NMIMS Mumbai core program is perceived on par with or better than new IIMs in most corporate settings, particularly for Mumbai-based roles and specific functions like marketing and finance. The OP gave a surprising but accurate take - "In most cases, it has better reputation than new IIMs. NMIMS folks are perceived on par if not better than new IIMs. So, you are in the right place." This counter-intuitive insight matters for aspirants choosing between these options. Why NMIMS sometimes edges out new IIMs:
- Mumbai location advantage - top FMCGs, banks, consulting firms have HQs in Mumbai and prefer Mumbai-based B-schools,
- Strong alumni base in Mumbai corporate ecosystem (5-10 year head start over newer IIMs),
- Established placement committee relationships with HUL, P&G, Citibank, Deutsche Bank,
- NMIMS Mumbai core MBA program is well-differentiated from their other schools,
- Consistent Rs 18-20 LPA median placement which matches or beats most new IIMs. NMIMS Mumbai data: Rs 25L fees, Rs 18 LPA average placement, NMAT 209+ cutoff. Compared to new IIMs (Kashipur, Ranchi Rs 14L fees Rs 17 LPA, Trichy, Udaipur Rs 23L fees Rs 17 LPA):
- Fees roughly comparable,
- Average package similar or slightly better at NMIMS,
- Brand recall in Mumbai stronger for NMIMS,
- Brand recall outside Mumbai (Bangalore/Delhi/Chennai) weaker than IIM tag,
- Alumni network in Mumbai dominant for NMIMS. When to pick NMIMS Mumbai over new IIM:
- Mumbai is your target city,
- FMCG marketing or investment banking is your goal,
- You care more about outcomes than "IIM tag",
- Campus proximity to corporate ecosystem matters to you. When to pick new IIM over NMIMS:
- IIM tag matters for PSU/govt-adjacent roles,
- You want pan-India brand recall for job mobility,
- You want North India or South India corporate exposure. For pure corporate outcomes, NMIMS is comparable to new IIMs - ignore snobbery that says otherwise. Check your eligibility at collvera.com/eligibility