Yes, IIM students can theoretically switch colleges by retaking CAT and accepting a new admission, but they forfeit fees already paid and lose a year. The commenter shared: "My friend who is already studying in JBIMS gave the exam again this year just because he wanted a better college." At JBIMS Mumbai (Rs 4.5L fees, Rs 28 LPA avg, MH-CET 99%+), JBIMS is excellent value but doesn't compete with IIM ABC for brand. Switching requires: (
- Retake CAT and convert preferred IIM, (
- Accept new admission for next year, (
- Forfeit current college fees (e.g., Rs 27L at IIM C), (
- Lose 1 year on MBA graduation timeline. Practical feasibility: very rare, only for affluent families or when current college is clearly inferior to new admit. The cost analysis: JBIMS to IIM A would cost Rs 4.5L + Rs 27.5L = Rs 32L fees + 1 year opportunity cost of Rs 18-22L salary. Total switch cost: Rs 50-55L for a 1-year brand upgrade. Only makes sense if IIM A adds Rs 20+ LPA to long-term earnings vs JBIMS, which it arguably does. The commenter GamerKratos72 clarified: "Absolutely, what's paid is paid. He must be from an affluent family that's why he can afford this." This is correct - switching is a luxury for well-funded students. For regular aspirants, better to aim right the first time. Don't plan for switching - commit to best initial admit and excel there. If you're genuinely ambitious and financially capable, switching from JBIMS to IIM A is defensible. Check your eligibility at collvera.com/eligibility