October 31, 2026, (Inside AI) — The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has wrapped up its summer placement process for the 2026-28 postgraduate programme (PGP) batch, with recruiters extending offers for more than 230 internship roles across three clusters held between October 23 and October 30. The process, conducted in a hybrid format, drew participation from domestic and international companies spanning management consulting, investment banking, consumer goods, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and renewable energy. Notably, the third cluster featured a dedicated artificial intelligence cohort, signaling a growing demand for AI talent at India's top business school.
The placement process was structured into three clusters, each targeting specific industry segments. The first cluster, held on October 23, focused on consulting, finance, and investment banking, offering over 85 roles. The second cluster, on October 27, covered consumer goods, conglomerates, and new sectors like fashion and real estate, with more than 75 roles. The third cluster, on October 30, spanned technology, AI, manufacturing, and social enterprises, offering over 70 roles. The institute confirmed the completion of the process in a statement, highlighting the hybrid format that allowed companies to participate both online and in person.
This year's placements underscore a shifting recruitment landscape. The introduction of a fashion cohort with Raymond and a real estate cohort with Eden Landmarks and Experion Developers reflects IIMA's efforts to diversify recruiter bases beyond traditional sectors. Meanwhile, the inclusion of an artificial intelligence cohort, featuring CRMIT Solutions, DCirrus Cloud, and Suchama AI, points to the growing integration of AI into business roles. The presence of startups like Optimized Solutions alongside established giants like Tata Steel and Microsoft suggests a broadening appetite for management talent across the innovation spectrum.
Consulting And Finance Retain Their Grip
The first cluster remained the largest, with consulting and investment banking heavyweights dominating. Consulting firms such as Accenture Strategy, Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey & Company, and Oliver Wyman were among the recruiters. The investment banking and markets cohort attracted global banks including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, and Barclays. International opportunities were also on offer, with roles at EY-Parthenon in Singapore and Goldman Sachs and HSBC in Hong Kong. The private equity and venture capital cohort featured firms like Blackstone, Ares Management, and Multiples Alternate Asset Management.
Read: Kris Gopalakrishnan: AI Will Reshape Indian IT, Not Destroy It
These numbers reaffirm the enduring appeal of high-finance and strategy roles for MBA graduates. However, the expansion into newer sectors like fashion and real estate may signal a gradual rebalancing. The second cluster saw participation from consumer goods giants such as Hindustan Unilever, Procter & Gamble, and Nestlé, alongside conglomerates like Tata Administrative Services and Aditya Birla Group. New or returning recruiters included Mars, Mondelez, and Yum!, indicating a rebound in consumer sector hiring.
The third cluster's technology and AI cohorts drew companies like Microsoft, Hexaware, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). TCS recorded the highest number of hires in the analytics and IT consulting cohort. The AI cohort, though small, featured specialized firms, suggesting that MBA roles in AI may focus on product management, strategy, and implementation rather than core technical development. Banking and insurance recruiters included Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID). Infrastructure and manufacturing saw participation from Tata Steel, Jindal Steel Oman, and startup Optimized Solutions.
The hybrid format of the placements, allowing both online and in-person participation, likely widened access for international recruiters. This could explain the presence of roles in Singapore and Hong Kong. It also aligns with post-pandemic trends where companies prefer flexible engagement models. The process concluded on October 30, with the institute confirming the completion of summer internship placements for the PGP batch.
Read: ShiftToTech Academy Trains Indian Professionals for Global AI, DevOps Jobs
Looking ahead, the diversity of recruiters and the introduction of new cohorts may influence future placement strategies at IIMA and peer institutions. The AI cohort, while nascent, could expand as more companies seek managers who can bridge technical and business domains. Similarly, the fashion and real estate cohorts may attract students interested in niche industries. The overall success of the placements, with over 230 roles offered, indicates a robust demand for IIMA talent across sectors.
