CAs get explicit preference for finance roles at new IIMs even with weaker acads, per the ex-placecom AMA host: "Yes, CA gets preference." At IIM Rohtak (Rs 16L fees, Rs 18 LPA avg), CAs typically land the top finance placements including corporate banking, audit, risk, and FP&A roles at Rs 18-25 LPA. The CA advantage: chartered accountancy serves as proof of analytical rigor and technical finance skills that recruiters can't independently verify.
A CA with 7/7/7 acads often beats a non-CA with 9/9/9 for finance shortlists. This is particularly true at new IIMs where the finance roles are primarily in Indian companies (Kotak, HDFC, ICICI, Big 4) rather than front-office IB. Realistic salary expectations for CAs at new IIMs: Rs 18-25 LPA for corporate finance, Rs 22-30 LPA for risk/audit at Big 4, Rs 25-30 LPA for specialised roles.
These exceed the batch average by Rs 5-7 LPA consistently. Non-CA candidates targeting finance at new IIMs should consider: CFA L1 clearance before joining (minimum), CFA L2 during year 1 (strong), projects in valuation/M&A/treasury. For CA aspirants still in CA prep: clearing CA Inter with rank, going for IIM I/K/L is a sharper play than new IIM + CA combination.
Check your eligibility at collvera.