IMI, New Delhi - One of the best tier-2 MBA college

I chose PGDM Core as PGDM BFS and PGDM HR are inherently specialized courses and the curriculum for both the courses is mostly fixed. Whereas in PGDM Core, one gets the liberty to choose between various specializations viz - Finance, Marketing, Analytics, Operations, Information Management. The complete course is segregated into 6 terms and each term lasts for 3 months. Each trimester has mid-term exams and final exams. So, after 2 terms, one can choose the desired electives for the intended specialization i.e. a student would need to choose the subjects in which he/she wants to do major /minor. The faculty in IMI especially for Finance & Marketing are highly experienced with industry exposure. Most of them are alumni of Tier-1 colleges like FMS, IITs, and IIMs with relevant experience of at least 10+ years. The professors are constantly required to publish journals/papers and they adopt a blend of theory and practical learning through case studies and projects.

As mentioned summer internship opportunities offered at IMI are quite decent with some 100+ companies in the arsenal. Some of the big names include - Infosys, Shell, RPG (Ceat), ServiceNow, Piramal, Dell, etc. These companies offered roles that vary from Sales & marketing, product management, auditing, consulting, etc.

the average placement of 21-23 batch is 17.2 lakhs and the median is 16.84 lakhs. The highest package was 50 Lakhs offered in the finance domain. Though, the placement report is not audited but one should keep in mind that a package consists of fixed and variable components. Some 110+ companies visit the college for final placements which include companies like - BMW, JP Morgan, Piramal, Shell Energy, etc. The current job market is plagued by recession and thus college has done decent job by placing almost 100% batch. Placements for 22-24 batch are on similar lines. SIPs - Coming to summer internships, around 100+ companies come to college which include names like RPG, ServiceNow, Shell energy, Dell, Reckitt Benciser, etc. The highest stipend is1.75 lakhs per month and lowest is zero. Decent number of students get PPOs as well.

The fee of IMI which is whopping 20 Lakhs, is one of the highest among tier-2 colleges. The hostel is also extravagantly expensive when compared to the provided amenities and the basic room (twin sharing) will cost around Rs. 553000 (For the latest info, visit the website). Thus, an MBA from IMI will be to the tune of at least 26-28 lakhs with a hostel and the real cost goes way higher if one takes an education loan. However, the hostel is not mandatory and one can wish to stay outside (which will cost roughly 50% of the hostel fee), but the apparent downside will be the loss of campus life which plays an important part in fostering the environment of peer learning and making connections. The hostel seats for boys are limited and allotted on an FCFS basis. IMI does have a financial assistance program wherein students in need of the same can apply for it. The program is merit-based and every year around 15-20 students get their college fees waived off.

When it comes to infrastructure, then it is certainly not the strength of IMI. The campus size is small and is situated in South Delhi. However, the utilization of the available space and resources is quite commendable by the administration. The classrooms have all the necessary amenities and the college library is amazing with an integrated Bloomberg Lab and platforms to access journals. But other amenities like an auditorium, gym, sports room, and playground are below par. The college culture is completely student-driven with college committees and clubs taking centre stage. The student body conducts several inter and intra-college events every year such as Tedx. The annual fest of IMI is Kritva which commences in February and lasts for 3 days witnessing footfalls from several other colleges.

I came to know about IMI, New Delhi through my coaching, IMS. The application process is facilitated via their website. I visited the website and applied for their flagship program, PGDM through CAT. Besides PGDM Core, IMI also offers PGDM in HR and PGDM in BFS (Banking and financial services). Apart from PGDM, they also offer XPGDM (Executive) and FPM (Fellowship). Once you register on their website, you will be able to apply for the desired course. The process is as usual as it is for most of the colleges. You would also be required to fill out an interview form which has questions like Strengths and Weaknesses, Achievements, etc. At the time of writing this review, the application fee is Rs. 2000 + GST@18%. The application form is usually opened twice, once before CAT result and once before XAT result. One can also raise a grievance or query on their website, which is usually addressed within 24 hours by their admission committee.

After filling out the form, you will be prompted to choose the interview date. You will be added to a WhatsApp group by their admission committee and all the information will be shared over the group. There was no GD round in IMI's selection process. The interview generally consists of one round having two panellists. Each interview lasts for around 20-25 minutes and the questions range from Why MBA to What are your hobbies? So, to prepare for the interview, make sure to have all the basic hygiene questions like Why MBA, Why should we select you, What do you bring to the table, Strengths, Weaknesses, etc in place. If you have work experience then you may expect lots of questions around it such as role, projects, conflicts at the workplace, etc. If you are a fresher, then brush up your concepts from your favourite/main subjects and expect questions from your internships and college projects. Also, there will be an extempore round. So be prepared for that too.