Leaving IIM Indore to reattempt CAT for IIM A/B only makes sense if you're 99+ percentile material with a clear academic edge and career vision, not because IIM I feels second-tier. IIM Indore at Rs 16.5L fees and Rs 25 LPA average places students at MBB consulting, bulge bracket IB, and top FMCG firms regularly.
The ROI on IIM I is arguably better than IIM A or B because fees are 40% lower. If you're a 9/9/9 profile who scored 98.5 and got IIM I, one more year of workex plus CAT retake can push you to 99.
8+ and IIM A/B, but you lose 2 years (1 for retake, 1 for late start). For most candidates, IIM I conversion is a strong outcome and the 2-year opportunity cost of reattempting (foregone MBA starting salary of Rs 25+ LPA) outweighs the 30% placement difference between IIM I and IIM A/B. Consider this: IIM I at Rs 16.
5L fees giving Rs 25 LPA = Rs 8.5L lifetime excess cost vs Rs 35.22 LPA at IIM A with Rs 27.
5L fees. Over 5 years, IIM A advantage is roughly Rs 45-55L higher cumulative earnings. But you give up 1-2 years of working time.