How are YIF placements?

The placements for the Young India Fellowship (YIF) at Ashoka University have several key aspects to consider:

Diversity of Opportunities

The YIF placement program involves a diverse range of companies from various industries. Over 350 companies participate, providing fellows with a broad spectrum of opportunities in fields such as startups, social sector, think tanks, consulting, banking, and more. Startups account for the largest share of placements, followed by the social sector and think tanks34.

Placement Process

The placement process is facilitated by Ashoka University's Career Development Office (CDO), which plays a crucial role in preparing students and connecting them with potential employers. Fellows are required to set up a Superset profile, which includes their personal, educational, and professional information. This profile is used to generate a resume that is submitted to companies. The placement cycle typically starts in August and September, with consulting and banking companies usually coming in earlier, followed by startups and other sectors later in the year1.

Tiered Company System

Ashoka University categorizes companies into tier one and tier two based on brand value and prestige. If a fellow receives an offer from a tier one company, they are no longer part of the placement cycle, making the decision to accept or reject such an offer critical1.

Salary Packages

The median corporate salary for YIF fellows is around 11 lakhs per annum (LPA), although salaries can range widely. The highest salary offered has been as high as 33 LPA3.

Off-Campus Placements

While in-campus placements are described as relatively poor compared to institutions like IITs, many YIF fellows secure good off-campus placements due to the skills and network they develop during the program. The YIF is more focused on enhancing social skills, critical thinking, and leadership abilities rather than solely on placement outcomes23.

Post-Program Opportunities

The YIF also opens up opportunities for further education at top global universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, and Stanford. Many fellows go on to pursue master's degrees from these institutions. Additionally, the program helps fellows become successful entrepreneurs, social workers, and leaders who make an impact on society23.

In summary, while the YIF may not offer the same level of in-campus placements as some other prestigious institutions, it provides a robust network, diverse opportunities, and a strong skill set that enables fellows to secure good placements both on and off campus.