To answer why there’s such a massive gap: it essentially boils down to autonomy vs. public funding. Institutions like IIMs have moved toward self-sustainability to ensure quality and independence, whereas FMS/JBIMS rely on state-backed endowments that keep costs low but sometimes limit the institute's ability to rapidly scale infrastructure

For public institutions like FMS/JBIMS, the low fee is a deliberate policy choice to maintain accessibility for meritorious students regardless of economic background. It’s a legacy model that prioritizes social equity over revenue maximization

The high fees at IIMs and ISB aren't just for 'brand.' They reflect the cost of maintaining permanent campuses, international student exchanges, and specialized research centers. Essentially, you're paying for the ecosystem and the high-end recruiter access that comes with it.

FMS and JBIMS are outliers for a reason they are heavily subsidized by the government, which is why their ROI is virtually impossible to beat

Always look at the median salary, not just the average. It gives a much clearer picture of what the 'typical' student actually earns