Despite promising placement figures, a viral Reddit post is drawing attention to the harsh financial realities many graduates from newer IIMs face—even those in the top 10% of their class. The post challenges the glamorous perception of MBA success, revealing how high salaries on paper often translate to modest take-home pay and financial strain.
The author, using humor and sarcasm, dismantles the myth of post-MBA prosperity. They highlight how even top-tier jobs come with EMI burdens, limited disposable income, and expensive urban living. Quoting examples from LinkedIn, they contrast high cost-to-company (CTC) numbers with the much lower actual in-hand salaries:
- Amazon (32 LPA): Just ₹75K in-hand
- Startup (35 LPA): ₹20L in shares—unlikely to materialize
- BCG (19 LPA): ₹85K/month, in a backend role
- JP Morgan (19 LPA): ₹90K/month after deductions
- Aditya Birla Capital (20 LPA): ₹80K/month with heavy expenses
With education loan EMIs averaging ₹25K/month, many are left with ₹55K–₹65K for all expenses—comparable to what a fresh graduate at Infosys might earn, but with a far heavier debt load. The post humorously critiques the disconnect between flashy titles and the actual financial pressure of living in Tier-1 cities, where rent and basic costs quickly eat away at salaries.
The author concludes with biting irony, noting how the illusion of “earning in lakhs” masks the reality of living paycheck to paycheck—all while maintaining a curated image of success on social media.
The post struck a chord, with many resonating with its honesty. Some shared similar experiences and long-term wins after years of patience, while others offered a more optimistic view, pointing out that ₹85K per month still places one in the top earning bracket in India. Still, the post sparked a broader conversation about expectations, financial discipline, and the real value of early-career MBA jobs.
