Anisha has done MBA in Marketing from NMIMS And Executive Management(PMNO) from Harvard Business School. She has been instrumental in growing CATKing Digital with her experience with Marico and Henkel in the past.
New IIMs, Baby IIMs – Are They Worth It?
When we think of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), names like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta immediately come to mind. These are the holy trinity of management education in India. But what about the newer IIMs, often referred to as Baby IIMs and New Generation IIMs? Are they worth the hype, the effort, and the CAT preparation stress?
Let’s break it down.
Who Are the Baby IIMs and New IIMs?
Baby IIMs are those IIMs that were established after 2010 and are still in their growth phase. These include:
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IIM Jammu (2016)
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IIM Sambalpur (2015)
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IIM Sirmaur (2015)
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IIM Bodh Gaya (2015)
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IIM Nagpur (2015)
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IIM Amritsar (2015)
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IIM Visakhapatnam (2015)
New IIMs refer to the institutes established between 2008 and 2010, including:
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IIM Raipur
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IIM Trichy
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IIM Kashipur
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IIM Udaipur
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IIM Ranchi
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IIM Rohtak
All these IIMs offer Post Graduate Programs (PGP), which are now MBA degrees, and are mentored by older IIMs (most Baby IIMs started with mentorship from the top 6 IIMs).
What Makes Them Worth Considering?
1. IIM Brand Tag
The biggest pull factor is the brand “IIM”. Even if you graduate from a Baby IIM, the alumni network and recognition globally carry weight.
2. Placements Are Improving
While Baby IIMs might not yet match the old IIMs in average packages, many have seen consistent growth in placement stats. For example-
| IIM | Average Package (2024) | Top Recruiters |
|---|---|---|
| IIM Trichy | ₹20+ LPA | Deloitte, EY, ICICI Bank |
| IIM Udaipur | ₹19.5 LPA | Accenture, Bain, Infosys |
| IIM Rohtak | ₹18.7 LPA | KPMG, Cognizant, TCS |
| Baby IIMs Avg. | ₹12–16 LPA | HDFC, SBI, Tech Mahindra |
Note: Stats are approximate and updated as per the latest reports.
3. Smaller Batch Size = More Opportunities
Unlike the older IIMs where batch sizes can be over 500, most Baby IIMs have smaller batches (180–260 students), which means more focused attention, and better student-to-faculty ratio.
4. Mentorship from Top IIMs
Most Baby IIMs started under the guidance of older IIMs. For instance:
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IIM Nagpur was mentored by IIM Ahmedabad.
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IIM Visakhapatnam was mentored by IIM Bangalore. This means curriculum quality, pedagogy, and values are passed down.
5. Campus Infrastructure
New IIMs are investing heavily in infrastructure. Permanent campuses of IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya, and IIM Amritsar are either already operational or in final phases of construction.
Baby IIMs vs. Tier-1 Non-IIMs – What’s Better?
| Aspect | Baby IIMs | Tier-1 Non-IIMs (e.g., MDI, IMT, NMIMS, SPJIMR) |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | IIM tag advantage | Recognized, but no IIM tag |
| Placements | ₹12–16 LPA (avg) | ₹15–25 LPA (avg at top ones) |
| Location | Smaller cities | Mostly metro cities |
| Alumni | Still growing | Established networks |
| Campus Life | Evolving | Rich culture and legacy |
Verdict: If brand value, long-term career growth, and government institution preference matter to you — Baby IIMs are worth it. But if you’re looking for immediate ROI, better industry exposure, and networking — top private B-schools can be better bets.
So… Are Baby IIMs Worth It?
Yes — but with realistic expectations.
If you're aiming to get into IIM ABC but land up in IIM Nagpur or IIM Sirmaur, don’t be disheartened. Many Baby IIM alumni are working at McKinsey, Amazon, Deloitte, and top startups. What matters most is how you utilize those 2 years, the internships you grab, and your overall profile building.
Also, consider the Common Admission Process (CAP) for New and Baby IIMs — this unified WAT-PI process allows you to apply to multiple IIMs through one interview cycle.
Final Thoughts
The MBA journey is what you make of it. Baby IIMs are not just backup options anymore. With the right mindset, skill-building, and networking, they can be stepping stones to stellar careers.
So if you get a call from a Baby IIM, take it seriously, prepare for CAP well, and walk into the opportunity with an open mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are Baby IIMs?
Baby IIMs are IIMs established after 2010, such as IIM Jammu, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Nagpur, IIM Amritsar, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Sirmaur, and IIM Visakhapatnam.
Q2. How are New IIMs different from Baby IIMs?
New IIMs (like IIM Raipur, Trichy, Udaipur, Ranchi, Rohtak, Kashipur) were set up between 2008–2010. They are relatively more established than Baby IIMs, with stronger alumni networks and placement records.
Q3. Are placements at Baby IIMs good?
Placements are improving steadily. While averages range between ₹12–16 LPA, some Baby IIMs have seen students placed in top firms like McKinsey, Deloitte, Amazon, and HDFC.
Q4. Which is better: Baby IIMs or top non-IIM B-schools (like MDI, SPJIMR, NMIMS)?
If you value the IIM brand and long-term recognition, Baby IIMs are worth it. But for immediate ROI, location advantage, and stronger industry connect, top private B-schools can sometimes be better.
Q5. What is the CAP process for Baby and New IIMs?
The Common Admission Process (CAP) is a unified WAT-PI round conducted jointly for most New & Baby IIMs, so you can apply to multiple campuses through one interview.
Q6. Do Baby IIMs have permanent campuses?
Yes, many are now operational or in final stages — for example, IIM Jammu, Amritsar, and Bodh Gaya already have or are shifting to their permanent campuses.
Q7. Are Baby IIMs worth joining if I don’t get IIM ABC or top IIMs?
Yes, provided you have realistic expectations. With the right internships, networking, and effort during the MBA, Baby IIMs can open doors to top careers.
Looking for CAT Coaching?
If you're aiming for Top IIMs or Baby IIMs, CATKing offers:
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100+ IIM calls mentorship every year
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CAT, NMAT, XAT, SNAP complete preparation
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Profile building + Interview Training
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