IIM Ahmedabad vs IIM Bangalore: A Detailed Comparison for MBA Aspirants
Selecting the right MBA program is a crucial decision, and among the most reputable choices are IIM Ahmedabad (IIM A) and IIM Bangalore (IIM B), institutions celebrated for their academic rigour, robust placement networks, and dynamic campus environments. Although both are committed to cultivating future business leaders, their unique approaches to pedagogy, admissions, and career outcomes provide distinct pathways toward professional success. Explore their advantages, program structures, and standout features, including admission requirements, fees, and placement statistics.
Overview
For prospective MBAs, comparing IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore is an essential step:
| Feature | IIM Ahmedabad (PGP) | IIM Bangalore (PGP) |
| Location | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Bangalore, Karnataka |
| Established | 1961 | 1973 |
| Affiliation | Autonomous (IIM Act) | Autonomous (IIM Act) |
| Accreditation | EQUIS | EQUIS |
| Latest Ranking (NIRF 2025) | 1st (India) | 2nd (India) |
Both consistently rank at the top in national business school rankings, according to the NIRF 2025.
IIM Ahmedabad vs IIM Bangalore: Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | IIM Ahmedabad (PGP) | IIM Bangalore (PGP) |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) | Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) |
| Entrance Exam | CAT | CAT |
| Work Experience | Not required | Not required |
| Eligibility for Final-Year Students | Graduation must be completed before admission time | Graduation must be completed before admission time |
| Final Selection Process | CAT Score, AWT, PI, Composite Score | CAT Score, WAT, PI, Composite Score |
Both institutes accept fresh graduates and follow similar entry requirements.
Read More: FMS Delhi vs IIM Ahmedabad: A Detailed Comparison for MBA Aspirants
IIM Ahmedabad vs IIM Bangalore: Admission & Selection Process
| Feature | IIM Ahmedabad | IIM Bangalore |
| Entrance Exam | CAT | CAT |
| Process | Analytical Writing Test + PI | Written Ability Test + PI |
| Reservation | As per the Govt. norms | As per the Govt. norms |
Weightage for selection differs: IIM Ahmedabad gives significant weightage to the PI, whereas Bangalore emphasizes CAT scores and diverse profile components.
Understand the selection criteria for these institutions in detail:
IIM Ahmedabad Selection Criteria
| Components | Weight | Explanatory Remarks |
| Weighted CAT 2025 Score | 25% | Based on the candidate’s performance in CAT 2025. |
| Application Rating (AR) Score | 15% | Calculated using academic performance (Class X, XII, Bachelor’s Degree), work experience, and gender diversity. |
| Analytical Writing Test (AWT) | 10% | Conducted individually for all shortlisted candidates. |
| Personal Interview (PI) | 50% | Conducted individually for all shortlisted candidates |
An additional weightage for academic diversity and gender diversity is included as per IIM Ahmedabad’s policy. Applicants who have not taken CAT 2025 will not be considered for admission.
Candidates must meet the minimum CAT percentile scores, both sectionally and overall, as determined by their category. Only those who meet the academic requirements and achieve the required CAT scores will be invited to the AWT and PI rounds.
The Final Composite Score (FCS) shall be computed as:
FCS = (0.50 × PI) + (0.10 × AWT) + (0.25 × CAT) + (0.15 × AR)
Read More: IIM Ahmedabad Selection Criteria
IIM Bangalore Selection Criteria
| Component | Weight | Explanatory Remarks |
| Written Test | 25% | Based on the candidate’s performance in CAT 2025. |
| 10th | 5% | Marks obtained in Class X board examinations. |
| 12th | 5% | Marks obtained in Class XII board examinations. |
| Graduation | 5% | Cumulative marks obtained in the Bachelor’s degree. |
| WAT (Writing Ability Test) | 10% | Conducted for all shortlisted candidates. |
| PI (Personal Interview) | 40% | Conducted individually for all shortlisted candidates. |
Candidates are evaluated based on the above components to compile the final merit list. Additional weightage may be given to work experience and certain professional qualifications. Applicants must meet the minimum CAT cut-offs specified by category.
Only those who clear the sectional and overall cut-offs and meet the academic requirements are considered for further rounds.
The FCS is computed as the sum of the weighted scores of the above criteria, with specific allocation as indicated in the table and remarks above.
Read More: IIM Bangalore Selection Criteria
IIM Ahmedabad vs IIM Bangalore: Fees
Understanding fees is crucial for planning:
| Feature | IIM Ahmedabad | IIM Bangalore |
| Total 2-Year Fees | ₹25-26.50 lakh | ₹26 lakh |
Both have similar fee structures for two-year MBA programs, making financial considerations generally comparable.
Read More: IIM Fees Structure
IIM Ahmedabad vs IIM Bangalore: Placement Statistics
| Feature | IIM Ahmedabad | IIM Bangalore |
| Average CTC (LPA) | ₹35.22 (2025) | ₹ 34.88 (2025) |
| Placement Rate | 100% | 100% |
| Top Recruiters | McKinsey, BCG, HUL, Goldman Sachs | Bain, KPMG, Amazon, HUL, BCG |
Placement outcomes are stellar, with both institutes boasting perfect rates and attracting top global recruiters; however, Bangalore has recently edged ahead in median salaries and batch size.
IIM Ahmedabad vs IIM Bangalore: Academics & Pedagogy
| Feature | IIM Ahmedabad | IIM Bangalore |
| Program Duration | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Teaching Style | Case study, experiential | Case study, lecture, experiential |
| Electives | Extensive, structured | Diverse, flexible |
| Student Intake | 406, 47 (MBA-FABM) | 585 |
IIM Ahmedabad vs IIM Bangalore: Final Convert Cutoffs
Cutoffs vary by year and category, but both institutes usually set overall CAT percentiles at or near the 99th percentile for the general category. Reserved categories have proportionately lower cutoffs.
| Batch | Category | IIMA – MBA Cutoff | IIMA – MBA-FABM Cutoff | IIMB – MBA Cutoff | IIMB – MBA BA Cutoff |
| 2024-26 | General | 93.76 | 80.52 | 91.97 | 93.03 |
| EWS | 98.20 | 88.77 | 90.16 | 90.31 | |
| NC-OBC | 79.02 | 82.11 | 82.65 | 82.65 | |
| SC | 73.68 | 69.97 | 75.12 | 80.37 | |
| ST | 74.52 | 72.01 | 74.52 | 75.82 | |
| PWD | 79.32 | – | 83.53 | 80.46 | |
| 2023-25 | General | 87.10 | 89.00 | 86.18 | 86.19 |
| EWS | 99.39 | 91.61 | 89.88 | 89.88 | |
| NC-OBC | 86.50 | 82.90 | 81.01 | 81.01 | |
| SC | 82.86 | 65.54 | 76.21 | 76.21 | |
| ST | 72.40 | 74.99 | 73.91 | 73.91 | |
| PWD | 70.67 | 85.85 | – | – | |
| 2022-24 | General | 93.90 | 73.25 | 93.26 | 99.62 |
| EWS | 98.94 | 90.52 | 79.50 | 89.89 | |
| NC-OBC | 87.87 | 74.81 | 83.53 | 97.23 | |
| SC | 76.90 | 66.25 | 71.83 | 92.22 | |
| ST | 60.01 | 65.41 | 67.04 | 79.66 | |
| PWD | 81.81 | – | 93.14 | 95.41 |
Campus Life & Alumni
| Feature | IIM Ahmedabad | IIM Bangalore |
| Location | Residential campus in Ahmedabad | Urban campus with expansive hostels, Bangalore |
| Peer Community | Large, national cohort | Very large, diverse cohort |
| Alumni Network | Prestigious, global presence | Deep industry, entrepreneurship links |
| Extracurriculars | Case competitions, leadership events | Many clubs, events |
| Entrepreneurship | Incubators, corporate partnerships | Strong startup support |
Both institutions offer vibrant campus environments, powerful alumni networks, and a diverse range of extracurricular activities.
FAQs: IIM Ahmedabad vs IIM Bangalore
Do both IIMs accept CAT scores?
Yes, admission to both is based on the CAT score.
Is work experience mandatory for admission?
No, fresh graduates are welcome at both.
Which institute has a higher average placement package?
IIM Ahmedabad’s average CTC was ₹35.22 LPA (2025), while Bangalore’s was ₹34.88 LPA (2025).
Which has a larger alumni base, IIM Ahmedabad or IIM Bangalore?
Both have different and diverse alumni networks, so enrolling in one with the correct knowledge and your desires is necessary to consider.
Which institute to choose?
Selection should depend on personal priorities, academic style preference, and career goals. Visit both websites and consider which aligns better with your ambitions.
IIM Ahmedabad vs IIM Bangalore: Conclusion
Choosing between IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore is a consequential step in your MBA journey. Both institutions offer exceptional education, thriving campus life, and outstanding career prospects. Evaluate your priorities, financial expectations, and career ambitions using the details above, and make an informed selection that sets you on the path to business leadership.
