GetMyUni's Verdict on IIM Kashipur

Parvathy Krishnakumar

“One of the latest additions to the chain of IIMs, IIM Kashipur is a hidden gem that provides excellent academics and career opportunities to its students, along with an enticing campus experience. Students are delighted with their experience at the institute.” 

Established in 2011, IIM Kashipur is one of the latest additions to the IIMs. It is one of the least preferred IIMs mainly due to its location disadvantage. Though it is located at the junction of industry, it is more difficult for the students to reach the institute, while the other institutes are more easily accessible. 

However, it has a lot of scope for multidisciplinary learning and application of management education as the prominent industry leaders are located within close proximity of the institute. According to the students' reviews on online platforms, IIM Kashipur is heavily underrated as no proper marketing was done compared to the other new IIMs. 

It is dedicated to preparing the students for the industry by providing the necessary training and knowledge to excel in their desired field. Similar to the other institutes, it offers a wide range of courses across different specialisations and has an impressive set of professors who are experts in their fields. With the highest domestic packages, the institute has managed to attain decent placement rates within a short period. 

Table of Contents

• Highly Acclaimed Courses
• Eminent Faculties
• Modern Infrastructure
• Comfortable Hostels
• Well-Rounded Campus Life
• Strong Placement Records
• Final Verdict on IIM Kashipur

Highly Acclaimed Courses

Despite being a newer addition to the chain of IIMs, IIM Kashipur has made its mark by maintaining academic excellence in the B-school domain. According to the previous year's NIRF ranking, IIM Kashipur was placed 23rd in the management category. 

It ensures its students are industry-ready by making them skilled in their desired fields. It has a well-structured course curriculum, especially in the first year. The academic system is curated to bridge the gap that exists between the undergraduate programs and the Management courses. 

Needless to say, the academic environment at the institute is highly demanding and rigorous, with surprise tests, assignments, projects, etc., and the students must be well-prepared and up-to-date with their academics. 

The institute offers a wide range of courses spanning all essential disciplines, such as Sales and Marketing, Information Technology and Analytics, Strategy and Management, Operations and Supply Chain, Communications, OB and HR, and many more. The flagship course offered by the institute is its Master of Business Administration (MBA), which is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum and intense focus on innovation and critical thinking. Some of the other highly praised postgraduate and doctoral programs offered by the institute are as follows:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Analytics
• Executive MBA
• Executive MBA (Analytics)
• PhD in Management.

The Corporate Relations Committee at the institute actively provides students with Live Project opportunities throughout the year based on their interests in different industries along with the Placement Committee. These live projects assist students in fostering academic knowledge and practical application, as well as provide vital insights into their career prospects. 

Even though the admission process at IIM Kashipur is not as rigorous as the other IIMs, it still requires students to qualify for the competitive entrance exam with the minimum cut-off marks to be eligible for their desired course. 

The institute also actively collaborates with international universities and B-schools to offer student exchange programs where deserving students from the institute will be able to complete one trimester of their course program at these participating universities. The institute also encourages students to participate in the short-term exchange programs.

Course Fee Structure

The course fees at the institute are on the expensive side compared to the other institutes in the country, which is justified by the placement opportunities received by the students at the end of their courses. Based on the students' experiences, the return on investment at the institute is much better than that of other prominent private institutions. 

The course fees vary depending on the program type, duration and specialisation. According to the latest fee structure, the total fee for the MBA program is INR 17,30,000 and INR 18,00,000 for the MBA (Analytics) program. The average course fee for the Executive MBA program is INR 12,00,000, and INR 12,20,000 for the Executive MBA (Analytics) program. The total fees for these courses include the admission fee, course fee, and refundable caution deposit. 

In order to make quality education more affordable to students from underprivileged backgrounds, the institute offers several scholarships based on the merit and needs of the students. The institute-sponsored scholarships will provide total yearly tuition fee waivers to eligible students.

Attendance Policy

Based on the rules and regulations of the institute, a minimum attendance of 75% is a prerequisite for the students to complete their course. Failing to maintain the minimum attendance will result in students not being allowed to appear for the end-semester examinations. 

Eminent Faculties

The institute has some of the most highly qualified professors in the country, with immense experience in their respective fields. The faculty members at the institute are actively involved in collaborating with the private and public industries and government for the executive committees on development. They are known for their commitment to adding sustainable value to the institute and society. They also consistently participate in research and have published numerous articles and papers over the years. 

Most professors are themselves graduates of the IIMs, which makes them familiar with the course curriculum, and they are well aware of their students' requirements. They have plenty of knowledge about the recent developments in the industry, which enables them to provide relevant information and train their students according to the industry standards. 

In addition to being highly educated and well-experienced, the professors are also famous for being friendly and approachable to their students. They employ different types of teaching methods, both traditional and modern, which make their classes more exciting and interactive. Students can access their professors beyond classrooms to clarify their doubts or discuss more about their career prospects. 

The institute is famous for its impressive professor-to-student ratio, which in turn makes it easier for professors to spend time with their students and explain their subjects in detail. Apart from the permanent professors at the institute, several professors from the other IIMs also visit for guest lectures. These guest lectures help students to be introduced to fresh perspectives and gain more insights into their course possibilities.

Modern Infrastructure

Spread across 200 acres of land, the institute has a beautiful campus with modern architecture and state-of-the-art facilities. Though there is a location disadvantage, the institute is situated in the middle of the operational plants of industry leaders, tourist attractions and agricultural destinations.

The institute campus is spacious and provides a conducive learning environment. The institute is famous for its sustainable initiatives and eco-friendly activities, such as rainwater harvesting, waste management and solar power generation.

As it is a relatively new institute, it has modern classrooms that are air-conditioned and have audio-visual aids, like projectors, whiteboards, etc., to facilitate interactive learning. The seating arrangement in these classrooms/ lecture halls is designed specifically to ensure students have a direct view of their teachers. In addition to being regular classrooms, several academic events, such as group discussions, guest lectures, seminars, etc., are held in these lecture halls.

The library at the institute, also known as the Learning Resource Centre, holds an extensive collection of books, journals, research papers and other resources that are predominantly related to Management and allied subjects. It also has a vast collection of printed/ electronic resources, such as e-books, e-journals, case studies, CDs/ DVDs, and online databases, which can be accessed through the computer systems available within the library.

Though its recreational facilities are still in the development stage, the institute has a decently structured sports complex which consists of various facilities for different sports, such as football, basketball, cricket, volleyball, etc., along with a well-equipped gymnasium and a swimming pool. It also has multipurpose facilities for other recreational activities.

The institute has two private canteens on its campus, where a variety of food and beverages are available at affordable prices. Students are satisfied with the quality of food and the general hygiene maintained at these canteens. These are the primary hangout spots of the students and other staff members.

Overall, the institute boasts a well-maintained, modern infrastructure that comprises all the necessary facilities for academic and recreational activities. Though its remote location has been a concern among the students due to the lack of accessibility to urban life, students are happy with the facilities and the overall infrastructure of the institute. 

Comfortable Hostels

The institute offers comfortable and secure housing facilities to its students. Since it's a newer institute, the hostels are well-maintained with modern facilities and amenities. An integral factor that attracts students to opt for the on-campus hostel facilities is the availability of single occupancy rooms that ensure they have the needed privacy and personal space. 

The hostel rooms are well-furnished with beds, study tables, shelves, cupboards, chairs and even attached bathrooms. Each floor at the hostels has common areas that consist of amenities, such as water purifiers, refrigerators, laundry facilities, microwaves, and multipurpose areas. Students are also allowed to customise their rooms according to their interests to an extent. 

The hostel facilities can accommodate more than 600 students and have a 24/7 hot water supply and radiant cooling system that maintains the room temperature. The hostels also have dedicated housekeeping staff members who clean and maintain the common areas and individual rooms frequently. 

The students' welfare at the hostels is taken care of by a student-led committee that is responsible for the issues and concerns pertaining to the hostel facilities. In addition to that, the hostel management by designated wardens.

The mess facilities at the hostels provide timely meals thrice a day with a variety of dishes. The dining area is also well-kept, and general hygiene is maintained. The safety and security of the students are assured by round-the-clock security vigilance and CCTV surveillance at all parts of the institute premises.

In terms of the rules and regulations set for the hostel residents, there are specific curfew timings and a general code of conduct that must be followed by all. Hostels allow visitors during specific times. 

According to the latest fee structure, the hostel fee for both boys and girls comes up to INR 1,56,000 per year, which includes the cost of accommodation, mess facilities, water charges, and electricity. 

As the institute is located in a remote area, there are a limited number of off-campus housing facilities. However, there are quite a few PGs and private hostels available near the institute, which are available at varying rents based on the facilities provided.

Well-Rounded Campus Life

Like all the IIMs, IIM Kashipur also offers a vibrant and enriching campus experience. Though student lives can get hectic at this premium B-school, the institute has a dynamic campus that is entirely student-driven. From academic to non-academic activities, the student body is always involved in various activities throughout the year. It is famous for organising TEDx talks, management conclaves and annual cultural fests. 

The institute has numerous clubs, societies and organisations for students who are interested in various activities, from Economics and Marketing to music, literature and photography. Students get firsthand experience dealing with time management, teamwork, problem-solving, and interpersonal interactions, which are vital in the formation of a successful career in the management field. 

The institute's campus is always buzzing with numerous events and activities all round the year. Its famous entrepreneurship development program, known as 'Vikas', is dedicated to creating entrepreneurial competencies within business owners and industry professionals. Apart from that, the institute conducts annual operation seminars, panel discussions, case study competitions and nationwide competitions on innovative ideas for marketing. 

Regarded as the most significant annual fest, 'Excelsior' is a combination of Management, sports and cuManagementnts where students from other institutes participate. These events provide students with the platform to showcase their talents, skills and innovative ideas. 

Overall, the institute provides students with various opportunities to enhance their campus life and expand their horizons in terms of professional and personal development. Students are highly appreciative of the facilities and opportunities offered by the institute and cherish the memories created during their time here.

Diversity on Campus

It is common knowledge that the IIMs have the highest visibility of students from different backgrounds as it is one of the elite institutions in the country in the field of Management. IIM Kashipur has students from all over the country, from various regions, cultures and traditions. It celebrates various cultural festivals, which encourages students to appreciate the different ethnicities and cultural diversity of the nation.

As for gender diversity, the institute has dedicated clubs and associations that are actively involved in creating awareness about gender equality and welcoming students from diverse backgrounds. 

However, the institute fails to attract students from different socioeconomic backgrounds due to its high course fee structure and hostel fees. Nevertheless, it has taken the necessary measures, such as offering scholarships and other financial assistance, to encourage students from different backgrounds to pursue their higher studies in a reputed institute.

Dress Code

Though there is no defined uniform at the institute, students are encouraged to maintain a semi-formal dress code that is appropriate to the educational environment. Students are expected to wear formal attire for class presentations, placement interviews and other academic events.

Strong Placement Records

The institute has managed to provide its students with successful placement opportunities across various industries and sectors with competitive salary packages. Based on the previous year's reports, the institute has attained a 100% placement rate, which indicates its demand among the industry leaders. Although its average salary packages are slightly lower than the older and more prominent IIMs, it still has successful career opportunities for its graduates more than that of the other private B-schools in the country. 

According to the previous year's records, the graduates from the institute were placed across multiple sectors, such as consulting, finance, FMCG/retail, e-commerce, technology, marketing, and sales. Several national and international companies have offered impressive placements to their graduates. The highest salary package offered by a national company was INR 37 LPA, and USD 39,240 USD by an international company.

With an increase of 19% from the previous year, the average salary package was INR 18.11 LPA. These salary packages and the placement rates are reflective of the exponential growth in the opportunities available to students from IIM Kashipur.

Final Verdict on IIM Kashipur

Though it's a slow starter, IIM Kashipur has definitely become one of the prominent institutes in the country through its solid academic excellence and remarkable placement rates. It offers everything an aspirant expects when they join an IIM, such as well-structured courses, well-facilitated infrastructure and an enriching campus environment.

Apart from the competitive atmosphere and location disadvantages, IIM Kashipur is a good choice for those who are planning to pursue higher studies in the Management field. It has well-experienced and easily approachable faculty members who nurture their students and impart quality education.

Moreover, its brand value is unbeatable as every industry leader is keen on inviting graduates from an IIM for its reputation. Students are, however, advised to connect with the past and present students of the institute to learn more about the courses they plan to pursue and the career prospects for the same. 

Some of the pros and cons of the institute, as pointed out by the students of IIM Kashipuer, are listed below.

*Source: IIM Kashipur Facebook