When you think of India’s top business schools, you probably picture bright students, bustling campuses, and, of course, impressive placement records. But behind the glossy numbers, what’s the real story? This week, IIM Kashipur found itself at the center of a heated conversation about how B-schools handle job placements, after an internal email to students surfaced online.
The Email That Started It All
It all began when Siddharth Gopi, co-founder of TopHire.co, posted on social media about an email sent to IIM Kashipur students who hadn’t yet landed jobs. The message, which quickly made the rounds online, asked these students to fill out an “opt-out” form essentially removing themselves from the official placement process. The timing? Just as the institute was wrapping up its placement season and preparing to announce its much-anticipated “100% placement” record.
Students React: Frustration and Disappointment
For students still searching for jobs, the email was a gut punch. “It felt like we were being swept under the rug,” one student (who asked to remain anonymous) shared. “We’ve worked so hard, and now we’re being asked to quietly step aside so the numbers look good.”
Social media lit up with reactions. Some alumni and industry professionals called out the practice as misleading, while others sympathized with the pressure business schools face to maintain their reputations. “It’s not just about numbers,” wrote one LinkedIn commenter. “It’s about real people and real careers.”
A Widespread Issue?
Insiders say this isn’t just an IIM Kashipur problem. In fact, similar stories have emerged from other top B-schools, where unplaced students are encouraged or pressured to opt out of placement statistics. The goal? To keep that coveted “100% placement” figure intact for brochures and rankings.
Krishna Kumar Mishra, a well-known voice in the education sector, noted, “This is a classic example of what happens when metrics become more important than the mission. We need to remember that behind every statistic is a student with hopes and dreams.”
What’s the Real Picture?
Officially, IIM Kashipur’s placement reports show almost every student gets placed each year. But as this episode reveals, the numbers may not always tell the full story. Some students do land jobs on their own, others take time to find the right fit, and a few may simply fall through the cracks.
Where Do We Go From Here?
So, what’s next for IIM Kashipur and other top B-schools? Many are calling for more honesty and transparency in how placement figures are reported. After all, students and their families deserve to know what to expect and how schools will support them, even when things don’t go according to plan.
In the end, this isn’t just about one email or one institute. It’s a wake-up call for the entire education system to put students first, not statistics. Because at the heart of every placement report is a young person hoping to launch their career and they deserve more than just a number.
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