CAT 2025: Is paying Rs 30 lakh for MBA at IIM Ahmedabad worth it? 100% placements say yes

In order to get into the highest ranked management institute in the country, IIM Ahmedabad, graduates need to pass the Common Admission Test (CAT). Producing business leaders, entrepreneurs, and CEOs of top management firms, the IIM stands as the top choice among MBA aspirants. But the question is – is it worth taking all the pain? Since the institute has been raising its fee over the years and might not be an affordable option.

Interestingly, a comparison of the IIM Ahmedabad PGP fee structure and IIM Ahmedabad placement reports over the past few years shows that it is, indeed, a valuable investment. At IIMA, the Return on Investment (ROI) game is strong as the students recover their investment in less than 12 months. The leadership roles in top consulting, finance, and management firms ensure that. Also, the B-school has been maintaining its record of 100% placements for some time now.

IIM Kozhikode will be holding CAT 2025 this year on November 30.

IIM Ahmedabad PGP fees

A two-year PGP programme at IIM Ahmedabad currently costs Rs 30.4 lakh, inclusive of tuition, hostel, mess, and other expenses. Whereas, the PGP batch 2023-25 witnessed 100% placements with an average package at Rs 34.45 lakh per annum and a domestic salary package of Rs 1.46 crore.

Also read CAT 2025: IIMs see more women, fewer engineers as MBA programmes diversify intake

While the amount of studying at this IIM might seem steep, the placement outcomes in recent years prove the institute’s value in the management field.

In the last 15 years, the IIM Ahmedabad MBA fee has increased from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 30 lakh. The trends show a maximum of 5 percent hike in PGP fees every year in view of the inflation, infrastructural enhancements, and other operational costs.

IIM Ahmedabad Placements: 5-year trends

In a period of five years, the average salary growth of students who postgraduate from the IIM records a 33% increase from Rs 25.83 lakh in 2019 to Rs 34.45 lakh in 2023. Notably, IIM Ahmedabad's highest salary package has doubled in a period of just three years, from Rs 55 lakh in 2021 to Rs 1.14 crore in 2023.

The average, median, and highest salary package secured by PGP students of IIM Ahmedabad over the last 5 years are given below.

IIM Ahmedabad scholarships

Adding a cherry to the cake, the management institute also offers various scholarships including the need-based scholarships, SC and ST scholarships, and exit scholarships for graduates becoming entrepreneurs or joining non-profit organizations.

Also read CAT 2025: IIM Bangalore gets more women, fewer engineers over 3 years of MBA admissions

Under the IIMA need-based scholarships, students whose annual family income is less than Rs 15 lakh are eligible for financial assistance. On the other hand, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates are awarded Rs 150 per month for 10 months.

Besides, IIM Ahmedabad has also made a provision for scholarships provided by the government, alumni, and industries or firms.