The students of IIM Lucknow breathed a sigh of relief after the placement week, which stretched to a fortnight, nears end. Many students have second job options, a scenario unexpected in an unusually bad year.

“The scenario has improved, we have got more companies and the students now have options,” said Prof Shushil Kumar, chairman, placement cell. Director Devi Singh said, “The placements are almost over and we are happy. Towards the end, things have come under control and at least the students have second options.”

Besides the public sector undertakings, some little known companies have turned out to be the major recruiters this time. Chennai-based Sterling Group, owned by an NRI, has made a maximum of 22 offers. Sources said the group, which plans to enter diverse fields like telecom, wind energy, real estate, has made offers in different fields and has shown a preference for students with an engineering background. Another private player that emerged as a major recruiter is Jaypee Capital, with about 15 offers. PSUs like RITES, Coal India, Bank of Baroda also came for recruitments.

Only few students got the jobs and pay packages they wanted. However, with more companies coming in the extended placement week, the students’ will get more options.