For many, getting into the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) is a dream. It’s often seen as a sure path to a successful career. But recently, a Reddit user shared a post that showed a very different side of the story. Titled “Reality of top 10% placements in new IIMs,” the post talks about what life looks like after landing a top placement at a new IIM.
“Oh, you thought getting into the top 10% of your batch at a new IIM meant you were set for life? Let me pop that dream bubble with my EMI-ridden, Uber Pool-sharing, Maggi-for-dinner reality,” the user wrote.
The user then talks about some job offers that look good on paper but aren’t that great in real life. He says roles with Rs 30–35 LPA packages often give a much lower in-hand salary.
He takes the example of an Amazon Account Manager role with a 32 LPA salary.
“Wow, right? Except the in-hand is a spicy Rs 75,000. Welcome to being broke in style,” he wrote.
About a startup offering Rs 35 LPA, the user sarcastically wrote, “Thank you so much for the 20L in shares, I’m sure you’ll go public one day! (they won’t).”
He also brings up names like BCG and JP Morgan. According to him, BCG may offer Rs 19 LPA but the employee gets only Rs 85,000 a month. “And oh? A back-office role!” he added.
“JP Morgan Analyst – A cool 19 LPA package, but after taxes and deductions, you’re taking home ₹90,000. You can almost afford a 1BHK in Thane. Almost,” the user continued.
He even mentioned Aditya Birla Capital where Rs 20 LPA is on “paper” while getting only Rs 80,000 in “pocket.” “And by pocket, I mean the one with holes in it,” he said.
The user then points out that things get even tougher when an education loan is involved.
“Now let’s spice it up with the education loan EMI – minimum ₹25,000/month. So, your real disposable income? Somewhere between ₹55K to ₹65K. You’re earning less than a fresher at Infosys but with significantly more LinkedIn posts about “synergy” and “value creation,” he added.
The Redditor also mentioned how accommodation and daily expenses add to the struggle, especially in a tier-1 city.
“Rent: ₹30K/month (if you enjoy wall-sharing with cockroaches). Utilities, internet, groceries, Swiggy guilt orders: ₹15K–₹20K/month. Social life? Sorry, that’s been repossessed by your loan provider,” he added.
The user ended his post on a sarcastic note, saying, “So yeah, congrats on the 25 LPA dream. Hope you enjoy living paycheck to paycheck while pretending to be a “future CXO” on Instagram. But hey, at least we’re “earning in lakhs,” right? MBA: Making Broke Adults.”
In the comment section, many fellow Redditors shared their thoughts and experiences. One user commented, “And the rate at which these colleges are upping their fees, I guess in a few years MBA will only be a viable option for the rich kids.”
Another shared, “True story. And the worst part is, I used to get 85k in hand back in 2018 and it is the same in 2025 with inflated CTCs. And the best part…my loan was 14 lakhs only.”
Some also raised questions about the figures mentioned in the original post. A person said, “How does one get paid only 85000/- in hand on a package of 32 lakh. Lol what’s the deal here. When I joined my first organization after doing an MBA in Finance from IMT(G) my CTC was 16 lakh and i used to get in hand 90k. How can someone have twice my CTC and yet be getting less than 90k in hand ???”
In the comment section, many fellow Redditors shared their thoughts and experiences. One user commented, “And the rate at which these colleges are upping their fees, I guess in a few years MBA will only be a viable option for the rich kids.”
Another shared, “True story. And the worst part is, I used to get 85k in hand back in 2018 and it is the same in 2025 with inflated CTCs. And the best part…my loan was 14 lakhs only.”
Some also raised questions about the figures mentioned in the original post. A person said, “How does one get paid only 85000/- in hand on a package of 32 lakh. Lol what’s the deal here. When I joined my first organization after doing an MBA in Finance from IMT(G) my CTC was 16 lakh and i used to get in hand 90k. How can someone have twice my CTC and yet be getting less than 90k in hand ???”