XLRI - Worth the effort it takes

It is the best PGDM Course in India with a focus on sustainability as well. The faculty/student ratio is almost 1:30. All of the faculty are a minimum Ph.D. and most have post-docs from US/Europe best colleges. Exams are very timely and conducted in a proper manner. One can perform well only if they have studied and applied themselves, cheating isn't a feasible way to pass.

Many companies like McKinsey, Nestle, P&G, Coca-Cola, and JP Morgan visit campus offering Consulting, Marketing, Operations, and Finance roles and projects. Every student gets a reputed internship. Stipend ranges from 1LPM to 4LPM with an average stipend of around 2 LPM.

Very good campus placements, more than 100 companies visit for 360 students offering the best in class roles and packages. The highest packages go around Rs. 1Cr per annum with an average of around 35lpa. All students get placed. I plan to work in an FMCG company as a marketing manager.

There is an almost 10% hike in fees every 2-3 years but it is worth it as the placement packages are also very good. I didn't get any scholarships but all major scholarships are offered, i.e. Aditya Birla/OPJEMS.

Everything is top-notch, more than 20 different committees organize different events throughout the year. Ensemble Valhalla is the annual fest and other events like Halloween, Prom, and case comps are very engaging. Classrooms are well equipped and air-conditioned with the latest technology and very good design. All the details are readily available on the XLRI website.

The hostel is very good, with single occupancy rooms. Bed, Cupboard, washing machine, good wifi, and LAN ports are available. The mess menu is diverse and the quality of food is good. The hostel is compulsory and very easy to register for however one can opt out of the mess.

The eligibility criterion is to do XAT and an undergrad degree Application Form is available on Xatonline.in. Post giving the XAT exam, you are required to fill out a form with 4 behavioral questions, these questions are referenced by the interviewers. Interviewers don't know your XAT score.

XAT was the admission test which has 4 sections. Sections being Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability, and General Knowledge. There are 4 behavioral questions about life experiences that have to be answered prior to the interview call. The interview is a behavioral interview with questions about your life and skills and lasts for about 20-30 mins.