New Delhi: Stung by slowdown that has gripped the economy; a majority of B school graduates are unlikely to land plum jobs this year, owing to campus hirings dropping by a staggering 40 to 50 percent, according to a study.

Barring top-rung institutes like the IIMs, most business schools are in for a lean placement season, along with a similar dip in the number of students opting for fresh admissions, said the study by industry body Assocham.

Moreover, the salary packages which are offered at B-schools and engineering colleges are also being curtailed by 35-40 percent as compared to last year, the study revealed.

"Global uncertainty has certainly affected the placement pattern at B-schools & engineering colleges. This year the numbers of placements are fewer and there is also no hike in the average pay packages," Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said.

Apart from the IIMs and a handful of others, it will be difficult for several business schools to get 100 percent placement in future, he added.

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