IIM Ahmedabad to Commence Final Placements for PGP 2026 Batch Tomorrow
The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) is set to begin its prestigious final placement process for the PGP 2025-26 batch on February 3, 2026. Discover the cluster-cohort schedule, expected salary trends for consulting and BFSI sectors, and how IIMA continues to lead in global management recruitment.

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) is prepared to launch its flagship Final Placement process for the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) Class of 2026, starting tomorrow, February 3. As one of the most anticipated events in the global management calendar, the process will follow the institute’s signature cluster-cohort model. This system is designed to facilitate a better "fit" between the career aspirations of the students and the specific talent requirements of recruiting firms. With the lateral placement phase having successfully concluded on January 15, the campus is now buzzing with the arrival of top-tier global recruiters.
The Cluster-Cohort Schedule and Methodology
IIM Ahmedabad does not follow a traditional "Day 1" system. Instead, it organizes companies into cohorts based on their industry profiles. Multiple cohorts are then grouped into a single "Cluster." This ensures that students interested in specific sectors, such as private equity or management consulting, can engage with all relevant firms within a dedicated window.
- Cluster 1 (February 3): This inaugural cluster is traditionally the most high-profile, featuring firms from Investment Banking, Management Consulting, Private Equity, and Venture Capital.
- Cluster 2 (February 6): The second phase will focus on Conglomerates, Consumer Goods (FMCG), and the Pharmaceutical sector.
- Cluster 3 (February 9): The final scheduled cluster typically includes IT Services, Banking and Insurance, and diverse General Management roles.
- Rolling Process: If required, the institute will transition to a rolling placement model after February 9 to accommodate any remaining candidates or niche recruiting requirements.
Recruitment Trends and Sector Expectations
Despite global economic fluctuations, early indicators from the lateral placements suggest that the IIM Ahmedabad placement reports will likely show a rise in average compensation packages. The consulting sector remains the largest recruiter, but there is a notable surge in demand for roles at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Business Strategy.
- Consulting Dominance: Firms like McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Bain & Company are expected to maintain their status as the largest offer-makers.
- BFSI Strength: Global investment banks are looking for talent to lead digital transformation in finance, often offering international postings to the top 1% of the batch.
- FMCG and Tech: While tech hiring has become more specialized, FMCG giants like HUL and P&G continue to value the rigorous training provided at IIMA.
Preparation and Institutional Standards
IIMA is a pioneer of the Indian Placement Reporting Standards (IPRS), which ensures that all placement data is audited and verified for transparency. This commitment to data integrity helps prospective students make informed decisions based on verified average and median salaries.
- Lateral Success: The lateral process concluded in January saw participation from firms like NTT Data and BrowserStack, specifically targeting students with prior work experience.
- Summer Internship Performance: A significant number of students in the current batch are entering the final placements with Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs) in hand, providing a safety net against market volatility.
| Cluster | Date | Primary Sectors |
| Cluster 1 | Feb 3, 2026 | Consulting, IB, PE/VC |
| Cluster 2 | Feb 6, 2026 | FMCG, Pharma, Conglomerates |
| Cluster 3 | Feb 9, 2026 | IT, Banking, General Management |
Conclusion
As IIM Ahmedabad begins its cluster-wise recruitment tomorrow, the results will serve as a bellwether for the entire Indian corporate landscape. The institute’s ability to attract diverse global firms underscores its position as a premier talent hub. Students are advised to monitor the official IIMA portal for daily cluster reports and consolidated placement statistics as they become available throughout the week.
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