Reservation category candidates face some social bias on campus but largely equal treatment during placements, because recruiters evaluate on performance in interviews and case rounds, not on category status. The OP addressed this sensitive topic: "Yes, there will always be different kinds of people in society, some who criticize gender diversity, academic diversity, reservations, and caste categories. Unfortunately, you may encounter such attitudes.
But equally, you'll find many supportive and progressive individuals in your college who won't entertain such negativity and will stand by you regardless of your background." Another SC/ST graduate from BLACKI confirmed: "I am a reserved category candidate graduating this year from a BLACKI, prioritised acads and placements since the first day in college, made it to top 5%ile and bagged PPO from a top tier company. You will get all sorts of people throwing judgements around your race, age, caste, status, gender etc and what not.
Ignore all of it. What only matters is what you have put in and devoted your time to." Recruiters do NOT apply category filters during campus placements; once you're in, you're treated as IIM A/B/C/L/K/I alumni.
The OP also noted professors often value merit, character, and perspective over regressive mindsets. Realistic placement data at IIM BLACKI suggests SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates at 9/9/9 academics and strong SIP performance land packages equivalent to general candidates, with some corporate diversity programmes offering faster tracks in consulting and BFSI. Focus on performance: CGPA, case comps, SIP PPO conversion, networking.
The category identity matters for admission, not placement. Check your eligibility at collvera.