Making a decision about a school is similar to creating a regression model, where the features serve as the parameters and the coefficients represent the students' preferences.

Batch size: The placement at XLRI Delhi is combined with the JSR batch. As a result, the combined batch size (XLRI JSR BM + XLRI JSR HR + XLRI Delhi BM) is quite large but still significantly smaller than IIM Lucknow. FMS is the clear winner in terms of batch size. As a result, FMS > XLRI > IIML.

Group of peers: This is a highly debatable and relative parameter. XLRI has no reservations, and some argue that people are chosen solely on merit, whereas FMS and IIML have more than 50% reservations. As a result, a better crowd.

The CAT score: It is extremely important to FMS. You'll mostly find a more educated crowd there. IIM Lucknow has very diverse selection criteria, similar to IIM Bangalore. In their selection criteria, they consider gender and academic diversity, previous academic records, work experience, and so on, ensuring a consistent and diverse crowd. Now it all comes down to personal preference, FMS > IIML > XLRI.

Tag: IIM Lucknow has an old IIM tag and is well-known worldwide. XLRI and FMS are both very old institutes with strong brand identities. Personal preference once again. IIM > XLRI > FMS.

Campus Life: FMS has no hostels and a very small campus. You're basically a day student there. IIML = XLRI > FMS.

Finance: Lucknow has more financial opportunities than the other two in terms of profiles available and companies visiting campus. FMS >= IIML.

When discussing a business school, the most common topics of conversation are diversity, peer learning, case competitions, learning culture, and placements.

Both FMS and IIM Lucknow have very different admissions criteria. Lucknow promotes academic diversity and places a high value on interview scores, whereas FMS places a greater emphasis on percentile.

Typically, classes in business schools last until five o'clock. If you stay on campus, you have the option of sleeping until 8 p.m. and then attending a club/committee event at 9 p.m. When you have in-house fields, you can relieve stress by playing football or cricket at night. You have the chance to run your own business at IIML thanks to their student-run enterprises on campus.

When it comes to faculty, case competitions, and academic curriculum, both brands are massive, and there are numerous opportunities. Additionally, since ROI is the topic of most discussion, FMS succeeds in this area if cost is a genuine concern.

• Placements: While median/average salary is one way to judge placement quality, considering the roles offered at summer and final placements is a more comprehensive way to get an idea of the quality of placements. In terms of finance and consulting firms visiting the campus for summer and final placements, IIM BAC received more diverse offers. MBB firms have begun to visit IIM L as well. 

• International Reputation: IIMs BAC is one of the world's top business schools. Even if IIML is not widely known in the international community, the fact that it is part of the IIM family lends credibility to its name. FMS does not appear in any international rankings.

• Student Exchange: IIMB has over 150 outgoing students and over 90 incoming students. The figures at IIML would be lower, but significantly higher than at FMS.

• Pedagogy: The pedagogy at IIMs is a mix of case studies and class-based theoretical discussions. This provides a more in-depth understanding of various topics.

• Campus Life: Campus life at IIMs is vibrant, whereas it is almost nonexistent at FMS.

• Research: The research output of IIMs at BAC and even L is higher than that of FMS. You could, for example, work with a professor to publish a paper or write a case study as part of your course.

Considering the ROI and fees, JBIMS is a better option than IIM Lucknow. Also, it is affiliated with Mumbai University so has a brand name also. But in reality, these factors are short-term and cannot be considered if you are investing in your career. 

Overall, IIM Lucknow has an upper hand in almost all aspects. Be it placements, faculty, or brand name. Had I been in your place I would have chosen IIM Lucknow mainly because 

• Strong alumni base spread throughout India and even globally 
• It is a residential campus. The hostel facility is top notch and living and interacting with your batchmates is a great experience.

Both these aspects are lacking in the case of JBIMS because it is standalone and has a very weak alumni network. It also lacks accommodation facilities.

Overall both colleges have roughly the same worth and choosing one over the other is just a matter of preference.