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.
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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:
IIM Jammu (2016)
- NIRF Rank: 41
- Fees: ₹18.85 Lakhs
- Average CTC: ₹15.48 LPA
- Strength: Modern campus & improving placements
IIM Sambalpur (2015)
- NIRF Rank: 58
- Fees: ₹21 Lakhs
- Average CTC: ₹14.21 LPA
- Strength: Entrepreneurship focus
IIM Sirmaur (2015)
- NIRF Rank: 98
- Fees: ₹17.5 Lakhs
- Average CTC: ₹14.45 LPA
- Strength: Tourism & service sector focus
IIM Bodh Gaya (2015)
- NIRF Rank: 53
- Fees: ₹17.96 Lakhs
- Average CTC: ₹13.9 LPA
- Strength: Lower fees + steady growth
IIM Nagpur (2015)
- NIRF Rank: 43
- Fees: ₹18.9 Lakhs
- Average CTC: ₹16.29 LPA
- Mentored by: IIM Ahmedabad
- Strength: Strong placement growth
IIM Amritsar (2015)
- NIRF Rank: 51
- Fees: ₹14.78 Lakhs
- Top 25% Avg CTC: ₹19.73 LPA
- Strength: Strong top-tier placements
IIM Visakhapatnam (2015)
- NIRF Rank: 29
- Fees: ₹17.83 Lakhs
- Average CTC: ₹15.61 LPA
- Mentored by: IIM Bangalore
- Strength: Solid academics + location advantage
New IIMs: CAP vs Individual Selection Process
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).
New IIMs (established between 2008–2010) are more mature than Baby IIMs and follow two different admission routes:
Also read IIM CAP 2026: Your Gateway to Prestigious IIMs
IIMs Under CAP (Common Admission Process)
These institutes participate in the centralized WAT-PI process:
IIM Kashipur
- Known for: Business analytics programs
- Average CTC: ₹17–19 LPA
- Advantage: Strong curriculum + improving placements
IIM Raipur
- Known for: Finance & operations roles
- Average CTC: ~₹18–20 LPA
- Advantage: Growing corporate connections
IIM Ranchi
- Known for: Flagship HR program
- Average CTC: ₹17–18 LPA
- Advantage: Early establishment and better alumni base
IIM Trichy
- Known for: Stable placements & academic rigor
- Average CTC: ₹20+ LPA
- Top Recruiters: Deloitte, EY, ICICI Ban
IIM Udaipur
- Known for: Global collaborations & research
- Average CTC: ₹19.5 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Accenture, Bain, Infosys
IIMs with Individual Selection Process (Non-CAP)
These institute conduct their own admission process:
IIM Rohtak
- Known for: Diversity-driven admissions
- Average CTC: ₹18–19 LPA
- Advantage: Strong corporate tie-ups
👉 Important Note:
IIM Rohtak conducts its separate PI process, often with different criteria like gender diversity and academic profile weightage.
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
Most Baby IIMs have batch sizes between 180–260 students, which means:
- More personalized attention
- Better faculty interaction
- Less internal competition
This can be a big advantage compared to older IIMs with massive batches.
4. Mentorship from Top IIMs
Most Baby IIMs started under the guidance of older IIMs. For instance:
-
IIM Nagpur was mentored by IIM Ahmedabad.
-
IIM Visakhapatnam was mentored by IIM Bangalore. This means curriculum quality, pedagogy, and values are passed down.
This ensures:
- High-quality curriculum
- Strong academic rigor
- Proven teaching methodologies
5. Rapid Infrastructure Development
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.
A Quick Note on CAP (Common Admission Process)
The CAP process allows candidates to apply to multiple New and Baby IIMs through a single WAT-PI round.
This means:
- Less stress
- Wider opportunities
- Better chances of conversion
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.
Baby IIMs are no longer just “backup options.” They are evolving institutions with growing placement stats, improving infrastructure, and increasing industry trust.
If you approach your MBA with:
- The right mindset
- Strong networking
- Smart internship choices
…these institutes can absolutely launch you into a successful career.
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.
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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.
Also read:
IIM-CAP Personal Interview Experiences
200 Days CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy: Daily Study Plan, Exam Strategy, FAQs & MBA Readiness
Free Study Material for CAT & OMET Exams
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