Are IIM Placements Losing Their Luster? RTI Highlights Sluggish Trend at IIM Trichy

Staff Writer: Sweata Maiti

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 2:55:00 PM IST

Recent data obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) query has raised serious questions about placement outcomes at IIM Trichy. The information, cited by educator Ravi Handa, indicates that 59 out of 384 students from the 2024 batch—approximately 15%—remained unplaced, with only 27% securing salaries above ₹20 lakh annually.

Handa’s statements triggered a wave of concern across social media. He emphasized that despite the rigorous admission process and the ₹20 lakh cost of education, the returns in terms of placements appear underwhelming. “I knew that the markets are bad for an MBA but didn’t expect things to be this bad at an IIM,” he pointed out.

Public reactions on platforms like X included comments such as:

“Too many IIMs has diluted their brand… then they’re no longer elite.”
“Great kids, high talent but not finding opportunities… Markets and employers have become merciless.” 

Critics contend that the rapid expansion of the IIM brand and shifting employer preferences have lowered the threshold for recruitment, challenging the perceived prestige of newer IIM campuses.

However, IIM Trichy maintains that their placement season remains strong. Over 150 companies participated, extending 320 final offers and numerous summer internships. High-end packages reached ₹43.94 lakh for the general PGPM programme and ₹33.12 lakh for the PGPM‑HR stream, with average CTCs of ₹19.3 lakh and ₹17.8 lakh respectively. The institute clarified that many unplaced students had voluntarily opted out or were over-qualified.

This episode has reignited debate about the return on investment of MBA programmes, particularly at newer IIM campuses, and whether brand value alone suffices in a rapidly evolving job market.