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IIM: For setting a culture of excellence

'IIMs have shown we can have world class educational institutions in India'

August 20, 2008

Novelist Chetan Bhagat, an IIM-Ahmedabad alumnus, on one of India's most illustrious institutions.

The Indian Institutes of Mangement have shown that we can have world class educational institutions in India. They are also a great talent filtering mechanism

The alumni have done well, and so it has added to the prestige in that sense. But ultimately it is people who do well, and anything associated with them benefits.

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I think IIMs can give you a fantastic corporate career. The salaries and job profile of IIM passouts are a clear reflection.

Once someone gets through the IIM, I think the person becomes a neighbourhood star. It changes their life, so the hype is justified.

I think people look up to IIM students. Somehow we are expected to do well in whichever field we are. That sets a culture of excellence.

Chetan Bhagat is the author of Five Point Someone - What not to do at IIT, One Night @ the Call Center and The Three Mistakes of My Life. He sent this e-mailed response to Matthew Schneeberger. A scene from IIM-Ahmedabad. Photograph: Sam Panthaky/AFP/Getty Images

Also read: IIMs: Triumphs and Tribulations

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