From a placement perspective, companies often prefer candidates with experience in manufacturing or construction, or a related field. This has been observed by some of the students, who had difficulty securing their desired operations jobs. However, it is worth noting that there are also opportunities available for those who do not have such closely related experience.

SJMSOM may be a better choice for those interested in operations than IIM Shillong. Some may argue that the IIM brand carries more weight in the long term, but once an individual has been placed and has gained sufficient experience, it is their track record that truly matters. It is recommended to speak with current students at the school of interest, avoiding the public relations committee as they may be biased, to better understand placement prospects for a particular profile. This can help inform the decision of where to pursue an MBA.

IIM Shillong is the better college among these. The institute puts emphasis on hands-on learning. You will learn how to handle real-time issues. The coursework and teaching go well beyond classroom learning. IIM Shillong has made great strides in recent years in terms of facilities and infrastructure. It has an impressive placement record. IIM Shillong placements in 2022 witnessed the highest CTC of INR 55.22 LPA. This year the major recruiters were Deloitte, DE Shaw, TATA Steel, etc.  

When considering which business school to attend, it's important to weigh your options carefully and choose the one that best aligns with your personal and professional goals. Here is a summary of three business schools and some key factors to consider when making your decision:

• SJMSOM: Established in 1995, this business school has a relatively small batch size of 110 students, which means less competition for placements in good companies. The average salary package is around INR 25 lakh per year, although this may vary depending on various factors. SJMSOM has the best return on investment (ROI) compared to the other two schools. It also has the advantage of being located in Powai and being affiliated with IIT Bombay. If you have strong skills in math and statistics, this might be a good option for you.
• MDI Gurgaon: Established in 1973, this is a well-respected private business school that attracts a wide range of major and marquee firms for campus recruitment. However, the competition for placements is tough due to the large batch size. The fees for this program are around INR 21.4 lakh per year, and the average salary package is around INR 23 lakh per year. One advantage of this business school is its location.
• IIM Shillong: Established in 2008, this business school has a batch size that is smaller than MDI but larger than SJSOM. The fees are lower than those of MDI, at around INR 19 lakh per year. While top consulting firms have started hiring from IIM Shillong, the location may be a disadvantage for some candidates.

The college you decide to go to depends on what you want from your MBA. Many are just interested in placements. Some want to experience a nice relaxing college life. So these points might clarify further which of the 2 colleges is for you

Location: IIM Shillong is located in a serene area in North-East and has a calm temperature throughout. The ambiance is much more relaxing than IIM Lucknow which has extreme temperatures.

Curriculum: IIM Lucknow has a rigorous curriculum and the students face cut-throat competition causing many to repeat the first year. In contrast, IIM Shillong’s curriculum is balanced and students remain relaxed most of the time.

Sports: If you are a sports freak, then IIM Shillong is not for you as it has very limited opportunities as opposed to IIM Lucknow which has amazing opportunities.

Placements: The placement statistics of both the IIMs are given below

Particulars	IIM Lucknow	IIM Shillong
Highest CTC	INR 58 LPA	INR 55.22 LPA
Average CTC	INR 31.03 LPA	INR 23.10 LPA
Median CTC	INR 29 LPA	INR 22.28 LPA
Major Sectors	Consulting, Finance, General Management	IT and Analytics
Top Recruiters	Microsoft, Myntra, Winzo Games, Vodafone - Idea	DE Shaw, Deloitte, TATA Steel

From the above table we can infer that placement opportunities are better at IIM Lucknow than at IIM Shillong.

Alumni network: IIM Lucknow has a stronger alumni base and brand value owing to its early establishment.

So IIM Lucknow is definitely a better option if you are career oriented. But if you want to experience a relaxed campus life and create memories, IIM Shillong won’t disappoint you a bit.

Your evaluation criteria should be as follows:

• Alumni Center.
• Typical Student Profile.
• Companies that visit and the kinds of profiles they offer will depend on your area of interest.

Because it is more established than IIM Shillong. Thus, IIM I has a larger base.

Make a note of your main area of interest. Many candidates struggle with this because they are uncertain or occasionally even ignorant of all the options. Make a list of a few broad areas in that case. Then, pay attention to the visitors' names and, more importantly, the kinds of profiles that are being offered. Once more, the statistics are widely accessible, even on the college website.

When it comes to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), many students have a tough decision to make when choosing which one to attend. Based on feedback from students, it is suggested that the following order of preference is considered:

• IIM Shillong - This institute is known for its beautiful campus and top-notch facilities. It offers a great learning environment that provides students with a sense of community and belonging. Additionally, the institute has a strong reputation for its placements, making it a popular choice among students.
• IIM Ranchi - This institute is comparable to IIM Shillong in terms of placements, but has its own set of constraints. Currently, the institute is operating from a temporary campus, which can be a limiting factor for students. Commuting to classes can take up a significant portion of the student's day, and the lack of a permanent campus can also affect the nightlife and freedom of the students.
• IIM Raipur - This institute is considered the slowest to build its own campus. This can be a significant drawback for students as it limits the overall campus experience.

Overall, when considering campus learning and experience, IIM Shillong would be the top choice. It is important to note that the choice ultimately depends on the individual student's priorities and preferences.