Which one is better for pursuing an MBA: IBS Hyderabad or IIM Sambalpur?

First of all, it’s wrong to compare IIM Sambalpur with a below-average institution like IBS Hyderabad. IIM Sambalpur might be a new IIM but it is still among the tier 3 colleges whereas IBS Hyderabad is nowhere near. 

My friend is currently pursuing an MBA from IIM Sambalpur and has listed the following pros and cons of the institute 

Pros

• Under the mentorship of IIM Indore, IIM Sambalpur is slowly making its mark in the IIM family. It welcomes visiting faculties from IIM Indore which also shares the research work and other material with Sambalpur
• IIM Sambalpur might soon become an educational center as it hosts one of the oldest engineering colleges of the state which is on its way to becoming an IIEST, a very reputed government medical college and a couple of other well-known government universities.
• The airstrip near the city might soon become an airport in the near future thereby enhancing connectivity.
• Although it functions from a leased campus, the infrastructure is top notch

Cons

• It does not have its own campus and functions from leased premises 
• The campus is situated 20 km away from the city and the nearest railway station in a lowly private engineering college.
• The placement is nowhere near the IIM standards 
• Weak alumni base due to recent establishment 
• The faculties are mediocrely experienced
• The lack of connectivity is a major reason for poor placements. The nearest functional airport is in Bhubaneswar, 350 km away.

All in all IIM Sambalpur is a decent choice if you are passionate about the IIM tag only and have limited options. Some years down the line it might improve in brand value as well. So go for it if it’s the tag you are after but go for ISB if you want a better teaching experience.