Freshers with 9/9/9 tier 1 profiles absolutely get into MBB from IIM ABC - firms actively prefer them for moulding. The AMA hosts confirmed: "Definitely possible they even prefer you if you're a 9/9/9 tier one so they can mould you better." McKinsey, BCG, and Bain take 40-60 freshers combined across IIM A/B/C annually.
At IIM Ahmedabad with Rs 27.5L fees and Rs 35.22 LPA average, a MBB fresher offer lands in Rs 35-40 LPA range - near instant payback.
Realistic fresher MBB requirements: 9/9/9 acads, tier 1 UG (IIT/NIT/BITS/top commerce), strong case interview prep, college fests/PORs, and preferably a summer PPO from a top firm. One of the three AMA hosts is a fresher who got into ABC and is targeting these roles; another host confirmed 0 work-ex freshers from non-engineering backgrounds (BCom, BA) also land IB/consulting at IIM A regularly when acads are 9/9/9+. The fresher disadvantage: you compete with work-ex candidates who have tangible CV points, so case comp wins and project depth matter more.
Avoid the myth that work-ex is mandatory for MBB - it is preferred but not required. If you're a fresher with 8/8/7 profile, MBB is very tough; focus on gen man or marketing instead. Check your eligibility at collvera.