When comparing the placements of the two, ISB and IIMs, the batch size hardly matters because both institutes market different products. The background and profiles of students of both institutes are too versatile to draw comparisons. If I roughly divide the ISB students and the kind of placement scenario they face then
So the batch size does not matter here and ISB Hyderabad placements are themselves quite satisfactory.
Yes, there are many people who took a drop for CAT and got selected in IIMs. At this stage, your interview matters the most. So read well and prepare the best to answer ‘what were you doing in the meantime’.
Answer this question confidently because here they are not exposing your weakness but testing your confidence in yourself. Just say that I was preparing to be here for the interview. Further you can claim that all the other candidates who have taken CAT are still at a level same as yours in the interview round. So rather than experience it’s one eagerness and ambitions that counts.
All you need to do is impress the interviewer and you are good to go.
If you're considering pursuing a career in product management, it's important to choose the right business school that offers the best program and opportunities for this field. While both ISB and IIMs are well-known institutions for management education in India, there are some key differences to consider when it comes to their product management programs.
Here are some factors to keep in mind:
If you're set on pursuing a career in product management, and you have a choice between ISB and IIMs, then ISB may be the better option. However, if you're open to other fields such as finance, then IIMs still have a lot to offer.
Many students drop out of placements to start working on their own startup. Apart from this the lowest package at IIM Ahmedabad was INR 11 LPA in the year 2021 and INR 6.75 LPA in 2016. This does not include incentives and variable parts of the CTC.
Looking broadly, there are five major parameters that distinguish IIM A as the best.
Quality of Intake: As the most sought-after B School, it attracts the most talented and passionate students. Good input results in good output. Peer learning is also more effective.
Incredible Faculty Members: It has had the best set of on-campus and visiting professors. Even guest speakers are the best in the business.
Infrastructure and Facilities: Because it has always been at the top, it has always had funds to invest in the best infrastructure. The fees are high, but there are government grants available.
Alumni Network: The best jobs are given to students. They will now want to return to their campus and recruit students. This aids in placements. Furthermore, these individuals guide junior batches, which means you are being guided by the best.
Finally, IIM A is a brand that has proven its worth. People are aware of it. These perceptions are difficult to overcome, so only a small number of people prefer Bangalore or Calcutta over Ahmedabad. A has an unrivaled sense of pride.
This might be disheartening but the truth is you will never receive a call from IIM Ahmedabad even if you score 100 percentile.
Other top institutions give less importance to past academic records, you can aim for them. 99.7+ in CAT and 99.5+ in CAT XAT will ensure high chances of your selection in such institutions i.e. FMS, MDI, XLRI.
You are advised to choose wisely when it comes to selecting the top MBA colleges. Most of the top colleges have excellent faculty who are experts in their fields and students highly appreciate their teachings. The alumni network is a crucial factor to consider, and it is best to speak to students and alumni of the colleges to get a better understanding.
The top-of-the-line MBA colleges include IIMs A, B, and C, which are considered untouchable at the moment. XLRI stands out for its HR batch, the opportunities it offers, and its excellent course structure.
If you are comparing FMS, JBIMS, and XLRI BM, you can consider your interest and preference. The author is biased towards JBIMS as her husband is from that college and she has close connections with the students and alumni. However, if you get admitted to XLRI BM, it is a great brand to be associated with, especially if you are interested in finance.
When it comes to choosing between JBIMS and FMS, you can opt for JBIMS if you are sure about pursuing finance, else you can choose either. Among the IIMs, the author rates IIM L above JBIMS and FMS and considers JBIMS and FMS above IIM I and K.
It is suggested not to rely on the ROI concept, as the benefits of a good education cannot be gauged in one year and do not follow arithmetic progression rules. Instead, you should look at the opportunities offered by the college and how it fits into your plan. Do not base your decision solely on rankings posted in newspapers and magazines or the highest packages offered during placement.
The overall rankings of FMS Delhi and IIM A/C are comparable (IIM A & C rank better than FMS in terms of placements and college life though).
FMS has its own set of advantages, such as the best ROI in India and placements in the core Finance domain, among many others. You must have performed exceptionally well on CAT 201 to receive a call from FMS. Asking yourself the following questions will help you retake the CAT.
What do you hope to gain from your post-graduation experience?
Start a career at a high salary, get a brand name, or develop your own personality by staying and studying with the industry's best minds.
Which field do you want to begin your career in?
Consulting/core finance/marketing, for example.
Are you willing to invest a year of your life to prepare for the CAT again, and are you confident of scoring 99+ percentile in 2019?
The maximum amount of money you can afford to pay in fees.
The answer to your question depends on the reason why you are willing to pursue an MBA and if the reason is strong enough to go for an MBA at the age of 29 years. See, age should never be a restricting factor especially when it comes to education. But your purpose should be well-defined and crystal clear. Pursuing MBA vaguely just to venture on new opportunities or career options might do you more harm than good. So the primary step in deciding if an MBA at 29 is good or not is to analyze your purpose. If you are changing streams for instance moving to Finance or MC, you need to know that your pay scale might see a new low.
I have another suggestion for you. Why don’t you compare the two programs;
Compare the curriculum and prospects of these two programs. The reason why I suggested to you research the Executive program is that many experienced professionals (almost 95%) prefer the Executive program over the regular program. It suits their needs better.
The 2-year program is suitable only if you are looking for an internship and I Don't think that is the case for you. Moreover, if you consider the major aspects like classroom experience, rigor and placements, the Executive program is far more a viable option in your case. It will also allow you to reap the maximum benefits in less time. So do your part of the research and make an informed decision.
You must keep an open mind. Be adaptable. You do not always get what you wish for. You must sometimes compromise. So, take a seat. Stop worrying and get on with your life.
Your preferences, likes, and passions do not always remain constant. They can change, and if they do, be open to it. Do what you believe is best for you right now, but don't be stubborn.