Salary for IIM grads with prior work experience is generally 20 to 25 percent higher than fresh grads. At the country’s second most prestigious B-school, IIM Bangalore, around 60 percent of grads out of a batch of more than 300 candidates are eligible for lateral placement round. Approximately 60 companies are expected to participate in the placement process at IIM-B this year. So far, one third of these recruiters have already visited the campus this year.

Packages of around 20 lakhs have reportedly been offered to some laterals. RPG, one of India’s largest business group, is offering Rs 14 - 15 lakhs for grads with 18 - 36 months of experience, while those with more experience may get up to Rs 19 - 20 lakhs.

While IIM Kozhikode will have a lateral placement process for the first time in four years, as the previous batches did not have too many grads with prior work experience. At this B-school, 120 grads out of a batch of 360 students are eligible for lateral placements. IIM Kozhikode has already seen seven international placements and a total 115 students have been placed so far.