Baby IIMs vs New IIMs, Average Package, Fees, Cut-off

Baby IIMs vs New IIMs

If you are preparing for CAT 2026 or planning for an MBA in the upcoming years, then you must know about the new and baby IIMs. The new IIMs such as Shillong, Rohtak, Udaipur, and Raipur have built stronger placements and ROI over the last decade. Baby IIMs such as Jammu, Bodh Gaya, and Visakhapatnam are also growing over time, with new recruiters and infrastructure. So, if not BLACKI, let’s know what other options you have and which is the best to consider.

Baby IIMs vs New IIMs: Fees and Average Package

New IIMs were largely established around 2010–2011, including IIM Ranchi, Raipur, Rohtak, Trichy, Udaipur and Kashipur.

Baby IIMs were established mostly from 2015 onwards, including IIM Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, Amritsar, Sambalpur, Bodh Gaya, Sirmaur and Jammu.

However, IIM Shillong was established in 2007 and has a strong ROI, but it is considered a new IIM because the year is near to the range.

Check the placement stats below:

The Baby IIM figures present different placement stats

*IIM Sambalur data is 2023-2025 as the 2024-2026 placement report is not out

IIM Guwahati is the newest campus and does not yet have graduating placement data. Therefore, salary comparisons cannot fairly include it yet.

The numbers also show why average CTC alone should not drive your decision. Median CTC can reveal the salary received around the middle of the batch.

For example, IIM Udaipur reports ₹17.59 LPA average CTC and ₹17 LPA median CTC. IIM Nagpur reports ₹18.07 LPA average CTC and ₹17.03 LPA median CTC.

That makes the two campuses relatively close on this particular measure.

Which Has Better Placements: Baby IIMs or New IIMs?

New IIMs generally have the placement advantage because their corporate relationships have had more time to develop.

Baby IIMs are not far behind in every case. IIM Nagpur has reported ₹18.07 LPA average CTC, which places it above IIM Udaipur on the supplied figures.

While checking placement reports, look beyond the highest CTC. A ₹50 LPA offer can attract attention, but it may represent only one offer.

Average CTC, median CTC, recruiter count, sector spread, and batch size offer better context. Therefore, verify the latest official placement report before making a final call.

Baby IIMs vs New IIMs: Cutoff, Fees and ROI

CAT cutoff is another clear point of difference, although the qualifying percentile does not guarantee admission.

CAP has historically brought several New and Baby IIMs under one shortlisting framework. The supplied 2026 CAP criteria include the following minimum thresholds.

The table below separates the admission routes and category-wise overall CAT cutoffs. These figures refer to the minimum qualifying or interview-shortlisting thresholds, not guaranteed admission percentiles.

*No Overall cut-off for IIM Shillong

** No sectional cut-off for IIM Sambalpur

Which IIMs Follow JAP, CAP, or Independent Admission?

• IIM JAP 2026: IIM Kashipur, IIM Raipur, IIM Ranchi, and IIM Tiruchirappalli share the Joint Admission Process. They conduct a common interview process but prepare separate final merit lists.
• IIM CAP 2026: IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Jammu, and IIM Sirmaur participate in the Common Admission Process.
  Independent admission: IIM Shillong, IIM Rohtak, IIM Amritsar, IIM Visakhapatnam, IIM Nagpur, IIM Udaipur, and IIM Sambalpur follow their respective admission policies.

Note: The cutoff for receiving an interview call is different from the final admission cutoff. Meeting the minimum percentile only makes you eligible for the next stage; your final selection depends on the institute's admission criteria, academic profile, CAT performance, and interview.

Baby IIMs vs New IIMs Which has the best ROI

ROI becomes clearer when you compare the approximate fee with the average CTC.

A simple salary-to-fee comparison is not the same as calculating your actual financial return. Living costs, education loans, taxes, variable pay, and personal expenses can change the result.

Still, the ratio provides a useful first filter.

Based on this simple comparison, IIM Rohtak and IIM Raipur stand out strongly on fee-to-average CTC balance.

IIM Shillong offers a higher salary outcome, although its fee is also considerably higher. Among Baby IIMs, IIM Nagpur presents a particularly competitive placement profile.

However, ROI should not be reduced to one mathematical ratio. Brand perception, role quality, location, career growth, and alumni access can influence returns after graduation.

Which Is Better: Baby IIMs or New IIMs?

There is no single winner across every parameter. The right answer depends on your CAT percentile, budget, career target, and available calls.

If your priority is stronger placement maturity, New IIMs usually have an advantage. Campuses such as IIM Shillong, IIM Rohtak, IIM Ranchi, and IIM Raipur have established stronger corporate visibility.

If your percentile is lower, Baby IIMs can provide an important route into the IIM system. IIM Nagpur, IIM Jammu, IIM Visakhapatnam, IIM Sambalpur, and IIM Bodh Gaya can become practical alternatives.

A simple way to assess the two groups is:

• Higher percentile + stronger profile: Give greater weight to established New IIMs.
• Moderate percentile: Keep competitive Baby IIMs within your shortlist.
• Budget-sensitive profile: Compare fees against median and average CTC together.
• Placement-focused profile: Check recruiter mix, roles, median CTC, and placement reports.
• Long-term career focus: Consider alumni strength and campus maturity alongside salary.
• Risk-conscious profile: Prefer campuses with consistent placement records across batches.

The IIM label opens the door, but the campus determines much of the experience behind it. New IIMs currently hold an edge in maturity and corporate reach. Baby IIMs, however, are building their position rapidly.