VIT Business School Review: MBA Experiences and Placements
Overview of the VIT MBA Program
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) is often overlooked by many, primarily because VIT is renowned for its engineering departments such as Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Information Technology (IT), and Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE). Despite its strong engineering reputation, the MBA program at VIT faces significant criticism and challenges.
Placement Outcomes and Salary Range
From a placement perspective, the MBA salary range at VIT typically ranges between 3 to 5 lakhs per annum (lpa). However, there are isolated instances where students secure higher salaries, such as 7.6 CTC (cost to company) at Deloitte Finance, and a record-breaking 12 lpa in 2021. Nonetheless, it is important to note that these high salaries are relatively rare, with only around 5 percent of the graduating class achieving such outcomes.
Despite the occasional high-paying offers, the overall average package for VIT MBA graduates tends to be lower, ranging between 5 to 6 lpa. Many MBA students end up in service companies, settling for even lower packages such as 3 to 4 lpa.
Trajectory of VIT's MBA Program
The leadership at VIT Business School has been a subject of controversy, with allegations of bias and discrimination. The Dean, Shbhashree, who has a postal PhD from Alagappa University, has been accused of hindering the growth of initiatives and Indian cultural values among students. She has been noted to criticize students for wearing sacred threads and has even made derogatory comments about Hindu rituals, leading to a backlash from students and faculty.
Within the department, there is a stark division between supporters and opponents of the current leadership. The quality of teaching is also questioned, with many faculty members being perceived as inept or outdated, particularly in core subjects like finance and data analytics. This political and personal conflict often distracts from the academic experience and quality of instruction.
Fees and Value for Money
The fee structure for VIT MBA is steep, with a current cost of 7 lakhs. Despite this investment, the perceived value of the education is questionable due to the subpar quality of teaching, biased administration, and overall student experience. Some critics argue that the high tuition fees do not justify the educational experience, especially when compared to other well-regarded management schools across India, such as the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) or National Institutes of Technology (NITs).
Even academically, VIT’s MBA program lacks the comprehensive resources and cultural immersion that one might expect from a traditional business school, irrespective of their engineering background. Students often feel that they are missing out on the rich B-School culture and the holistic growth opportunities available in more established institutions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the MBA program at VIT Business School offers some academic resources and opportunities, the experience is often marred by leadership issues, biased administration, and lower salary expectations. For those looking for a well-rounded MBA experience and career prospects, it might be more beneficial to consider other leading B-Schools, either within or outside of engineering colleges. Vellore Institute of Technology's strong engineering reputation does not necessarily translate to a strong MBA program, and students should carefully weigh their options before enrolling.