IIMs vs Top private B-schools placement report 2025: Which offers better average package?

Why are IIMs unbeatable and students prefer them over any top B-school? The answer is simple, IIMs provide the best average package among all management colleges. So does that mean other private B-schools are not providing good packages. No Top private MBA college such as ISB has the highest package of 66 Lakhs (approximately) that shows how much potential a private B-school has.

The question should not be which offers better average package because when you compare both they came to an equal terms, only top IIMs have average salary more then Top private B-schools. So keep in mind, Private B-schools are not to be taken lightly.

IIMs vs Private B-Schools: What 2025 placement data Shows

Here in this section we will look into the average packages of IIMs in the year 2024-2025 and also the average packages of top private B-schools. You will be surprised after knowing how much difference you will get.

Top IIM Average Packages (2024-25):

IIM Ahmedabad: It recorded a highest package of ₹1.1 crore (CTC) in its Final Placements 2025, based on the Maximum Earning Potential reported IIM Ahmedabad in the audited placement data. This figure represents the top domestic offer received by a student. For international roles, the highest package stood at $103,474. These numbers highlight IIM Ahmedabad’s strong industry demand and its continued position among the top B-schools for high-value job offers. With average package for IIM Ahmedabad (PGP, Class of 2025) is about ₹35.50 lakh per annum.

IIM Bangalore: Based on the Placement report 2025 of IIM Bangalore for PGP + PGPBA 2023–25, the institute recorded an average package of ₹34.88 lakhs per annum.

IIM Calcutta: in IIM Calcutta placement report 2025 also offers average package of 34 lakhs per annum

IIM Udaipur: IIM Udaipur final placements report for the 2022–24 batch, the institute recorded an average package of ₹18.77 lakhs per annum under the “Maximum Earning Potential” category. Highest domestic package touched ₹47.66 lakhs per annum, while the median package stood at ₹18 lakhs per annum, indicating that half of the placed students received offers above or equal to this amount.

IIM Indore: According to the Final Placement Report 2023–25 for IIM Indore, the institute recorded an average package of ₹29.57 lakh per annum. The report also highlights that the highest domestic package reached ₹70 lakh per annum, while the median salary stood at ₹27 lakh per annum.

IIM Lucknow: According to the IIM Lucknow Final Placement Report 2022–24, the institute recorded an average package of ₹30 lakhs per annum for the graduating batch.

Top private B-school packages (2024-25):

ISB Hyderabad: According to the ISB Placements Report 2024, the average package for ISB (Indian School of Business) for the Class of 2024 is ₹34.21 lakhs per annum

SPJIMR Mumbai: According to the SPJIMR Mumbai Final Placement Report 2025, the institute recorded an average package of ₹32 lakhs per annum (down 3% from previous year) for the PGDM and PGDM(BM) batch of 2023–25.

XLRI Jamshedpur: in XLRI Jamshedpur placement report for the PGDM (BM + HRM) batch of 2023–25, XLRI reports an average salary of ₹31.08 LPA

When you look closely at those numbers then you will understand that the gap isn't as massive as we think. IIMs might have slightly higher average packages, but private B-schools are not much left behind. You should consider Top private B-school because of its better industry connections, faster placement processes and more diverse career opportunities.

Also there are some other benefits such as location, for example SPJIMR is Mumbai based but some of the IIMs are based in smaller cities. So even if you can’t get into IIM then you can consider these colleges as your ideal choice.

What placement report 2025 data Actually reveals

This placement report revealed that SPJIMR achieved 100% placements with the highest package of Rs. 81 lakhs. From the SPJIMR Mumbai Final Placement Report 2025, the institute clearly states that it successfully completed the placement process with full recruiter participation and smooth offer rollouts. The document highlights the strength and resilience of the placement season, showing that every student seeking placements was placed, indicating 100% placements. with the highest package of 81 lakhs in domestics and 89 lakh international placements.

Despite market conditions, SPJIMR maintained its average at 33 Lakhs. That consistency is what makes these colleges on par with IIMs.

Meanwhile some colleges may show a decline in average placements salary but these things can not be immune to market forces. If the market is down then even IIMs can not guarantee 100% placement or higher salary packages.

You can also compare these colleges on the basis of ROI method, which comes from average package and total investment.

Traditional ROI Calculation: (Average Package - Total Investment) ÷ Total Investment × 100

In the present time it's incomplete without a true cost breakdown. Because other than the fees of college, students have to pay for other things such as tuition fee, living expenses, etc.

The cost breakdown

Source: Based on official college websites and NIRF data 2025

If you're looking at pure financial ROI over 5 years: It's almost equal. The 10-15% difference in average packages gets neutralized by varying costs and market conditions. If you're looking at career flexibility: Private B-schools often win. They're more agile, more industry-connected. But in case of brand value, IIMs have the edge, especially in traditional sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are IIM fees worth the investment compared to private B-schools?

A: Based on 2025 data, the ROI difference is minimal. Focus on program fit rather than just fees.

Q: Which has better international placement opportunities?

A: IIMs have stronger international brand recognition, but top private B-schools like ISB have excellent global partnerships.

Q: How do I calculate the real ROI of my MBA?

A: Factor in total cost, opportunity cost, average package, career growth trajectory, and personal satisfaction metrics.