IIM Ahmedabad records highest-ever international MEP of USD 243,000 (Rs 2.31 crore) in 2026 placements, with strong domestic salaries and a surge in business development roles.
A new benchmark in international placements
IIM Ahmedabad has set a new benchmark in its international placements, recording its highest-ever Maximum Earning Potential (MEP) of USD 243,000, or nearly Rs 2.31 crore, for students of its flagship Post Graduate Programme (PGP). According to the Indian Placement Reporting Standards (IPRS) report, the figure is the highest international MEP recorded by the institute since the IPRS system was introduced in 2011.
The new peak overtook the earlier record of USD 192,581 set in 2014. The highest-paying international offer was for a business development role in the IT sector in Dubai. IIM Ahmedabad clarified that MEP includes an annual cash salary, one-time cash payments and the total guaranteed cash component.
IT emerges as top-paying international sector
The IT sector emerged as the highest-paying sector for overseas placements this year, breaking the dominance of sectors such as BFSI and consulting in recent years. Of the 392 students who participated in placements, six accepted international roles. Four placements were in Dubai, while Hong Kong and Japan accounted for one each.
Business conglomerates made three of the six international offers, while BFSI, IT and retail companies made one offer each. The shift towards IT reflects growing global demand for technology-driven business roles, especially in markets like the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
Strong domestic placement numbers
Domestic placements remained robust, with the highest MEP reaching Rs 81.6 lakh. The median MEP rose to Rs 36.98 lakh, marking the institute’s highest median figure in the past five years. BFSI remained the highest-paying domestic sector for the second consecutive year.
However, consulting led in recruitment volume, making 155 offers, followed by BFSI with 82. IT and business conglomerates each made 34 offers, while consumer services accounted for 15. Overall, 182 companies participated in the placement process, offering jobs across approximately 267 roles.
Business development roles surge
The placement report highlighted a sharp rise in business development roles. After recording only two to five offers annually between 2022 and 2024, the number jumped to 27 offers in 2026. Business development functions recorded a mean package of around Rs 38.88 lakh, a median of Rs 40 lakh and a highest domestic salary of Rs 70.08 lakh.
This surge reflects companies’ focus on revenue growth, market expansion and strategic partnerships in a competitive environment. Students with strong analytical, communication and negotiation skills found ample opportunities in this function across sectors such as technology, consumer goods and financial services.
Top recruiters and new participants
Among individual recruiters, Accenture Strategy made the highest number of offers, including PPOs, with 36. BCG followed with 33, FinIQ Consulting with 24 and McKinsey & Company with 21. More than 50 new companies also joined IIM Ahmedabad’s lateral and final placement processes this year.
The participation of new firms indicates growing confidence in IIM Ahmedabad’s talent pool and the institute’s ability to attract diverse recruiters. Startups, mid-sized enterprises and global firms all competed for top candidates, offering roles in consulting, finance, technology, operations and general management.
Sector-wise trends and functional diversity
Consulting remained the largest recruiter by volume, but BFSI offered the highest domestic salaries. Technology companies increased their hiring, especially for product management, data analytics and business development roles. Consumer goods and retail firms also showed strong interest, particularly for marketing and sales positions.
Functionally, students secured roles in consulting, finance, marketing, operations, strategy and general management. The diversity of offers demonstrates the versatility of IIM Ahmedabad’s PGP curriculum and the broad skill set that graduates bring to employers.
IPRS framework and transparency
IIM Ahmedabad released its audited final placement report for 2026 under the standardized Indian Placement Reporting Standards (IPRS), with third-party audit by B2K Analytics. The IPRS framework ensures consistency and transparency in reporting salary components, roles and sectors across B-schools.
By adhering to IPRS, the institute provides reliable data for prospective students, recruiters and policymakers. The report includes detailed breakdowns of domestic and international offers, sector-wise trends and functional distributions.
Broader context: IIM-A’s placement trajectory
IIM Ahmedabad’s 2026 placements build on a strong track record of high salaries and diverse recruiter participation. The institute consistently attracts top global and Indian firms, thanks to its rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty and accomplished alumni network.
The record international MEP and the highest median domestic package in five years signal sustained demand for IIM-A graduates in both global and Indian markets. They also reflect the institute’s success in preparing students for leadership roles in a rapidly changing business environment.
Implications for aspirants and B-school ecosystem
For CAT aspirants and future B-school candidates, IIM Ahmedabad’s 2026 placement outcomes reinforce the value of top-tier management education. Strong median salaries, a wide range of roles and growing international opportunities make the PGP programme highly attractive.
For the broader B-school ecosystem, the results highlight the importance of aligning curricula with industry needs, fostering international exposure and developing soft skills alongside technical knowledge. Institutes that invest in these areas can improve placement outcomes and long-term career prospects for their graduates.
Looking ahead
With a record Rs 2.31 crore international MEP, a stronger median domestic package and growing demand for business development talent, IIM Ahmedabad’s 2026 placement season reflects continued strength in both global and Indian recruitment. The institute plans to expand industry engagement, international exchanges and experiential learning opportunities to further enhance student readiness.
As companies navigate digital transformation, geopolitical shifts and evolving consumer behaviour, they will continue to seek leaders who can drive growth, innovation and operational excellence. IIM Ahmedabad’s placement outcomes suggest that its graduates remain well-positioned to meet these demands.
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