It's nearly time for the final job placements at the Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore, and students here are mentally gearing up to face the toughest placement the campus has witnessed till date, thanks to the recession.

The placements have been slated for February 27, but there seems to be an unofficial gag order on the campus because officials, students and faculty members are tight-lipped on what's in store this year.

"Lateral placements, which began in December, will conclude on February 26. While final placements will start from February 27 onwards," said Vineet Sharma, a student placement committee member.

In 2008, IIM-B was the first to host final placements in March, but this year they were backtracked by IIM-C, which held placements from February 21 till February 24.

While tension might have always characterised the placement season, this year it is mixed with a large dose of uncertainty and apprehension.

"This is probably the worst placement season for students at IIM-B. Some of the deserving candidates are unlikely to end up at great firms. It will take time for many of us to kickstart our careers. Basically, students have decided that they will not be choosy on the offers that come by," said Prakash Jain (name changed), a II post-graduate program student, IIM-B.

All discussions on the campus centre around the tough choices many will have to make during placements this year.

"Students are ready to consider companies which might not be good for short term gain, but offers a long term benefit. I've decided to go with the flow. Though my first preference would be consulting, I might look at roles in general management as well," Prakash added.

Most students are trying to ensure that they have a fall-back option if they fail to bag their dream offer.

"Going by what is happening at IIM-C, people have started to understand that the number of companies coming on campus for recruitments has reduced drastically. What most of us are worried about is what kind of a job we can choose that will help us get back into our stream of interest in two to three years from now, especially something which will also take into account whatever experience we earn now."

"From accepting offers from small niche firms to accepting roles in hospital management, students are keeping an open mind," said Madhav Gowda, II PGP student, IIM-B (name changed to protect identity).

Though the mood on campus is tense, some of that is likely to have eased as the exams recently concluded.

"Seniors have been busy with exams this week. The general mood is tense but that is expected during any placement. Students are also optimistic about the turn out of companies," said Vernon Fernandez, student media cell member.

Jayalakshmi Venugopal/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication