IIM Lucknow vs FMS Delhi: A Detailed Comparison for MBA Aspirants
IIM Lucknow vs FMS Delhi: Imagine getting calls from two powerhouses in Indian management education: IIM Lucknow and FMS Delhi. These schools are known for their programs, top-notch job placements, and vibrant campuses. They are among the best B-schools in India. But what makes them different is not just their reputation. It is how they structure their programs, the challenges to get admitted, the costs, and the career opportunities after graduation. So how do you select the right one? Take a close look at their strengths: academic toughness, entry requirements, placement records, and campus life. This way, you can find the best fit for your goals and lifestyle.
Overview
| Feature | IIM Lucknow (MBA) | FMS Delhi (MBA) |
| Location | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | New Delhi, Delhi |
| Established | 1984 | 1954 |
| Affiliation | Autonomous (IIM Act) | University of Delhi |
| Accreditation | AACSB, AMBA | NAAC |
| Latest Ranking (IIRF) | 4th (India) | 2nd (India) |
Conclusion: Both IIM Lucknow and FMS Delhi are among India’s top management institutes, known for strong academic rigor, national reputation, and excellent career opportunities.
IIM Lucknow vs FMS Delhi – Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | IIM Lucknow | FMS Delhi |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) |
| Entrance Exam | CAT | CAT |
| Work Experience | Not mandatory, but preferred | Not mandatory, but preferred |
| Final-Year Student Eligibility | Graduation must be completed before admission | Graduation must be completed before admission |
| Selection Process | CAT score, Written Ability Test (WAT), Personal Interview (PI) | CAT score, Personal Interview (PI) |
Conclusion: Both institutes accept fresh graduates and focus heavily on CAT scores along with an interview-based evaluation process.
IIM Lucknow vs FMS Delhi: Admission & Selection Process
| Feature | IIM Lucknow | FMS Delhi |
| Entrance Exam | CAT | CAT |
| Process | Written Ability Test (WAT) + Personal Interview (PI) | Extempore + Personal Interview |
| Reservation | As per the Government norms | As per the Government norms |
Understand the selection criteria for these institutions in detail:
IIM Lucknow Selection Criteria
IIM Lucknow Final Selection Criteria (MBA & ABM)
| Components | Weight | Explanatory Remarks |
| Written Test | 30% (MBA), 35% (ABM) | Based on the candidate’s performance in the written test. |
| 12th Marks | 5% | Evaluation based on Class XII academic score. |
| Graduation Marks | 5% | Evaluation based on Bachelor’s degree marks. |
| Work Experience | 5% (MBA), 0% (ABM) | Considered for MBA applicants; not applicable to ABM. |
| WAT | 10% | Written Ability Test conducted for shortlisted candidates. |
| PI | 40% | Personal Interview round for all shortlisted candidates. |
| Gender & Academic Diversity | 5% | Additional weight is given for promoting diversity. |
IIM Lucknow Final Selection Criteria (MBA-SM)
| Components | Weight | Explanatory Remarks |
| Written Test | 30% | Based on the candidate’s performance in the written test. |
| 12th Marks | 5% | Evaluation based on Class XII score. |
| Graduation Marks | 5% | Evaluation based on Bachelor’s marks. |
| Work Experience | 5% | Weightage given for relevant experience. |
| WAT | 10% | Written Ability Test administered during evaluation. |
| PI | 40% | Personal Interview conducted individually for shortlisted candidates. |
| Gender & Academic Diversity | 5% | Additional weight is awarded to ensure diversity. |
The Final Composite Score is a weighted sum of these factors, ensuring a diverse evaluation beyond CAT scores.
FMS Delhi Selection Criteria
| Components | Weight | Explanatory Remarks |
| Weighted CAT 2025 Score | 50% | Based on the candidate’s performance in CAT 2025. |
| Marks obtained in Class X | 10% | 60% and above but less than 75%: 5%, 75% and above: 10%. |
| Marks obtained in Class XII | 10% | 60% and above but less than 75%: 5%, 75% and above: 10%. |
| Discussion on Statement of Purpose | 10% | Conducted individually for all the candidates. |
| Extempore | 5% | Conducted separately for all the candidates. |
| Personal Interview | 15% | Conducted individually for all the candidates. |
Candidates must have appeared for CAT 2025 to be considered for admission. Women candidates who attend the interview will receive an additional 5 marks.
Applicants must present their original certificates and mark sheets at the time of the interview. The final list of selected candidates will be announced upon completion of the entire selection process.
Read More: FMS Form
IIM Lucknow vs FMS Delhi: Fees
MBA aspirants should familiarize themselves with the fee structures of FMS Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad to avoid later confusion. This will enable them to plan their finances effectively.
| Feature | IIM Lucknow | FMS Delhi |
| Total 2-Year Fees | ₹20.75lakh | ₹2.32 lakh |
Read More: FMS Delhi MBA Fees
IIM Fees Structure
IIM Lucknow vs FMS Delhi: Placement Statistics
| Feature | IIM Lucknow | FMS Delhi |
| Average CTC (LPA) | ₹20.37 (2024)-32.30 (2025) | ₹34.10 (2024) |
| Placement Rate | Nearly 100% | Nearly 100% |
| Top Recruiters | Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, Asian Paints, Flipkart | Microsoft, KPMG, HUL, Cognizant |
| Major Sectors | Consulting, finance, product, tech | Consulting, marketing, tech |
Both institutes have high placement rates, with top companies hiring across various sectors, including consulting, finance, IT, and FMCG.
IIM Lucknow vs FMS Delhi: Academics & Pedagogy
| Feature | IIM Lucknow | FMS Delhi |
| Program Duration | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Teaching Style | Case method with experiential learning | Mix of case study and lecture-based learning |
| Electives | Extensive choices across specializations | Wide range with flexibility |
| Student Intake | 49 (MBA-SM)-440 (MBA + MBA-ABM) | 314 |
IIM Lucknow vs FMS Delhi: Final Convert Cutoffs
| Batch | Category | IIM Lucknow – MBA | IIM Lucknow – MBA-ABM | IIM Lucknow – MBA-SM | FMS Delhi – MBA |
| 2024–26 | General | 48.80 | 47.64 | – | 45.57 |
| EWS | 35.43 | 32.22 | – | 35.55 | |
| NC-OBC | 38.28 | 32.78 | – | 33.88 | |
| SC | 27.14 | 20.61 | – | 28.18 | |
| ST | 19.40 | 10.29 | – | 23.11 | |
| PWD | 8.73 | 13.18 | – | 22.17 | |
| 2023–25 | General | 48.96 | 44.54 | 35.11 | 47.52 |
| EWS | 33.34 | 29.93 | 21.58 | 36.48 | |
| NC-OBC | 32.94 | 29.44 | 19.00 | 34.91 | |
| SC | 26.22 | 20.51 | 12.38 | 28.60 | |
| ST | 17.73 | 9.45 | 12.55 | 22.57 | |
| PWD | 14.03 | 11.11 | 18.11 | 22.42 | |
| 2022–24 | General | 52.92 | 47.64 | 39.78 | 53.85 |
| EWS | 35.69 | 32.22 | 21.99 | 40.57 | |
| NC-OBC | 35.86 | 32.78 | 18.29 | 39.99 | |
| SC | 26.11 | 20.61 | 14.96 | 32.45 | |
| ST | 10.93 | 10.29 | 15.85 | 24.25 | |
| PWD | 13.18 | 13.18 | 19.77 | 20.94 |
IIM Lucknow vs FMS Delhi: Campus Life & Alumni
| Feature | IIM Lucknow | FMS Delhi |
| Location | Residential campus in Lucknow | Situated on an urban campus in the heart of New Delhi. |
| Peer Community | Large, pan-India cohort | Smaller, diverse cohort |
| Alumni Network | Strong industry presence and entrepreneurship support | Deep connections within both corporate and academic sectors. |
| Extracurriculars | Clubs, sports, leadership events | Extensive cultural and professional clubs |
| Entrepreneurship | Active incubation and startup mentorship | Strong startup ecosystem and various collaborations. |
Read More: FMS Delhi vs IIM Ahmedabad
IIM Ahmedabad vs IIM Bangalore
FAQs: IIM Lucknow vs FMS Delhi
Do IIM Lucknow and FMS Delhi accept CAT scores?
Yes, both base admission on the CAT score.
What are the admission criteria for IIM Lucknow and FMS Delhi?
- IIM Lucknow: CAT score + WAT + PI, along with weightage for academics, work experience, and diversity.
- FMS Delhi: CAT score + Extempore + PI, plus weightage for Class X & XII marks. Women candidates get 5 additional marks.
How much do the MBA programs at IIM Lucknow and FMS Delhi cost?
- FMS Delhi: ~₹2.32 lakh
- IIM Lucknow: ~₹20.75 lakh
What is the Average Placement between IIM Lucknow and FMS Delhi?
Both institutes report nearly 100% placements.
- IIM Lucknow: Avg CTC ranges from ₹20.37–32.30 LPA.
- FMS Delhi: Avg CTC for 2024 was ₹34.10 LPA.
What are the major recruiting sectors at IIM Lucknow and FMS Delhi?
- IIM Lucknow: Consulting, finance, product management, technology.
- FMS Delhi: Consulting, marketing, tech, FMCG.
Top recruiters at both include Deloitte, Microsoft, KPMG, HUL, Goldman Sachs, and more.
How to choose between IIM Lucknow and FMS Delhi?
Consider your budget, preferred learning style, and location when making your decision.
What is the student intake at IIM Lucknow vs FMS Delhi?
- IIM Lucknow: 49 (MBA-SM) to 440 (MBA + ABM).
- FMS Delhi: 314 seats.
IIM Lucknow Vs FMS Delhi: Conclusion
Choosing between IIM Lucknow and FMS Delhi is a strategic decision that depends on personal priorities such as financial planning, campus environment, and career aspirations. Both provide excellent academic rigor and placement opportunities, setting a solid foundation for leadership careers in business. Make a choice aligned with your goals for an impactful MBA journey.
