A recent post by Sakshi Jain, a personal branding expert, on social media has sparked a lively discussion online about the relevance and value of degrees, particularly those from India’s top-tier institutes. Jain shared her perspective after meeting a friend currently pursuing an MBA at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta. The friend had landed a summer internship in Mumbai with a staggering stipend of Rs 3.5 lakh per month, totaling Rs 7 lakh over two months.
This encounter made Jain reflect on the role that prestigious degrees can play in shaping career opportunities.
Jain acknowledged that while there are many paths to success and social media often promotes the idea that formal education isn't necessary, the reality is more nuanced. She observed that degrees might not guarantee success everywhere, but they can open significant doors—particularly those from elite institutions like the IIMs. Her friend's internship served as a powerful example of the opportunities that can arise from attending a highly regarded business school.
Her post quickly caught the attention of professionals and students, igniting a wider conversation about educational backgrounds and earning potential. Many users chimed in with stories from their own circles. Some mentioned how top students from IITs and IIMs have received similarly lucrative internship offers. One user claimed to know a student who secured a Rs 25 lakh, two-month internship—an eye-popping Rs 12.5 lakh per month.
Others, however, pointed out that such salaries are rare and that these examples are outliers. A few netizens, who claimed to be IIM graduates, mentioned that most students do not receive such high stipends, even at top-tier institutes. One commenter, who identified as an IIM Calcutta alum, noted that an average student might not even earn Rs 3.5 lakh over the entire two-month internship period, let alone per month.
The debate took an even broader turn when comparisons were drawn between different professional fields. For instance, someone shared the story of a friend who cleared NEET and completed an MBBS degree from AIIMS, only to earn ₹17,900 per month as an intern. This stark contrast in compensation added more layers to the discussion around the value of degrees, return on investment, and societal priorities.
The conversation also touched upon the long-term value of prestigious degrees. Many agreed that graduating from IIMs or IITs carries a lifelong brand value, one that can offer a significant career head start. Some mentioned that seasoned professionals from these institutions often go on to earn multi-crore annual salaries, reinforcing the long-term worth of such qualifications.
Adding to the discourse, CA Nitin Kaushik emphasized the weight these degrees carry. He highlighted the difficulty of gaining admission to IITs and IIMs—often considered tougher than even Ivy League institutions—and stated that graduates from these institutes rightfully deserve the opportunities and pay that come their way.
This encounter made Jain reflect on the role that prestigious degrees can play in shaping career opportunities.
Jain acknowledged that while there are many paths to success and social media often promotes the idea that formal education isn't necessary, the reality is more nuanced. She observed that degrees might not guarantee success everywhere, but they can open significant doors—particularly those from elite institutions like the IIMs. Her friend's internship served as a powerful example of the opportunities that can arise from attending a highly regarded business school.
Met a friend from IIM Calcutta yesterday. She’s interning in Mumbai.
— Sakshi Jain • LinkedIn Strategist (@thecontentedge) April 20, 2025
Getting paid 3.5L per month🫠
And it kinda hit me- 7 lakhs in 2 months?
Maybe degrees do hold some weight after all😳
Her post quickly caught the attention of professionals and students, igniting a wider conversation about educational backgrounds and earning potential. Many users chimed in with stories from their own circles. Some mentioned how top students from IITs and IIMs have received similarly lucrative internship offers. One user claimed to know a student who secured a Rs 25 lakh, two-month internship—an eye-popping Rs 12.5 lakh per month.
Others, however, pointed out that such salaries are rare and that these examples are outliers. A few netizens, who claimed to be IIM graduates, mentioned that most students do not receive such high stipends, even at top-tier institutes. One commenter, who identified as an IIM Calcutta alum, noted that an average student might not even earn Rs 3.5 lakh over the entire two-month internship period, let alone per month.
The debate took an even broader turn when comparisons were drawn between different professional fields. For instance, someone shared the story of a friend who cleared NEET and completed an MBBS degree from AIIMS, only to earn ₹17,900 per month as an intern. This stark contrast in compensation added more layers to the discussion around the value of degrees, return on investment, and societal priorities.
Degrees do hold some weight and some rightfully should.
— CA Nitin Kaushik (@Finance_Bareek) April 21, 2025
The IITs are tougher than a "Harvard" to crack. Same with IIMs. Tougher than any B school in the world to get there. These are the institutes where the real India is formed.
They absolutely deserve this kind of pay 🙌
The conversation also touched upon the long-term value of prestigious degrees. Many agreed that graduating from IIMs or IITs carries a lifelong brand value, one that can offer a significant career head start. Some mentioned that seasoned professionals from these institutions often go on to earn multi-crore annual salaries, reinforcing the long-term worth of such qualifications.
Adding to the discourse, CA Nitin Kaushik emphasized the weight these degrees carry. He highlighted the difficulty of gaining admission to IITs and IIMs—often considered tougher than even Ivy League institutions—and stated that graduates from these institutes rightfully deserve the opportunities and pay that come their way.
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