The Key Numbers
2–3
outlier offers that can inflate an 'average package' figure dramatically
80–90%
of students at most colleges earn 3–6 LPA — not what the headline average implies
1
the number of offers behind most 'highest package' claims
0
honest brochures that show the median salary and actual placement percentage
What You Need to Know
The Reality Most People Don't See
How Averages Are ManipulatedIf 95 students earn 5 LPA and 5 students earn 30 LPA, the 'average' is 6.25 LPA. The median is 5 LPA. Colleges show averages because averages are higher.
The Questions That Reveal TruthAsk for median salary, not average. Ask what percentage of eligible students received offers. Ask what the top 5 companies by volume are — not by salary.
'Eligible' Is a Magic WordColleges define 'eligible' to exclude students who opted out, had backlogs, or didn't meet company shortlist criteria. This inflates the placement percentage artificially.
Vagueness Is the SignalColleges with genuinely strong records show this data confidently and in detail. Colleges hiding weak records give glossy brochures and vague answers to specific questions.
Honest Guidance
The Exact Questions to Ask Any College Before Paying Fees
These questions take 10 minutes. They can save you years of regret.
- ✓What is the MEDIAN package — not the average? If they don't know or won't say, that is your answer.
- ✓What percentage of ELIGIBLE students (not all enrolled students) received placement offers?
- ✓Which companies hire more than 5 students every year from this campus? Name them.
- ⚠If the placement cell gives you a brochure instead of answering these questions directly, treat that as a red flag, not a sales pitch.
Your Next Step
Don't Pick a College Based on Its Own Brochure
Getting accurate placement information requires asking the right questions in the right way. Join the community to discuss specific colleges and whether their claims hold up — or book a session where we audit the colleges you're considering.
💬 Join the Free Career Community 📋 Put Your Career Queries Here 🗓️ Book a 1:1 Session with AnshulConnect with Anshul Wadhwa
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