The success rate of cracking the CAT (Common Admission Test) and securing a seat in IIMs is quite low – only about 2-3%. That said, it’s not only IIM graduates that get good packages. Securing a ₹20 lakh+ salary package with a non-IIM MBA is entirely possible if you take the right approach.
Many students from non-IIM institutions manage to get high paying jobs after MBA in India if they have the right skill sets, a good network, and the capability to take on the top roles. Let us discuss how you can do it too.
1. Choose the Right MBA College
Not every non-IIM MBA college provides high salary packages. You should look for MBA colleges with low fees and good placements, strong industry ties, and a solid track record.
Are you wondering: Which MBA colleges give ₹20 lakh salary packages in India?
Colleges like SMS Varanasi attract top recruiters by offering excellent placement support, industry-aligned curriculum, and corporate connections.
2. Specialise in High-Demand Fields
Even if you are from a non-IIM MBA college, choosing a specialisation that recruiters value can go a long way in getting top paid MBA jobs. Some of the specialisations you should choose to get higher salaries are:
- Finance (Investment Banking, Corporate Finance)
- Marketing (Brand Management, Digital Marketing)
- Operations & Supply Chain (Logistics, Procurement)
- Business Analytics & Data Science (AI, Big Data)
3. Gain Practical Experience
Theoretical knowledge alone won’t get you a high paid job after MBA. Employers prefer candidates with real-world experience.
So how to get the highest-paying jobs after an MBA?
- Do multiple internships in high-growth sectors.
- Work on live industry projects to gain hands-on experience.
- Participate in case competitions to sharpen problem-solving skills.
4. Build Leadership & Networking Skills
Your MBA degree is only as valuable as the connections you make. We highly recommend you to focus on leadership development and networking to boost career prospects. You can do this by:
- Taking leadership roles in student bodies.
- Attending networking events & career fairs.
- Engaging with alumni for insights & referrals.
- Joining LinkedIn groups to connect with industry experts.
Are you still wondering: Can I get a ₹20 lakh salary without an IIM MBA?
Yes! Networking and leadership roles increase your visibility and help you land top roles.
5. Maintain an Excellent Academic Record
While practical experience is critical, strong academic performance helps you stand out. You should aim for a CGPA of 8.0+ to attract recruiters.
We also advise you to take online courses & certifications in high-demand areas. You must also stay informed about industry trends & business news.
Remember, top employers look for MBA graduates who excel both academically and professionally.
6. Develop Strong Communication Skills
Your ability to communicate and present ideas effectively will set you apart in interviews. Some of the key skills you must develop are:
- Public speaking & presentation skills
- Negotiation skills for salary discussions
- Writing skills for reports & emails
This is the key to getting the best MBA placements in India outside IIMs. We have repeatedly noticed that the best MBA colleges in India and abroad focus on developing soft skills alongside technical knowledge to increase the employability of their students.
7. Stay Updated with Industry Trends
To secure top paid MBA jobs, you need to stay ahead of the curve. And you can do this by:
- Following business news & financial trends.
- Learning about AI & automation in business.
- Understanding economic policies affecting industries.
We have observed that recruiters value MBA graduates who bring fresh perspectives and understand market changes.
8. Take Advantage of SMS Varanasi’s Placement Support
At SMS Varanasi, students have been placed in companies like Axis Bank, HDFC, ITC, Pepsico, OYO, and Colgate Palmolive. If you are pursuing an MBA at SMS Varanasi, you must take advantage of our:
- Campus drives with 50+ companies every year
- Strong placement support for marketing, finance, HR, & IT
- Scholarships & financial aid options
With the right preparation, you can secure a ₹20 lakh+ package at SMS Varanasi.
9. Build a Strong Online Presence
Recruiters often check LinkedIn profiles before shortlisting candidates. Hence, you should make a LinkedIn profile where you:
- Highlight skills, internships, and achievements.
- Get recommendations from professors & mentors.
- Connect with industry professionals & recruiters.
A well-crafted LinkedIn profile boosts your chances of getting noticed by top companies.
10. Master Salary Negotiation
Getting a ₹20 lakh+ package is not just about the offer—it’s about negotiating the best deal. Here are some tips you can use while negotiating your salary package when you are offered a job:
- Know industry salaries and your market value.
- Highlight your skills and what makes you unique.
- Negotiate professionally and show confidence.
Those who negotiate effectively often secure higher salaries than their peers.
11. Join Industry-Specific Groups
Professional networks enhance credibility and provide career opportunities. For example, you may choose to join:
🔹 NASSCOM (For IT & Analytics careers)
🔹 FICCI & CII (For business networking)
🔹 Digital Marketing Forums (For marketing roles)
Building relationships with industry leaders is a good idea to gain insider access to some of these job openings.
12. Learn Future-Proof Skills
A smart way to get a high paid job after MBA is to focus on emerging business technologies, such as:
- AI & Automation – Used in finance & operations.
- Big Data & Analytics – Critical for marketing & consulting.
- Cloud Computing – Important for IT & business management.
Employers are seeking candidates with technical proficiency in data-driven decision-making. So, you should focus on skills related to these domains.
Conclusion
A non-IIM MBA does not mean you can’t land high paying jobs after MBA in India. With the right skills, networking, and strategic career planning, you can secure top paid MBA jobs.
Choose a reputable MBA college like SMS Varanasi and select high-demand MBA specialisations like Finance, Analytics, and Marketing. Gain real-world experience through internships & projects, and develop leadership, networking, & communication skills. Also, stay updated on industry trends & emerging technologies and leverage placement support of your college to get access to the top career options for MBA graduates.
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