Yes, one can definitely choose SPJIMR over the three IIMs IKL. To answer the why part, I have individually compared each IIM to SPJIMR and justified why SPJIMR is a better choice in all the 3 cases.
IIM Indore
SPJIMR over IIM Indore is a choice as everyone is aware of the huge batch size at IIM Indore which becomes a major obstacle during placements. Moreover, it gives a lot of weightage to past academics so it’s not a good option for those who fared average during 10 and 12 but are now ready to face challenges.
IIM Kozhikode
The only aspect in which Kozhikode has an upper hand when compared to SPJIMR is the campus beauty and I am sure this is not the most important criterion for judging a college at all. SPJIMR offers a more innovative and structured curriculum, a smaller batch size combined with the chance to live in the city of Dreams. The only aspect that it lacks in comparison to Kozhikode is the fact that you have to choose your specialization during admission itself whereas Kozhikode gives you a year's time to do so. Then again if you are certain of your specialization, nothing is better than SPJIMR.
IIM Lucknow
Honestly speaking many might consider IIM Lucknow a tad bit better than SPJIMR and rightly so. When it comes to consulting and Finance, IIM Lucknow is a better option. It also attracts the best profile and not the kind accepted at SPJIMR. Additionally, the batch comprises IITians majorly who are there for the tag. These geniuses create tough competition which is lacking in the case of SPJIMR. This turns out to be a benefit for SPJIMR as students who are not at the top are able to get good roles at top consulting firms. So in terms of Finance, Consulting, and IIM tag, IIM Lucknow seems to be better but is similar to SPJIMR in all other aspects.
By ‘teaches Management like Engineering’ I assume what you mean is Management studies at IIM Lucknow are more strict, mundane, and repetitive. In this regard, I refuse to accept your claim as the reality is far from this.
People graduating from these institutes are youngsters with an age group of 20-25 so there is very little impact of the institutes' pedagogy on the learner’s ability to learn. These candidates are likely to be more serious regarding their growth and even sacrifice the fun of a typical B School life just to reach new heights. Anyone with such a mindset is likely to fare well anywhere irrespective of the choice of Institute.
I am going to specifically pinpoint the scenario at FMS because there is a general conception that FMS has a relatively chilled ambiance. The truth is I have seen many students working tremendously hard in their 2 years. They explore much more than academics and take part in many extracurricular activities because they know it’s their last opportunity before they enter the corporate world. The attendance rules although stricter than that at IIM Lucknow are no direct indication of the general discipline and the rigor of the curriculum. Every institute has its own tailored learning environment and it’s up to the students to make the most out of it.
People just ‘flock’ to a particular B School because of the sheep mentality. Rather their decisions are based on continuous analysis of various factors like tags, peer group, intended specialization, placement opportunities, personal goals.
It is advised not to consider the new IIMs in the same league as L, K, and JBIMS. Among L, K, and JBIMS, IIM Lucknow should be placed first. Despite JBIMS being older than IIM Lucknow, IIM Lucknow boasts greater diversity and a more established brand.
In terms of personal preferences, both IIM Kozhikode and JBIMS have their own strengths and weaknesses. When it comes to placement, alumni base, and return on investment, JBIMS has the upper hand.
However, the campus of IIM Kozhikode is unmatched and offers an unrivaled business school experience that is not present in JBIMS. Some might argue that the IIM brand is stronger than that of JBIMS, but IIM Kozhikode, as a 25-year-old institution, has created its own brand reputation, while JBIMS, a 65-year-old institution, is highly respected in the corporate world.
It is also worth mentioning that the median placement of JBIMS has exceeded 22 lakhs this year, while that of IIM Kozhikode is around 20 lakhs. While it is known that some students have left IIM Kozhikode and IIM Lucknow to attend JBIMS, it is also likely that the reverse has occurred.
In conclusion, the suggested order would be IIM Lucknow > JBIMS > IIM Kozhikode.
Go for the IIM Lucknow ABM program only if you are sincerely inclined towards agri. If not then choosing ABM will limit your career prospects considerably and you might even regret it later.
MDI Gurgaon PGDM is one of the oldest programs that have great value. MDI Gurgaon can easily be called the country’s best B School. The admissions are solely based on merit so the quality of your peers is top-notch. Some major highlights of the institute and its PGDM program are
So you will not regret choosing MDI even over IIM Lucknow.
Only someone from an IIM can provide you with better insight, and Educate Next's founders are from IIM Rohtak and FMS Delhi. Educate Next is, in my opinion, the best IPM - IIM coaching (Indore and Rohtak). The curriculum is written by the Directors themselves, and they provide full curriculum details to students when they enroll, making it clear how the approach will be. The best Personality Development and Verbal Ability classes in town.
Another critical point is that the batch size is too small, with a maximum of 20 students. This is extremely beneficial. It is also the most affordable in terms of fees for the quality provided. IMS is also good, but they charge nearly triple the price for the same quality.
If you want to pursue an MBA in Sustainability Management, you should only visit the IIM Lucknow, Noida Campus (SM). Otherwise, instead of pursuing a specialization in SM, pursue an MBA at MDI Gurgaon, which will provide you with better and more diverse opportunities.
IIM L, Noida Campus, for your information, offers a two-year PGP in Sustainability Management.
The main PGP (MBA) course is only available at the IIM Lucknow campus. So don't be perplexed. IIM Lucknow's Noida Campus is not the same as IIM Indore's (Mumbai Campus).
Executive MBA, Working Manager Program, Management Development Program and other courses are available at IIM L (Noida Campus).
In India, IIM Lucknow is worth far more than ISB, particularly in MNCs and finance/marketing jobs.
The talk of a consulting and network-building pedigree revolves more around their flagship PGPX program and their tentacles in Microsoft and Cisco, both of which recognize the limited role of an MBA in their industry and provide well-defined jumps to ISB graduates back on campus. In the last 2-3 years, IIM Lucknow has done fairly well in global placements, and the sky is the limit for the right student.
It is clear that your decision should be motivated by your prospects of performance at either campus and should be carefully considered.
It is true that those who can balance pressures and perform consistently have an advantage when it comes to placements on campus. Also, mobility in the industry should matter without the help of your b-school label and should be about your performance on the job in making friends. Students from each campus meet everyone on an equal footing in the industry.
Only if you accepted a different field in your campus placement or were assigned a backroom job will you face unequal pressure, as neither pedigree allows you much mobility.
People with more than four years of experience were given one of the best placements at IIM Lucknow. You should remember that your work, experience, and area of interest are always factors in your placements. Indeed, work experience, whether relevant or irrelevant, is always a plus.
The reasons for this are straightforward:
You have an advantage over freshmen on campus, but you must also make good use of your campus time. Yes, jobs in sales, FMCG, and so on are unlikely to shortlist you. You will almost certainly receive shortlists from consulting firms, marketing profiles, and finance profiles.