Summary
IIM Ahmedabad placements from 2020 to 2025 reveal a remarkable growth trajectory with the highest domestic package jumping from approximately 60 lakhs in 2020 to 110 lakhs in 2025, representing an 83 percent increase over five years. The average package has grown from approximately 28 lakhs in 2020 to 35.22 lakhs in 2025 based on maximum earning potential calculations. The institute maintained a consistent 100 percent placement record across all five years for its PGP program. Gender diversity improved significantly during this period, with female representation increasing from approximately 21 percent in 2020 to 30.6 percent in the 2025-27 batch. The batch size remained stable at around 395 to 414 students for the flagship PGP program. Fee structure increased from 22 lakhs for the 2020-22 batch to 26.50 lakhs for the 2024-26 batch, representing a 20 percent increase aligned with inflation and infrastructure improvements. Consulting emerged as the dominant sector throughout this period, accounting for 39 to 40 percent of total placements, followed by Banking, Financial Services and Insurance at 25 percent in 2025. Boston Consulting Group became the largest recruiter by 2025 with 31 offers, followed by Accenture Strategy with 31 offers and Bain & Company with 17 offers.
The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad has consistently maintained its position as the premier business school in India, ranking first in NIRF Management Rankings since 2020. The placement statistics from 2020 to 2025 provide valuable insights into how market dynamics, industry preferences, and institutional strategies have evolved during this transformative period that included the pandemic and subsequent recovery.
IIM Ahmedabad placements operate through a structured three-cluster system conducted between December and February each year. The placement cell maintains strong relationships with over 180 companies across diverse sectors including consulting, finance, technology, FMCG, e-commerce, and conglomerates. The institute follows the Indian Placement Reporting Standards, ensuring transparency and accuracy in all reported placement data.
The period from 2020 to 2025 witnessed significant changes in the job market due to the pandemic, digital transformation acceleration, and evolving business models. These factors directly impacted placement patterns, sector preferences, compensation structures, and the types of roles offered to IIM Ahmedabad graduates.
The 2020 placement season took place before the full impact of the pandemic became apparent. The batch size for PGP was approximately 395 students. The placement process concluded successfully with 100 percent placement achieved. Consulting firms dominated the placements, accounting for approximately 35 percent of total offers.
The highest package for IIM Ahmedabad placements 2020 stood at approximately 58 to 60 lakhs per annum for domestic offers. International offers reached significantly higher levels. The average package was reported at approximately 27 to 28 lakhs per annum. These figures represented strong performance compared to previous years.
Major recruiters during IIM Ahmedabad placements 2020 included McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, Goldman Sachs, and other prestigious firms. The placement process was conducted primarily in physical mode before pandemic restrictions came into effect.
The 2021 placement cycle presented unique challenges as it was conducted during the height of the pandemic. Despite these challenges, IIM Ahmedabad maintained its 100 percent placement record. The batch size remained around 395 students for the PGP program.
The highest package increased marginally compared to 2020, reflecting cautious optimism in the market. The average package showed steady growth, demonstrating the resilience of IIM Ahmedabad placements despite market uncertainties. Consulting continued to be the dominant sector, but technology and e-commerce sectors showed increased participation.
The placement process was conducted entirely in virtual mode for the first time in the institute's history. This transition required significant adaptation from both students and recruiters. The institute successfully managed this transition, ensuring that placement outcomes remained strong.
The 2022 placement season marked a strong recovery from pandemic impacts. The highest domestic package at IIM Ahmedabad reached approximately 61.49 lakhs per annum, while the international highest package touched 115 lakhs per annum or approximately 1.14 crores. The average package stood at 32.79 lakhs per annum, showing significant improvement from previous years.
The batch size for IIM Ahmedabad PGP 2020-22 was approximately 395 students. A total of 190 firms participated in the placement process, making 220 offers across 20 cohorts. The placement process witnessed increased participation from conglomerates and FMCG sectors alongside traditional consulting and finance recruiters.
Boston Consulting Group emerged as the top recruiter with 47 offers, followed by Accenture with 32 offers. The strong placement performance reflected improved market sentiment and increased hiring across sectors as businesses adapted to the new normal.
The 2023 placement cycle marked a historic milestone with the highest domestic package reaching 146 crores per annum from the BFSI sector. This represented an 87 percent increase compared to 2022, highlighting the exceptional value placed on IIM Ahmedabad graduates. The average package increased to 34.36 lakhs per annum, reflecting a 5 percent growth over the previous year.
A total of 188 companies participated in IIM Ahmedabad placements 2023, offering 280 positions across various domains. Eight international offers were made during this cycle. The consulting sector remained the largest recruiter with 179 offers, representing approximately 40 percent of total placements.
The median package for IIM Ahmedabad placements 2023 stood at 31.58 lakhs per annum. The BFSI sector showed exceptional strength with the highest package and strong average compensations. The PGP FABM program also witnessed excellent placements with the highest package at 33.39 lakhs per annum and average package at 20.11 lakhs per annum.
The 2024 placement season continued the upward trajectory with strong participation from recruiters across sectors. The batch size remained around 395 eligible students for the PGP program. The institute maintained its 100 percent placement record across 30 cohorts.
The highest domestic package was reported at approximately 1.46 crores per annum, while international offers reached similar levels. The average package stood at 34.45 lakhs per annum. A total of 23 new recruiters participated in the placement drive, demonstrating continued interest in IIM Ahmedabad graduates.
Roles offered by conglomerates increased by 13 percent compared to the previous year. Management consulting offers decreased by 15 percent, but niche consulting showed notable increases. This shift reflected changing market dynamics and diversification of career opportunities available to graduates.
The most recent placement cycle for the PGP 2023-25 batch achieved remarkable results with 395 students placed across various sectors. The highest domestic package reached 110 lakhs per annum, while the highest international package stood at 91.88 lakhs per annum. The average package based on total guaranteed cash component was 30.08 lakhs per annum, while the mean package based on maximum earning potential reached 35.22 lakhs per annum.
The median package for IIM Ahmedabad placements 2025 was 34.53 lakhs per annum. A total of 178 firms participated, offering 261 different roles during the placement process. Boston Consulting Group emerged as the largest recruiter with 31 offers, equaled by Accenture Strategy. Bain & Company made 17 offers, continuing strong consulting sector participation.
The consulting sector dominated with 154 offers representing 39 percent of total placements. The BFSI sector contributed 99 offers at 25 percent, showing strong recovery and growth. Other significant sectors included FMCG, conglomerates, technology, and e-commerce.
Throughout the 2020 to 2025 period, consulting emerged as the most dominant sector in IIM Ahmedabad placements. The sector consistently accounted for 35 to 40 percent of total offers across all years. Management consulting firms including McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, Accenture Strategy, and Deloitte recruited extensively from campus.
In 2025, consulting firms made 154 offers out of 395 total placements. The average package in consulting reached 38.13 lakhs per annum, representing an increase of more than 3 lakhs compared to the previous year. The highest package in consulting touched 60 lakhs per annum. Technology consulting and niche consulting segments showed particularly strong growth during this period.
The preference for consulting roles among IIM Ahmedabad students reflects the analytical training, problem-solving orientation, and diverse exposure provided by the curriculum. Consulting firms value the ability to quickly understand complex business problems, work under pressure, and deliver actionable insights – skills that IIM Ahmedabad graduates demonstrate consistently.
The BFSI sector emerged as the second-largest recruiter in IIM Ahmedabad placements throughout the 2020-2025 period. In 2025, BFSI contributed 99 offers representing 25 percent of total placements. This sector has shown remarkable growth in compensation levels.
In 2023, BFSI offered the highest package of 1.46 crores per annum, marking a historic achievement. Investment banking roles, equity research positions, corporate finance roles, and risk management positions attracted students seeking careers in finance. Major recruiters included Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase, Citi, and Indian banks like ICICI and HDFC.
The sector-wise average package in BFSI remained competitive at approximately 30 to 35 lakhs per annum across the five-year period. The sector attracted students with strong quantitative skills, interest in financial markets, and aspiration for high-compensation career paths.
Technology companies and e-commerce platforms showed increasing participation in IIM Ahmedabad placements from 2020 to 2025. This growth reflected the accelerated digital transformation during the pandemic and continued importance of technology in business strategy.
Companies including Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Flipkart, and various startups recruited for product management, business development, and strategy roles. These positions offered average packages ranging from 25 to 35 lakhs per annum with significant stock options and performance bonuses.
The technology sector valued the combination of business acumen and analytical skills that IIM Ahmedabad graduates brought to product and strategy roles. The curriculum's emphasis on data-driven decision making and technology management prepared students well for these positions.
Fast-Moving Consumer Goods companies remained consistent recruiters throughout the 2020-2025 period. Companies like Hindustan Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Nestle, ITC, and Marico recruited for brand management, sales leadership, and general management roles.
The FMCG sector offered average packages ranging from 20 to 28 lakhs per annum. While not the highest-paying sector, FMCG roles attracted students interested in building brands, understanding consumer behavior, and working on large-scale distribution challenges. The sector provided strong learning opportunities and rapid career progression paths.
Conglomerate groups including Tata, Aditya Birla, Mahindra, and Reliance showed increased participation in IIM Ahmedabad placements during this period. In 2024, roles offered by conglomerates increased by 13 percent compared to the previous year.
These organizations recruited for leadership development programs, strategy roles, and business unit management positions. The average packages ranged from 22 to 32 lakhs per annum depending on the specific role and business vertical.
Other sectors including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, retail, and media also participated in placements, contributing to the diversity of opportunities available to students.
IIM Ahmedabad placements follow transparent reporting standards that distinguish between different compensation components. The fixed yearly cash component includes annual basic salary and guaranteed allowances unaffected by performance. The one-time cash payment refers to joining bonuses or similar single payouts.
The total guaranteed cash component combines fixed salary and one-time payments, providing certainty about minimum compensation. The maximum earning potential adds variable pay and performance-linked benefits, representing the highest possible earning in the first year.
In 2025, the average fixed yearly cash component was 29.06 lakhs per annum, with one-time cash payment averaging 3 lakhs. This brought the total guaranteed cash component to approximately 30.08 lakhs per annum. The maximum earning potential average reached 35.22 lakhs per annum.
Throughout the 2020 to 2025 period, international offers consistently provided higher compensation compared to domestic offers. In 2025, the average total guaranteed package for domestic placements was 29.83 lakhs per annum, while international packages were significantly higher.
The highest international package in 2025 stood at 91.88 lakhs per annum. International offers typically came from consulting firms, investment banks, and technology companies with global operations. Roles were primarily based in locations including Singapore, Dubai, London, and the United States.
The preference for international roles varied among students based on personal circumstances, career aspirations, and long-term plans. While international packages were higher, many students preferred domestic roles due to proximity to family, better understanding of the market, and desire to contribute to India's business ecosystem.
In 2025, sector-wise analysis revealed significant variations in average packages. The consulting sector led with an average package of 38.13 lakhs per annum and highest package of 60 lakhs per annum. The BFSI sector offered competitive packages with historical highs reaching 1.46 crores in 2023.
Technology and product management roles averaged 30 to 35 lakhs per annum with substantial stock options that could significantly enhance long-term compensation. FMCG and consumer goods sectors averaged 22 to 28 lakhs per annum with strong benefits and rapid career progression opportunities.
Conglomerates and general management roles ranged from 25 to 35 lakhs per annum depending on the specific organization and role. Overall, the compensation levels at IIM Ahmedabad remained significantly higher than most other business schools in India.
Gender diversity at IIM Ahmedabad showed remarkable improvement during the 2020 to 2025 period. In the 2020-22 batch, female students constituted approximately 21 to 23 percent of the cohort. This representation improved steadily over subsequent years through deliberate institutional efforts and changing admission policies.
The 2021-23 batch saw an increase with approximately 109 female students admitted, representing about 28 percent of the batch. This marked a 28 percent boost in female student ratio compared to the previous year, making IIM Ahmedabad the only older IIM to record such significant improvement during that period.
For the 2025-27 batch, female representation reached 30.6 percent with 127 female students out of 414 total students in the PGP program. This milestone demonstrated sustained progress in achieving gender balance in the classroom. The PGP FABM program showed even better gender diversity with 45.65 percent female students in the 2025-27 batch.
IIM Ahmedabad implemented several measures to improve gender diversity without compromising academic standards. Unlike some other IIMs that introduced gender-specific bonus points in the admission process, IIM Ahmedabad focused on holistic evaluation and removing systemic biases that disadvantaged female candidates.
The institute established an Equal Opportunity Office to support students from diverse backgrounds including differently-abled students. Campus infrastructure improvements ensured safe and comfortable facilities for all students. Faculty members received training on unconscious bias and inclusive teaching practices.
Outreach programs targeted female students from diverse academic backgrounds to encourage CAT participation and IIM applications. Success stories of female alumni were showcased to inspire prospective students. These efforts contributed to increased female applications and improved conversion rates among admitted female candidates.
The increasing female representation positively impacted classroom discussions and learning experiences. Faculty members and students reported richer perspectives, more balanced debates, and better team dynamics in project work. Gender diversity enhanced the quality of case discussions, particularly on topics related to marketing, human resources, and social enterprises.
Female students at IIM Ahmedabad excelled across all academic areas and placement outcomes. Several female students secured top consulting offers, investment banking positions, and leadership roles in FMCG companies. The placement data showed no significant gender-based disparities in compensation or role allocation.
However, challenges remained in achieving equal representation. The pipeline issue of fewer female students taking CAT continued to limit progress. In 2020, only about 27 percent of CAT test-takers were female. Despite this constraint, IIM Ahmedabad's efforts resulted in better outcomes compared to the applicant pool composition.
The flagship Post Graduate Programme batch size at IIM Ahmedabad remained remarkably stable from 2020 to 2025. The annual intake hovered around 395 to 414 students across these years. The 2020-22 batch had approximately 395 students, while the 2025-27 batch increased slightly to 414 students.
This controlled batch size reflects IIM Ahmedabad's commitment to maintaining educational quality and ensuring adequate faculty-student interaction. Unlike newer IIMs that significantly expanded their batch sizes, IIM Ahmedabad prioritized quality over quantity in admissions.
The stable batch size also ensured that placement outcomes remained strong. With approximately 180 companies recruiting from campus, the demand-supply ratio favored students, leading to competitive placement processes and strong compensation outcomes.
One of the most significant changes during the 2020-2025 period was the dramatic improvement in academic diversity. The 2025-27 batch achieved 50 percent representation each from engineering and non-engineering backgrounds, marking a historic milestone for IIM Ahmedabad.
Traditional IIM batches were dominated by engineering graduates, often exceeding 80 to 90 percent representation. The shift toward academic diversity reflected changes in admission criteria that reduced bias toward engineering backgrounds. Students from commerce, economics, humanities, sciences, and other disciplines found better representation.
This academic diversity enriched classroom discussions by bringing varied perspectives to business problems. Non-engineering students contributed insights on consumer behavior, policy implications, and social dimensions that engineering-dominated batches might overlook. The diversity also prepared graduates for working in diverse corporate environments.
The work experience profile of IIM Ahmedabad batches evolved during this period. In the 2025-27 batch, approximately 27 percent students were freshers while 73 percent had prior work experience. The average work experience stood at 25 months or about two years.
Students with work experience brought practical insights from industries including technology, consulting, finance, manufacturing, and services. Their contributions to case discussions and project work enhanced learning for the entire batch. Freshers benefited from exposure to real-world business challenges through interaction with experienced peers.
The lateral placement process, conducted before final placements, catered specifically to students with 18 months or more work experience. This process allowed companies to recruit candidates for mid-level managerial positions, recognizing their prior experience. Approximately 59 percent of students were eligible for lateral placements in recent years.
The fee structure at IIM Ahmedabad increased steadily from 2020 to 2025, aligned with inflation, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced program offerings. The 2020-22 batch paid total program fees of approximately 22 lakhs for the two-year program, including tuition, hostel, and other compulsory charges.
The 2021-23 batch saw fees increase to approximately 23 to 24 lakhs. The 2022-24 batch paid around 24.61 lakhs including tuition fees of 18.19 lakhs plus GST. The 2023-25 batch fees reached approximately 25 lakhs, representing gradual annual increases of 5 to 7 percent.
For the 2024-26 batch, total program fees reached 26.50 lakhs including tuition fees of 19.35 lakhs plus GST. This represented a 20 percent increase over the five-year period from 2020 to 2025. Additional expenses including laptops, boarding, laundry, and personal expenses were not included in the stated fees.
The IIM Ahmedabad fee structure comprises several components paid over four semesters. Tuition fees constitute the largest component, covering academic instruction, case materials, faculty development, and educational resources. For the 2024-26 batch, tuition fees were 19.35 lakhs plus applicable GST.
Hostel charges cover accommodation in single or shared rooms with basic furniture and amenities. Mess charges paid separately cover food expenses. Medical insurance provides health coverage for students during the program. Security deposits paid at admission are refundable upon program completion.
Library fees provide access to physical and digital resources including international journals, databases, and case repositories. Technology fees cover computer laboratories, software licenses, and internet connectivity. Various other charges include student activity fees, alumni membership, and examination fees.
Despite the increasing fees, IIM Ahmedabad continues to offer excellent return on investment. With total program costs of approximately 26.50 lakhs for the 2024-26 batch and average packages of 35.22 lakhs per annum in 2025 placements, graduates can recover their educational investment within the first year of employment.
This calculation becomes even more favorable when considering the long-term career trajectory. IIM Ahmedabad graduates typically reach middle management positions within 3 to 5 years with compensation exceeding 50 to 70 lakhs per annum. Senior management roles within 8 to 10 years can offer compensation of 1 crore or more annually.
The brand value of an IIM Ahmedabad degree extends beyond immediate placement outcomes. Alumni networks provide lifelong career support, entrepreneurial opportunities, and professional connections. The credential opens doors to leadership positions, board memberships, and entrepreneurial funding that have significant long-term value.
When compared with other premier business schools globally, IIM Ahmedabad offers competitive value. International business schools charge fees ranging from 50 to 80 lakhs or more for similar programs. The lower fee structure combined with strong placement outcomes makes IIM Ahmedabad an attractive option for management education.
Boston Consulting Group emerged as the largest recruiter in 2025 placements with 31 offers, sharing the top position with Accenture Strategy which also made 31 offers. BCG maintained its strong relationship with IIM Ahmedabad, recruiting across strategy consulting, digital consulting, and specialized practice areas.
McKinsey & Company remained a consistent top recruiter throughout the 2020-2025 period. Bain & Company made 17 offers in 2025, continuing its preference for IIM Ahmedabad graduates. Other major consulting firms including Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY, and Kearney recruited regularly from campus.
Boutique consulting firms and niche players showed increasing interest during this period. Strategy consulting, technology consulting, and specialized practices in healthcare, financial services, and sustainability recruited graduates for analyst and consultant positions.
Goldman Sachs consistently recruited for investment banking, markets, and asset management roles throughout the 2020-2025 period. The firm valued IIM Ahmedabad graduates for their analytical rigor, ability to work under pressure, and understanding of financial markets.
Other major financial institutions including JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, Citi, Deutsche Bank, and Credit Suisse recruited for front-office and middle-office positions. Indian banks and financial services companies including ICICI, HDFC, Axis, Kotak Mahindra, and Bajaj Finance recruited for corporate banking, retail banking, and financial product roles.
Private equity firms, venture capital funds, and asset management companies showed increasing participation during this period. These organizations recruited for investment analysis, portfolio management, and fundraising positions offering competitive compensation packages.
Amazon maintained strong recruitment throughout the period for product management, business development, and category management roles. The company valued IIM Ahmedabad graduates for their customer-centric thinking and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
Microsoft, Google, Meta, and other global technology companies recruited for product manager, program manager, and business strategy positions. These roles offered attractive base salaries plus substantial stock options that could significantly enhance total compensation over time.
Indian e-commerce platforms including Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy, and various startups recruited for operations, strategy, marketing, and general management roles. The startup ecosystem increasingly recognized IIM Ahmedabad as a source of talent for leadership positions in growth-stage companies.
Hindustan Unilever Limited remained one of the most consistent recruiters throughout the 2020-2025 period. The company recruited for brand management, sales leadership, and general management trainee positions. HUL valued IIM Ahmedabad graduates for their strategic thinking and execution capabilities.
Procter & Gamble, Nestle, ITC, Marico, Dabur, and other FMCG majors recruited regularly from campus. These companies offered comprehensive leadership development programs that provided rotation across functions including marketing, sales, supply chain, and finance.
New-age consumer brands and direct-to-consumer companies showed increasing recruitment during this period. These organizations valued the combination of traditional brand management skills and digital marketing capabilities that IIM Ahmedabad graduates demonstrated.
Several new categories of recruiters emerged during the 2020-2025 period. Electric vehicle companies, renewable energy firms, and sustainability-focused organizations recruited for strategy, operations, and business development roles reflecting changing industry dynamics.
Healthcare and pharmaceutical companies increased campus presence during and after the pandemic. These organizations recruited for healthcare consulting, pharma marketing, and health tech roles. EdTech companies showed strong interest in recruiting for product, marketing, and content strategy positions.
Fintech companies including payment platforms, digital lending firms, and wealth management startups recruited extensively. These organizations valued the combination of financial acumen and technology understanding that IIM Ahmedabad curriculum provided.
Pre-placement offers based on summer internship performance emerged as an important component of final placements. In 2024, approximately 224 PPOs were awarded to students, representing more than 50 percent of the batch receiving confirmed offers before the final placement process.
For the PGP FABM program, about 37 percent of students received pre-placement offers based on summer internship performance. This trend reflected increasing confidence among recruiters in evaluating candidates during two-month summer projects and converting high performers into full-time employees.
The PPO trend also provided risk mitigation for students, reducing placement uncertainty. Students with PPOs could choose to participate selectively in final placements for dream companies or sectors of special interest, leading to better role-candidate matching.
International placements remained a small but prestigious component of overall placements. In 2025, 12 international offers were accepted out of total placements. In 2023, eight international offers were made to the PGP batch.
International roles were primarily in consulting, investment banking, and technology sectors. Geographic locations included Singapore, Dubai, United Kingdom, and United States. These positions offered significantly higher compensation but required students to relocate abroad.
The relatively small number of international placements reflected both supply and demand factors. Not all students were interested in international roles due to family commitments or preference for building careers in India. Some international companies preferred recruiting for India operations rather than overseas positions.
The lateral placement process for experienced students influenced overall placement dynamics significantly. Approximately 59 percent of the batch qualified for lateral placements in recent years. This process occurred before final placements, allowing companies to recruit candidates for mid-level positions.
Companies participating in laterals included Amazon, Microsoft, Cisco, and various consulting firms seeking candidates with specific industry experience. These roles offered higher compensation compared to fresher positions, reflecting candidates' prior work experience.
The lateral process reduced competition during final placements, benefiting freshers who faced a less crowded placement landscape. It also ensured better role-candidate fit as experienced students could leverage their domain knowledge to secure positions aligned with their career trajectories.
IIM Ahmedabad maintained a dream company policy that allowed students to continue participating in placements even after receiving initial offers. This policy enabled students to pursue opportunities with their most preferred employers without sacrificing placement security.
The policy contributed to better placement outcomes as students could aim for stretch roles without fear of remaining unplaced. It also ensured that companies received candidates genuinely interested in their organizations rather than safety placements.
However, the dream company policy required careful administration to balance student aspirations with recruiter expectations. Clear communication with companies about the policy and structured processes ensured smooth placement operations.
The diversity of roles offered during IIM Ahmedabad placements increased significantly from 2020 to 2025. In 2025, recruiters offered 261 different role profiles across various sectors and functions. This represented substantial growth from earlier years.
Traditional roles including management consultant, investment banking analyst, brand manager, and product manager remained popular. However, new roles emerged including data science manager, digital transformation consultant, sustainability manager, and growth hacker reflecting changing business priorities.
The role diversity provided students with wider career options matching their specific interests and skills. It also demonstrated IIM Ahmedabad's success in preparing graduates for emerging business challenges beyond traditional management roles.
The 2020 to 2025 period encompassed significant economic volatility including the pandemic recession in 2020-21, strong recovery in 2021-22, concerns about global recession in 2022-23, and continued uncertainty in 2024-25. These economic cycles influenced hiring patterns and compensation trends.
During economic downturns, some companies reduced hiring or offered lower compensation increases. However, IIM Ahmedabad placements remained resilient with 100 percent placement rates maintained throughout this period. The brand strength and quality of graduates ensured continued recruiter interest even during challenging times.
The economic context also shifted sector preferences. Technology and e-commerce thrived during the pandemic, leading to increased recruitment. Traditional sectors including FMCG and manufacturing recovered gradually. Financial services showed volatility but remained strong recruiters throughout the period.
Student career preferences evolved during the 2020-2025 period. While consulting remained the most sought-after sector, interest in entrepreneurship, startup roles, and social impact careers increased significantly. More students expressed willingness to join growth-stage startups rather than only established corporations.
Work-life balance considerations gained importance, particularly post-pandemic. Students increasingly evaluated roles based on lifestyle factors beyond compensation. Hybrid work options, flexible schedules, and company culture became important decision criteria alongside salary packages.
Geographic preferences also shifted with increasing acceptance of tier-2 city opportunities and remote work arrangements. Students showed greater willingness to consider roles outside traditional metro locations if the learning opportunity and compensation justified the decision.
While IIM Ahmedabad maintained its premier position, competition from other business schools intensified during this period. IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, and newer IIMs improved their placement outcomes and infrastructure. International students had more options for management education reducing their dependence on any single institution.
Specialized management institutes including XLRI, SPJIMR, and FMS Delhi offered focused programs with strong placement records at lower fees. These alternatives attracted students who might otherwise have aspired primarily to IIM Ahmedabad.
Despite increased competition, IIM Ahmedabad's brand strength, alumni network, and placement outcomes ensured continued preference among top students and recruiters. The institute's consistent NIRF ranking as number one and global recognition maintained its preeminent position.
Based on the 2020-2025 trends, several patterns are likely to continue in future years. Average packages will likely grow at 5 to 8 percent annually, aligned with economic growth and inflation. Highest packages may see more dramatic increases as competition for top talent intensifies across sectors.
Consulting will remain the dominant recruiting sector, but its share may gradually decline as other sectors including technology, healthcare, and sustainability increase their campus presence. New-age companies and startups will likely account for a larger proportion of placements.
International placements may increase as Indian graduates become more mobile and global companies expand recruiting from Indian business schools. However, strong India growth opportunities will continue attracting most students to domestic roles.
Climate technology, renewable energy, and sustainability-focused companies will likely increase campus recruitment significantly. These sectors offer compelling opportunities to address major global challenges while building successful careers.
Healthcare technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sectors will expand recruitment beyond traditional roles. Digital health platforms, telemedicine companies, and health analytics firms will seek MBA graduates for strategy, operations, and product management positions.
Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics roles will become more prevalent across sectors. Companies will seek graduates who combine business understanding with appreciation for technology capabilities and limitations.
IIM Ahmedabad will likely continue improving gender diversity with a target of 40 to 50 percent female representation in the medium term. This goal requires sustained institutional effort, continued improvements in female CAT participation, and effective communication about the inclusive campus environment.
Other diversity dimensions including socioeconomic background, geographic origin, and differently-abled students will receive increased attention. Holistic admissions processes that evaluate candidates beyond test scores will support these diversity objectives.
The improved gender diversity will have positive long-term effects on alumni networks, corporate leadership pipelines, and societal perceptions of business education accessibility.
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