With the 2^nd Gen IIM results out (For the sake of clarity for the readers, 2^nd Gen IIMs include IIM-Trichy, Udaipur, Kashipur, Ranchi, Raipur, Rohtak), there have been two common questions on the lips of the shortlisted candidates:

1) Which of the B-Schools should I go for: these new IIMs or old established Pvt B-Schools?

2) How do I decide among these six IIMs?

For the first question, we requested Dr. Gautam Sinha, Director-IIM Kashipur and Dr. Atish Chattopadhyay, Director-IMT Ghaziabad to share their views and we thank them for graciously agreeing to it. Their articles can be read at:

 

To help aspirants with the second question, we decided to interview another Academic Stalwart, Dr. B A Metri, Director, IIM-Trichy and he was kind enough to spare his precious time for this interview with Career2NextOrbit team.

Ø  Career2NextOrbit Team: What are the key parameters students should consider while deciding for a b-school?

Dr. Metri: In my opinion, there are six pillars of any good B-School which aspirants should consider while taking a decision.

a) Faculty size and background: Only the number of faculty is not important, as they can be mediocre as well. So, it is important to look at their background also, which can be a good lead indicator for their academic prowess.

N.B. Based on the feedback received from Dr. Metri, Career2NextOrbit team did the research and we are sharing the faculty data for these 6 IIMs including their background.

*These include IITs, IIMs, MDI, XLRI, Delhi University, Mumbai University, BHU, Calcutta University, Madras University, BITS-Pilani.

b) Knowledge infrastructure: This refers to the library and other learning resources (Both Online and Offline) available to the students. It also plays an important role as the students refer to these materials for their pre-session readings, case assignments and other competitions and their absence can be serious impediments to the professional growth of the students.

c) Physical infrastructure: A lot of learning in a B-School takes place outside the classroom and hence it is important for a  B-School to have a campus of its own for enhanced learning experience of students.

N.B. Based on the feedback received from Dr. Metri, Career2NextOrbit Research team did the research and we are sharing the Residential Campus Status for these 6 IIMs.

d) Placements record: There is no denying the fact that in Indian scenario, placements play an important role for students and hence the students must look at the placement records of the B-Schools before taking the final decision.

e) Availability of Specialized courses: A critical parameter which many students miss out on while taking a final decision is the availability of specialized courses in B-Schools. With the fast changing pace of industry and academia, it is important to check the availability of specialized courses of interest in those B-Schools, as these courses can make or mar the competency you will develop at the end of your MBA program.

f) Learning-teaching environment: Last but not the least, its learnings at B-School which finally determine the acceptability of a student in Corporate World. So, teaching-learning environment again plays a critical role and must be considered while making a decision.

Ø  Career2NextOrbit Team: what are some of the advantages which students taking admission in 2^nd gen IIMs have over other B-School students?

Dr. Metri: There are three main advantages that the students of 2^nd Gen IIMs get which are generally missing in other B-Schools:

a) New Gen Faculty: With the average age of the faculty of 2^nd Gen IIMs on the lower side, they bring with them the better understanding of the Millenials and are better tuned to the usage of technology compared to their peers in other B-Schools.

b) State of the Art Technology and Campuses: On one hand while the 2^nd Gen IIMs have started relatively later, this also comes as a blessing in disguise as their state of the art technology and campuses help the students tremendously to learn and be industry-ready.

c) Active Participant in Institution Building: With the 2^nd Gen IIMs on the full learning and growth curve, the students in these institutes get unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the institution building initiatives and are an integral part of these initiatives. All these contribute immensely to their professional and managerial growth.

 

Ø  Career2NextOrbit Team: Within these 2^nd Gen IIMs, what are a few things aspirants may like to consider while deciding on a final option among them?

Dr. Metri:  I would once again refer to my answer for point 1. I guess the same parameters must be applied for the selection for one among 2^nd Gen IIMs too. However, once again I would like to reiterate that Faculty quality is the most important parameter and this, along with placements should be two critical determinants.

 

Ø  Career2NextOrbit Team: Do you agree that location plays an important role in growth and opportunities at a B-school?

Dr. Metri: Location undoubtedly has a big role to play as the connectivity via Air, Rail and Road influences 3 key aspects:

a) Interaction and Connect with the Industry,

b) Interaction and Connect with foreign B-Schools and noted Academic Stalwarts,

c) Placement Opportunities

In this regard, I am also happy to share that IIM-Trichy is the best connected among all 2^nd Gen IIMs.

 

Ø  Career2NextOrbit Team: What have been some of the notable achievements of IIM-Trichy so far? 

Dr. Metri: I would like to highlight 4 achievements of IIM-Trichy till date.

a) 36 Renowned faculty with exceptional Educational Backgrounds including IITs, IIMs, and foreign Universities.

b) 100% Placement Record with better Average Salary than most of the other peers.

c) Highest Rank in NIRF Ranking among 2^nd-Gen IIMs and being the recipient of the top ranking award by the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

d) Faculty from 1^st Gen IIMs joining at the same level (including IIM-Ahmedabad and IIM-Lucknow).

 

Ø  Career2NextOrbit Team: Last but not the least, what are some of the plans for IIM-Trichy in coming years that you would like to share with aspirants?

Dr. Metri: Few of the plans which I would like to share are:

a) IIM-Trichy plans to be the first 2^nd Gen IIM to have AMBA accreditation, increasing the global quality assurance for our programs and students.

b) Within 2 months, we will be moving into the state of the art 175 Acre campus which will significantly enhance the quality of learning for our students.

c) IIM Trichy will be celebrating INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE WEEK, wherein all our students will be exposed to global faculty including the top names from US, UK, and Europe.

d) With Trichy also known as Boiler Capital of India, IIM-Trichy is also committed to increasing our Industry connect.

 

Career2NextOrbit Team: Thank you so much, sir, for taking out time to speak to Career2NextOrbit team. We are sure that your enlightening advice for aspirants will be of great help.