How does XLRI compare with IIM A/B/C/L?

XLRI compares quite well with IIM A/B/C and L. They have the advantage of a small batch. Their screening process is also quite thorough, I know a few people who were selected in IIM A but could not qualify for XLRI. 

Here’s a comprehensive comparison of these institutes. 

• Academics: Management subjects require a lot of experimental learning. For subjects like Marketing, Strategy, Organization Behaviour, there are no tried and tested theories or formulas that you can memorize to master the subject. A lot of the learning happens through classroom discussions. So, the peer group is a crucial factor for MBA. 
• Placements: 80% of the companies that recruit from IIM A/B/C/L also hires from XLRI. Some companies also hire only from XLRI for HR roles. The rest 20% is highly coveted and with the peer competition at these IIMs, you can actually be at an advantage, if you belong to XLRI.
• Alumni Network: This is where IIM A/B/C/L score ahead. You may not get a job at a coveted company through campus placement but you will have chances to move ahead in one through your alumni network. 
• Brand Value: IIIM A/B/C has definitely better brand recognition than XLRI. But you can only translate the brand value into something tangible if you have the required skill set. 

So, IIM A/B/C/L will give you more opportunities and bragging privileges. But it is equally difficult to make it to the top at these institutes with the huge batch size. The bottom line is if you are determined to make a career in marketing and have the required skill set to do so then it does not matter much which institute you choose, IIMs or XLRI.