SIBM/SCMHRD vs IMT Ghaziabad: ROI Breakdown for MBA Aspirants

Introduction

One of the most common questions MBA aspirants ask is — “Which college gives me the best return on my investment?” After all, pursuing an MBA in India today costs anywhere between ₹15–25 lakhs, and the decision can shape one’s career for decades.

Among top private B-schools, Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM Pune), Symbiosis Centre for Management & Human Resource Development (SCMHRD Pune), and Institute of Management Technology (IMT Ghaziabad) often come up in the same conversation. Each has strong brand equity, established alumni, and solid placement records. But when it comes to ROI (Return on Investment), which institute offers better value?

Understanding ROI in MBA

ROI in MBA is usually measured as:

ROI = (Average Placement Package ÷ Total Program Cost) × 100

But the truth is, ROI goes beyond just numbers. Yes, a higher average package and lower fee structure give a better short-term ROI, but there are intangible benefits too — brand recognition, peer learning, industry connections, and alumni influence.

So, while we crunch the numbers, remember that ROI is both immediate (salary vs fee) and long-term (career growth vs brand value).

Symbiosis (SIBM Pune & SCMHRD): Fees, Placements & ROI

SIBM Pune at a glance

• Program Fees (2025 batch): ₹2,777,000 Total
• Average CTC (2024 placements): ~₹28–30 LPA
• Median CTC: ~₹26–27 LPA
• Top Recruiters: HUL, Accenture Strategy, Deloitte, Amazon, P&G, Kearney
• Highlights: Known for strong marketing and consulting placements; consistently among India’s top private B-schools.
  For detailed information [Click here]

SCMHRD Pune at a glance

• Program Fees (2025 batch): ₹2,706,300 Total
• Average CTC (2024 placements): ~₹21–22 LPA
• Median CTC: ~₹19–20 LPA
• Top Recruiters: EY, PwC, JP Morgan, Tata Steel, Capgemini, Nestlé
• Highlights: Strong for HR, Business Analytics, and Infrastructure Management along with marketing/finance.
  For detailed information [Click here]

IMT Ghaziabad: Fees, Placements & ROI

• Program Fees (2025 batch): ₹ 21,53,000 Total  
• Average CTC (2024 placements): ~₹17–18 LPA
• Median CTC: ~₹16 LPA
• Top Recruiters: Deloitte, Cognizant, HDFC Bank, ITC, Google, Gartner
• Highlights: Famous for its marketing specialization, with strong placements in FMCG, BFSI, and IT services.
• For detailed information [Click here]

Direct ROI Comparison: Symbiosis vs IMT Ghaziabad

Now, let’s put all three side by side for clarity:

Insights:

• SIBM Pune leads the pack in pure ROI terms with the highest average package.
• SCMHRD is very competitive, especially for HR and analytics aspirants.
• IMT Ghaziabad, while strong in marketing, lags behind Symbiosis institutes in short-term ROI but compensates with Delhi NCR location and corporate exposure.
  

Factors Beyond ROI

Numbers tell one story, but career decisions need more context. Let’s look at qualitative factors that influence MBA outcomes:

1. Brand Value & Alumni Network
   • SIBM Pune: Considered among top-15 B-schools in India. Alumni at leadership roles globally.
   • SCMHRD: Very strong for HR & niche roles. Alumni presence in analytics and operations-heavy industries.
   • IMT Ghaziabad: Old and reputed; widely recognized for marketing in North India.
2. Location Advantage
   • Pune: Symbiosis offers a safe, student-friendly campus with strong industry connections in consulting and FMCG.
   • Ghaziabad (NCR): IMT benefits from proximity to corporate hubs in Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon.
3. Specialization Fit
   • SIBM Pune → Marketing, Consulting, Strategy.
   • SCMHRD → HR, Analytics, Infrastructure.
   • IMT Ghaziabad → Marketing, BFSI.
4. Long-Term ROI
   • While SIBM gives the fastest monetary return, IMT Ghaziabad’s NCR network may open more entrepreneurial or corporate opportunities in the long run.
     

How Career Plan B Helps

Choosing between SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, and IMT Ghaziabad isn’t just about calculating ROI. The real question is: Which B-school aligns with your long-term career vision? That’s where Career Plan B comes in.

• Personalized Career Counselling: We guide you based on your strengths, interests, and aspirations.
• Psycheintel & Career Assessment Tests: Find whether you’re better suited for marketing, HR, finance, or analytics.
• Admission & Academic Profile Guidance: Strategically shortlist colleges to maximize both ROI and career fit.
• Career Roadmapping: Align your MBA decision with 5–10 year career goals so you don’t just earn back your fees, but build sustainable growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is better for marketing — SIBM Pune or IMT Ghaziabad?
   Both are strong, but SIBM Pune has an edge due to higher average packages and stronger FMCG/consulting tie-ups. IMT Ghaziabad is still highly reputed in marketing, especially in NCR.
2. Does SCMHRD only specialize in HR?
   No. While SCMHRD is renowned for HR, it also has competitive placements in business analytics, finance, and operations.
3. Which has better international exposure: Symbiosis or IMT Ghaziabad?
   SIBM Pune and SCMHRD have tie-ups with global universities. IMT Ghaziabad, however, has strong international exchange programs, especially in Europe.
4. How much time does it take to recover MBA fees at these institutes?

• SIBM Pune: ~1 year
• SCMHRD: ~1.2 years
• IMT Ghaziabad: ~1.4 years

5. Which has a stronger alumni network for long-term ROI?
   SIBM Pune has a larger alumni base across sectors, while IMT Ghaziabad has deep connections in marketing & BFSI. SCMHRD excels in HR networks.

Conclusion

When it comes to ROI, SIBM Pune clearly leads with the highest average package and fastest payback. SCMHRD comes close, especially for HR and analytics aspirants. IMT Ghaziabad, while slightly behind in short-term ROI, offers a strong brand in marketing and excellent corporate exposure due to its NCR location.

At the end of the day, ROI should guide your decision — but not define it entirely. Consider your career aspirations, specialization interests, and long-term growth prospects.

If you’re still unsure which path suits you, remember: Career Plan B can help you map your journey with clarity and confidence.