Is IIM still worth ₹30 lakh debt in 2025?
An IIM MBA isn’t magic anymore. That ₹30L loan will stalk you for years unless you’re crystal clear on ROI, think twice.
If you land an average ₹15-20L job after tax, you’ll lose ~₹35k/month for 10 years to EMIs.
Add rent, family needs, or a job gap? Suddenly that prestige tag feels heavy.
Why it makes sense ?
You’re targeting elite consulting/finance roles only open to top IIM grads
You’ve cracked ABC/L/K (older IIMs). Their alumni networks still matter
You’re from a niche field (like arts) and need the brand to pivot careers
Why not to go?
You’re eyeing newer IIMs. Placements are shaky, and ₹10-12L salaries won’t crush that debt
You’re doing it to escape a bad job or “find yourself.” Debt doesn’t care about your existential crisis
You want to launch a startup. Loans = zero risk appetite
The truth? Skills > degrees now. A generalist with with decent experience can out-earn MBAs. Meanwhile, you’ll be stuck repaying loans while peers climb without debt
If you’re not 100% sure, skip. The IIM glow fades. Debt doesn’t.
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100% absolutely worth it. where one starts a career matter in the long run. These people get the front row seats. Imagine climbing a 100 floor building with heavy luggage, and the building has lift facility from 30th floor.. one climbs using the stairs from Ground floor and the IIM guy gets to start from 25th floor.
Beyond a certain point in Hierarchy, technical knowledge is useless. Its all about management of resources. One gets that knowledge only thru experience.
Good take
Totally valid.
Also, even if you ignore the debt, IIMs (even the older ones) teach shit. It's a glorified placements factory. You cannot learn all business (Mkt, fin, supply chain, HR) in 18 months. And if you are fresh grad out of UG, you won't understand anything either.
In 2025, get a job, any job which pays enough. If you put the 2yr intense grind (from CAT to placements) in your job, you will succeed irrespective.
Absolutely worth. Our dumb fuck hr don't shortlist anything beyond IIM
Your analysis is insightful. Pursuing an IIM MBA makes sense for niche career pivots, elite roles, or top-tier IIM admissions. For others, high ROI is uncertain. If unclear about goals, prioritize skill-building and experience over debt-heavy decisions.
I think MBA is a good option to change your careers if nothing works until the age of 30 or if your terrible UG failed you. Apart from that, you are good king!
A great MBA just solves for trust. You can solve for trust either by working in a great company or get a an MBA from a tier 1 college.
Having both has diminishing returns. If you cannot crack a good brand for 3-4 years early in your career then go for an MBA.
If you want to settle outside of India, doing an MBA in that country is the best way.
Dont go beyond A/B/C/L. or ISB. If you earn >15-20LPA
Yes, that 35k won’t be a burden in 3-4 years especially if you switch and in 8-10 years you’ll feel funny about stressing over that 20L loan