Is IIM Raipur worth joining?

Making a decision to join an MBA college is a significant investment in money, time, and effort. It can be a source of confusion, dilemma, and anxiety for MBA aspirants. The question of whether an MBA college is worth joining is subjective, as the returns on investment will vary for different individuals. For some, only the top-ranked colleges like IIM Ahmadabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta will be considered. In contrast, for others, a more pragmatic approach may be taken to weigh the pros and cons of different options.

IIM Raipur, in its 12th year of inception, has been making tremendous strides in its growth journey and is worth joining for several reasons. 

• First, placements at IIM Raipur have been consistently strong, with an increase in the number of companies visiting the campus for final and summer placements, and diversification in the roles offered. The average package has also been rising, with students being offered roles in analytics, wealth management, and other fields. Additionally, IIM Raipur is a non-profit government institution with affordable fees, compared to many private institutions.

• Second, the IIM brand is a significant asset, as it is widely recognized as a symbol of excellence in the industry. It instills a sense of confidence in students and opens up opportunities for them in the corporate world. 

• Third, the new campus of IIM Raipur has state-of-the-art infrastructure with modern design and modern classrooms, sports complexes, and hostels with single occupancy and attached bathrooms.

• Fourth, the course pedagogy at IIM Raipur offers flexibility in terms of curriculum design, which is relevant to the industry. It allows students to pursue majors in more than one specialization, and thus broaden the spectrum of career opportunities. 

• Finally, life at IIM Raipur is vibrant and diverse, with multiple platforms for students to explore and express interests beyond the classroom, including extra-curricular activities, student club activities, and various student bodies that give an avenue to improve leadership skills, interpersonal skills, and create memories in the process.

While there may be some shortcomings, such as the mess food or the location of Raipur, it is crucial to keep in mind that the college is making great strides in all dimensions, and is definitely worth joining compared to many other institutions in its league.