This positive trend comes at a time when global challenges persist, including geopolitical tensions in West Asia, trade conflicts influenced by tariff policies under Donald Trump, and increasing concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on employment.
Growth in Salary Packages Across IIMs
At the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, an exceptional international offer of Rs 2.2 crore was made by Dubai-based Intertec Systems for an AI-focused role—more than double the highest package offered the previous year. The average salary also saw a notable increase, reaching between Rs 36 lakh and Rs 38 lakh, compared to approximately Rs 33 lakh earlier, indicating a clear upward trend.
A comparable rise was observed at IIM Lucknow, where the top salary surged to Rs 1 crore from Rs 75 lakh last year. The batch recorded an average salary of Rs 33.2 lakh per annum, with a median salary of Rs 32.9 lakh, reflecting that most candidates secured offers close to the mean.
Meanwhile, IIM Bangalore reported that its PGP and PGPBA cohorts collectively received 664 offers from 177 recruiters. At IIM Mumbai, the highest domestic package touched Rs 71.4 lakh per annum. The top 10% of students achieved an average of Rs 47.5 lakh, the top 20% secured Rs 41.4 lakh, and the top 50% earned Rs 34.5 lakh per annum.
Surge in Consulting Roles
A key factor behind these strong placement outcomes has been the evolving hiring pattern. Consulting firms emerged as the primary drivers, offsetting slower recruitment in certain technology roles. Alongside consulting, the BFSI sector played a significant role in maintaining strong placement performance.
Consulting dominated as the largest recruiting sector at IIM Mumbai, accounting for 123 offers. BFSI hiring saw a 33% year-on-year growth, while FMCG recruitment increased by 24%. Logistics also witnessed considerable expansion, according to the official statement.
As per IIM Bangalore, management consulting remained the most preferred career path, contributing 45% of total offers. This was followed by Technology/Product Management at 15% and Investment Banking at 11%.
Tapas Ranjan Pati, Head of Career Development Services (CDS), stated, “Despite shifts in the global hiring environment, the placement season at IIM Bangalore maintained strong momentum. Recruiters continued to appreciate the competence, adaptability, and industry-readiness of our students, along with the professionalism of the placement process.”
He further added, “There was strong participation from sectors such as FMCG, Retail, E-commerce, Conglomerates, Fintech, Healthcare, and Manufacturing. We would particularly like to highlight the record number of offers made by Accenture Strategy.”
Consistent Trends from Previous Years
For MBA aspirants, these figures reaffirm the sustained dominance of IIM graduates in securing high-paying corporate roles. Over the past few years, consulting, finance, and product leadership have remained among the most rewarding career paths.
In 2025, IIM Ahmedabad recorded a highest CTC of Rs 1.10 CPA and an average CTC of Rs 35.22 CPA. IIM Calcutta reported a highest CTC of Rs 1.45 CPA with an average of Rs 34.23 LPA. IIM Lucknow noted a highest CTC of Rs 65.00 LPA and an average of Rs 32.00 LPA.