Be it fresher or not, MDI Gurgaon is definitely a better option than IIM Shillong. I have drawn a comparison between the 2 B Schools based on the following parameters
Fees: The fees of the PGPM program at IIM Shillong stands at INR 14.6 Lakhs whereas that of MDI Gurgaon is INR 24,47,400. While some might comment on the huge difference in fees, the ROI at MDI Gurgaon is worth it.
Placements: The table below compares the placement statistics of both B Schools.
Location: MDI Gurgaon has a location advantage over IIM Shillong as it is located in the commercial hub in contrast to the North-Eastern location of IIM Shillong.
Though I have given my opinion about MDI being better, the final decision is yours to make.
Let me strike off IIM Shillong from your list of preferences. This is because no matter how well it is doing, it can never compare to the older IIMs and the recruiting companies know that very well. Now let’s look at the other two options.
NITIE: This option is a feasible one only if you are interested in Operations. I won’t suggest it for any other domain.
MDI Gurgaon: From the alumni base to location advantage, this B School has it all. Now that you have chosen your college, let’s discuss the domain you will be choosing. I will suggest you go for HR only if you are seriously passionate about it. If you are confused between HR and Operations, the best option is the IM course. The PGP-IM of MDI, Gurgaon is the best International management course in India. Its USP is its generic nature making it possible for you to start your career in any domain like marketing, finance, Consulting, or product management.
If you are looking just for a brand name and high ROI, then your options are
If you are looking for legacy, established alumni, and faculty with decades of experience within the same institute, your options are
Now let me further elaborate on the last 2 colleges.
IIFT: This institute is a good option for people who wish to get into International business. I can any day prefer IIFT over the new IIMs.
MDI: MDI specializes in Marketing so anyone interested in this sector can go for MDI.
So it eventually depends on you and the specialization you want.
Without any doubt, I will suggest you choose MDI Gurgaon over IIM Trichy. Some points that favor my opinion are
I think these points are enough to convince you to join MDI Gurgaon.
Earlier there was a major difference in the placement scenario of both the courses and institutes. For the IM course, one had to study at a foreign business school, with which MDI has a tie-up during the second year, and manage your internship on your own. Moreover, they let you sit for the final placements only.
On the other hand, at IIM you can avail of the summer placements, and PPO and then even sit for final placements.
Fortunately now, the PGPIM is a 2-year residential course at MDI Gurgaon campus only, with summer and final placements happening along with the PGP students. Through this, it has overcome its shortcomings of average final placements and is a much better option than IIM Trichy.
The simple answer to your question is no, the new HR programs of IIM Ranchi, NMIMS, or XIMB are not at par with the established ones XLRI, TISS, MDI, and SCMHRD. The established programs especially that of XLRI are the epitome of HR programs. They cannot be compared to the new ones at any given level or parameter.
Now one can say that the curriculum can be replicated and learned faculty can be sought to match the quality of the HR program at these institutes. But the truth is faculty and curriculum are the main but not the only factors that determine an institute's worth. Its own culture, ethics, and background have a lot to do with the programs it offers.
So one cannot match XLRIs programs no matter how much they try.
Actually, there is no such thing as academic weightage in FMS, but MDI gives academics weightage. To get a call from MDI, you must score higher than 98.2x for FMS and 95.5x percentile.
FMS is part of Delhi University, and its tuition is significantly lower than that of MDI. FMS fees are around 20-21k, whereas MDI fees are around 28 lakhs, which is much higher than FMS. FMS and MDI both give sectional cutoff weightage. If your academics are strong, it will benefit MDI, but FMS does not give academics weightage.GDPI considers extracurricular activities, work experience, and any other achievement.
My sister was in a similar situation and could not reach a decision. But in the end, she went for MDI. She does not regret her decision at all as she says MDI is one of the best B Schools in India. Some points that support her opinion are
Particulars |
MDI |
IIM Indore |
Highest CTC |
INR 1.14 CPA |
INR 49 LPA |
Average CTC |
INR 26.65 LPA |
INR 25.01 LPA |
Major Domains |
Consulting |
Consulting & Finance |
Consulting
MDI has largely improved in the consulting domain over the past few years. The most reputed recruiters of the consulting sector visit the campus and offer the best profiles. Some of them include
The highest CTC in the consulting domain at MDI stood at INR 38.30 LPA with 171 offers. So if you are ready to give up the IIM tag for a lifetime, then MDI is the best option.
Most people consider IIM Kozhikode a better option than MDI Gurgaon. But in reality, MDI has many lesser-known features that might help you take the right decision:
MDI Gurgaon has the best faculty in finance so it’s the best option for the finance stream.
The curriculum taught here is very much similar to the skills sought by the industry
A large number of students get into consulting companies. More than 10 companies visit MDI every year.
Low batch strength, which means proper attention to each student
The No Reservation policy makes the admissions here solely merit-based
Although IIM Kozhikode has some excellent features, MDI Gurgaon lacks the public eye so it’s necessary you know its reality before blindly trusting IIM Kozhikode.
Some of the famous alumni of MDI include: