Despite an uncertain economy, the average stipend went up from Rs 89,000 in 2011 to Rs 91,000, while the highest was Rs 2 lakh, same as last year.

In 2010, average and highest stipends were Rs 72,000 and Rs 1.5 lakh.

“Good summer placements and a high number of pre-placement offers (PPOs) and pre-placement interviews (PPIs) are a positive indication for final campus placements next year. While we received 49 PPOs and PPIs last year by December-end, the number stands at 43 at present and is expected to go up by yearend,” said Abhinav Dayal, a JBIMS placement committee member.

Like last year, banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) and investment banking emerged the front-runners, with 33 per cent of the batch opting for the sectors.

FMCG and pharma sectors, at 28 per cent, were second favourites, followed by consulting and IT (18 per cent) and conglomerates (16 per cent).

“This year, a lot of students chose a certain profile over a brand or stipend. Many old recruiters made a comeback after a year or so. Students were offered niche roles in sectors such as front-end investment banking and consulting. We also had start-ups offering challenging roles,” said Dhwani Shah, another placement committee member.

The recruiters included J P Morgan Chase, HSBC, Avista Advisory, ICICI Prudential AMC, Singhi Advisors, Medtronic, Novartis, Knowledge Faber, Michael Page International, Standard Chartered Bank, Indian Angel Network, L&T Finance, Procter & Gamble, ITC, GSK Consumer Healthcare, KPMG, Tata Consultancy Services, Capgemini, Raymond, Mahindra & Mahindra, Cummins, Bajaj Auto and Skoda.

While 120 students were part of summer placements, 83 of 103 companies that registered participated in the process.