When it comes to evaluating the uniqueness of IIM Raipur, it's important to consider that the institute is relatively young, having been established around 22 years ago. You have the opportunity to witness the growth and development of the institute from its early stages. While IIM Raipur may not yet be considered a peerless institution, it has still managed to create a niche for itself among the IIMs.

One of the strengths of the institute is its per-capita spending on study materials, which is not limited, unlike older IIMs. Additionally, IIM Raipur is open to experimentation, which is a result of it being a startup compared to other, more established institutions.

Another aspect that works in favor of IIM Raipur is the student community. Despite past and ongoing constraints, the students have been continuously working to improve the institute and increase its visibility. This is evident in the outreach to aspirants during the post-CAT admission process, and the establishment of niche clubs like HRidhaan, OPEP, and CEC. Furthermore, the events organized by the institute such as HR Summit, GSMC, ICHL, and Leadership Summit, are of high visibility and good quality.

In conclusion, while IIM Raipur may not yet be considered a special institute, it is different in a positive sense and has the potential to become special in the near future.

Making a decision to join an MBA college is a significant investment in money, time, and effort. It can be a source of confusion, dilemma, and anxiety for MBA aspirants. The question of whether an MBA college is worth joining is subjective, as the returns on investment will vary for different individuals. For some, only the top-ranked colleges like IIM Ahmadabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta will be considered. In contrast, for others, a more pragmatic approach may be taken to weigh the pros and cons of different options.

IIM Raipur, in its 12th year of inception, has been making tremendous strides in its growth journey and is worth joining for several reasons. 

• First, placements at IIM Raipur have been consistently strong, with an increase in the number of companies visiting the campus for final and summer placements, and diversification in the roles offered. The average package has also been rising, with students being offered roles in analytics, wealth management, and other fields. Additionally, IIM Raipur is a non-profit government institution with affordable fees, compared to many private institutions.

• Second, the IIM brand is a significant asset, as it is widely recognized as a symbol of excellence in the industry. It instills a sense of confidence in students and opens up opportunities for them in the corporate world. 

• Third, the new campus of IIM Raipur has state-of-the-art infrastructure with modern design and modern classrooms, sports complexes, and hostels with single occupancy and attached bathrooms.

• Fourth, the course pedagogy at IIM Raipur offers flexibility in terms of curriculum design, which is relevant to the industry. It allows students to pursue majors in more than one specialization, and thus broaden the spectrum of career opportunities. 

• Finally, life at IIM Raipur is vibrant and diverse, with multiple platforms for students to explore and express interests beyond the classroom, including extra-curricular activities, student club activities, and various student bodies that give an avenue to improve leadership skills, interpersonal skills, and create memories in the process.

While there may be some shortcomings, such as the mess food or the location of Raipur, it is crucial to keep in mind that the college is making great strides in all dimensions, and is definitely worth joining compared to many other institutions in its league.