There’s a persistent myth in MBA prep circles: “If you want consulting, you must get into IIM ABC.” In reality, the picture is far more nuanced.

Data and alumni insights show that ISB, XLRI, FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, IIFT, and JBIMS consistently place graduates into consulting roles. In some cases, their outcomes match or even surpass certain IIMs, depending on profile, preparation, and fit.

Why these schools work for consulting:

1. Location & corporate access - Schools like FMS Delhi and SPJIMR Mumbai benefit from proximity to consulting hubs, enabling networking, workshops, and live projects that firms value.

2. Strong strategy/general management focus - XLRI and ISB emphasize structured problem-solving, strategy exposure, and case-based learning that mirrors consulting work.

3. Profile-rich intake & peer quality - IIFT and JBIMS attract students with prior consulting-relevant experience, diverse functional backgrounds, and leadership potential, which consulting recruiters explicitly look for.

Important nuance:

• Consulting outcomes aren’t uniform within a campus. Averages hide spreads.

• Top recruiters filter based on candidate profile, soft skills, and consulting mindset, not just the institute logo.

• Alumni with strong fit, preparation, and networking often land high-value roles even from “non-IIM” campuses.

What this means for aspirants:

• Percentiles ≠ everything: You don’t need 99.9+ percentile to get a shot at consulting. Strategic preparation and the right profile matter just as much.

• ROI over brand noise: Consider schools where the average cost vs. career outcome aligns with your goals, rather than chasing only elite branding.

• Alternative pathways exist: Multiple institutes have pipelines to top consulting firms through projects, competitions, and alumni mentorship.

Actionable Insights for Aspiring Consultants: 

Focus on consulting-fit experiences

• Live projects & internships: Seek out roles during your MBA that simulate consulting work strategy projects, business problem-solving assignments, or market research. These give you real stories to talk about in interviews.

• Competitions & case challenges: Participate in case competitions like McKinsey Problem Solving Challenge, Bain Case Study Competitions, or internal college strategy contests. Even if you don’t win, recruiters notice participation and structured thinking.

• Leadership roles: Lead student clubs, organize events, or run initiatives that demonstrate team management, problem-solving, and ownership the same traits consulting firms value.

Network early and strategically

• Don’t wait for placement season. Start connecting with alumni who are already in consulting, ideally in firms you target.

• Use LinkedIn, alumni portals, and mentorship programs to ask questions like:

  • “Which skills helped you clear the first round?”

  • “How did you approach case prep?”

  • “What projects at MBA helped you most in your interviews?”

• Networking isn’t about asking for jobs it’s about learning the “hidden curriculum” of consulting that books and classes don’t teach.

Invest in consulting-specific preparation

• Case interviews: Dedicate time to frameworks, mental math, and practice with peers. Recruiters are looking for structured thinking, not perfect answers.

• Problem-solving skills: Work on breaking ambiguous problems into logical steps  simulate business scenarios from your internships or competitions.

• Communication & storytelling: Consulting firms hire storytellers your recommendations should be concise, clear, and confident. Practice presenting your ideas to peers or mentors weekly.