• Baby IIMs: Opened since 2015, including IIM Sambalpur, Amritsar, Bodh Gaya, Jammu, Nagpur, Sirmaur, and Visakhapatnam.

Each campus offers flagship 2-year MBA (PGP/PGDM) programs, with some also offering executive, integrated, and doctoral courses.

Comparing IIMs: Fees, Packages, and Campus Qualities

Fees: What Does an IIM MBA Cost in 2025?

Note: FMS Delhi (not an IIM) has the lowest fees with high ROI.

Average & Highest Packages: What You Can Expect:

LPA = Lakhs Per Annum. Packages vary by role, industry, and candidate profile.

Infrastructure and Peer Network:

• Old IIMs: Legacy campuses, established infrastructure, top-notch alumni.
• New IIMs: Modern, well-funded campuses with improving ecosystems.
• Baby IIMs: Smaller, agile, with better student–faculty interaction and strong growth.

Are the New & Baby IIMs Worth It? Honest Pros & Cons

Brand Value & Industry Pull:
The IIM tag is powerful across all campuses, with old IIMs leading in legacy and credibility. New and baby IIMs are catching up fast, especially in consulting, tech, and BFSI sectors.

Placement Records:

• Old IIMs: Near-100% placement with elite firms.
• New/Baby IIMs: Strong placement stats, though roles may differ by profile and effort.

Faculty & Curriculum:
Mentorship from older IIMs ensures uniformity. Case studies, live projects, and updated curricula are now standard across the board.

Peer Group:

• Old IIMs: CAT toppers, rich diversity.
• New/Baby IIMs: Growing peer quality, smaller batches mean more focus.

Campus Life:
Rich student culture at old IIMs. Baby IIMs are building their own traditions and offer close-knit communities.

Scholarships & Financial Aid:
Available across all IIMs; mostly need- and merit-based. Loan access is strong due to the IIM brand.

ROI: Comparing Investment & Returns:

• Baby IIMs offer solid ROI compared to private B-schools with similar fee structures.
• Smaller batches, lower fees, and the IIM tag enhance job visibility.
• Long-term brand equity makes the investment worthwhile even if short-term packages vary.

Notable Differences: Old vs. New vs. Baby IIMs:

Student Voices & Success Stories:

“Getting into a new IIM made me nervous at first, but the support, updated curriculum, and IIM tag helped me land a solid job in a top consulting firm after graduation.”

“I was pleasantly surprised by the placement at my baby IIM. If you’re driven, the IIM name carries weight.”

“My IIM director was from IIM Lucknow—we were guided by the best and connected to alumni across all IIMs.”

How to Choose: Is an IIM—Old, New, or Baby—Right for You?

·        Career Goals: Aim high? Go old. Want balance? New or baby IIMs are smart bets.

·        Check Placements: Don’t just look at highest CTC—focus on median, roles, and sectors.

·        Consider Location: Proximity to metros = better internships and industry connects.

• Play Long-Term: All IIMs are strengthening their alumni and employer base each year.

FAQs About IIMs:

1.Can you get an excellent MBA experience at a baby IIM?
Yes, especially with updated curriculum and mentorship.

2.Are placements comparable across IIMs?
Old IIMs lead, but new and baby IIMs are catching up quickly.

3.Should I choose a top private school over a baby IIM?
Depends on goals. Baby IIMs offer strong long-term branding; private schools may offer quicker short-term results.

4.Will the IIM tag matter long-term?
Yes, it continues to hold strong weight across industries.

Conclusion: The Future of IIMs in India

With every passing year, the IIM network grows not only in size but also in depth. With increasing placements, cutting-edge infrastructure, and the strong IIM brand, the new and baby IIMs are emerging as viable, expanding alternatives to the old IIMs, which still have aspirational status.

Choosing an IIM today is about aligning with your career path, budget, and long-term ambition. No matter which IIM you attend, your efforts and network will shape your success.