In comparison to the IIMs, FMS retains the advantages of small batch size and a fee structure that is relatively low. The small batch size simplifies placements significantly. With the exception of a few foreign consultancies, most of the top companies that visit the IIMs also visit FMS. Despite all of the university's bureaucracy, etc., there is a well-established alumni network that still ensures that things work out for the current batches.

Because of the small batch size, people are extremely competitive. This was in stark contrast to what you hear about the IIMs. Even though they have competition but they maintain some semblance of sanity due to the large batch. FMS can be difficult to manage at times, both in obvious behaviours and subtle actions by people you study with.

The culture at FMS is influenced by the culture of Delhi. In comparison, IIMs are unquestionably more cosmopolitan. Unless you have prior exposure, adjusting to a new environment can be difficult for people from very different cultures, such as the South or East. Otherwise, you'll have to learn to adjust the hard way. But it's still worth the effort. The people you meet in both locations are of the highest calibre. It is up to you to make the best of the situation.

Even if given the chance, there's no way one would like to trade places with the IIMs.

In terms of job opportunities, IIM is far superior.

IIM A, B, and C would have an average placement of around 22 LPA, whereas ISI would have 16-17 LPA. However, you must keep in mind that you would pay at least INR 20 lac for your IIM degree while receiving a 65k stipend and contingency grant from ISI for free.

You might start out as a data scientist, financial analyst, or consultant if you join ISI, and you would advance along that career vertical. IIM exposes you to a much broader range of roles such as FMCG, general management, and so on.

In terms of higher education, 40-50% of ISI batches pursue Ph.D. programs in the US/abroad, while nearly 100% of IIM batches pursue jobs. Going straight to a Ph.D. after IIM is difficult due to the large educational loan (assuming you take one). However, many of them pursue Ph.D. degrees at various business schools around the world.

However, these institutes (ISI and IIM) are incomparable because one teaches statistics, and the other management. These are two very different topics. So it all comes down to what you want to do with your life.

Choosing PGDBA over a regular MBA program is definitely worth it. With technology becoming the foundation of every company today a regular MBA program is not sufficient. You need to be well versed in data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. This is when PGDBA comes into picture. This course offers a perfect knowledge of handling data to meet the competitive edge. 

I have listed some major benefits of the PGDBA course that might assure you of its worth.

• The course helps to automate things and take a more technological approach to every business decision.

• This course will provide you with the brand name of 3 best institutes all together. This makes it better than the regular MBA program.

• Interacting with faculties of 3 different institutes does not stagnate your thought process. The diverse opinions help you add to your ideas.

• This course will enable you to open your own technology based start-up.

The only major disadvantage of this course is the lack of management skills you will develop. Although you will study management, not as much as you could have studied in a regular course. But this in itself is not a factor big enough to hinder your success.

Definitely joining IIM Calcutta over IIM Lucknow is better. In fact the huge difference in fees is exactly the reason why IIM Calcutta is worth investing in more than IIM Lucknow.

Some advantages of joining IIM Calcutta over IIM Lucknow are:

• IIM Calcutta is among the top 3 while IIM Lucknow is below.

• The placement opportunities at IIM Calcutta are way better than IIM Lucknow. Check the recent placement reports to verify the same.

• Professors with publications in International journals are way higher in IIM Calcutta than Lucknow.

• IIM Calcutta has a better batch quality as it has a higher cut off on CAT %ile.

• IIM C Alumni networking and culture is enviable even by IIM A and B. So by paying more fees you build relationships that are priceless and last a lifetime.

I wouldn’t say choosing IIM Calcutta over IIM Lucknow will ever be a bad decision. Your 7 extra lakhs Rupees will pay you back tenfold times.