Top IIMs in India: Rankings, Cutoffs, Average Placement Salary & Fee

Summary: The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are top-ranked MBA colleges in India that offer management programs with academic excellence and prepare students for a successful career in the business world. Check out the list of Top IIMs in India and learn all about these prestigious institutes.

There are many opportunities for MBA students at the IIMs. But finding out ‘Which IIM is best for an MBA?’ isn’t easy. It may depend on your specific goals and situation. In this article, we are going to look at what you should consider when choosing the right IIM.

 

Top IIMs in India with Rankings, Average Salary, Fee, & Cutoffs

The table given below outlines the details of various Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) programs, such as program classification, average salary post-graduation (in Lakhs Per Annum, LPA), the tuition fees (in Rs. Lakhs), the entrance examination accepted (CAT), and the CAT cutoff percentile for the year 2024.

Institute Name	IMS Classification	Average Salary (LPA)	Fees (Rs. Lakhs)	Exams Accepted	CAT Cutoff 2024 (Percentile)
1. Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) (PGP)	A1 (CDC)	35.5	24.61	CAT	94-100
2. Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM-B) (PGP + PGPBA)	A1 (CDC)	33.5	24.7	CAT	94-100
3. Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIM-C) (MBA)	A1 (CDC)	34.5	31.00	CAT	94-100
4. Indian Institute of Management, Indore (IIM-I) (PGP)	A1 (CDC)	25.6	21.17	CAT	91-99.5
5. Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode (IIM-K) (PGP + PGP-Finance + PGP-LSM)	A1 (CDC)	28.7	20.50	CAT	91-99.5
6. Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow (IIM-L) (PGP + PGP-ABM)	A1 (CDC)	31.5	20.75	CAT	91-99.5
7. Indian Institute Of Management, Tiruchirappalli (IIM-Trichy) (PGPM + PGPM-HR)	A4	19.54	19.70	CAT	90+
8. Indian Institute Of Management, Rohtak (IIM-Rohtak) (PGP)	A4	19.30	17.90	CAT	90+
9. Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi (IIM-Ranchi) (MBA)	A4	18.80	17.50	CAT	90+
10. Indian Institute Of Management, Udaipur (IIM-U) (MBA)	A4	20.50	20.50	CAT	90+

 

The institutes listed include IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Indore, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Tiruchirappalli, Rohtak, Ranchi, and Udaipur, with classifications ranging from A1 (CDC) to A4. This table provides a comprehensive overview of the top IIMs in India based on their academic reputation, cost, and admission requirements.

Read More: Top B schools in India | CAT exam cutoff for IIMs and other top MBA colleges

 

Which are the Top 7 IIMs In India?

Here is a list of the top IIMs in India along with the details of their fee and average packages:

 

 

Top IIMs in India with Average Salary, Total Fees, and Qualification Exam

Here is a table with top 10 IIMs in India:

Institute Name	Tests Accepted	Final Placement (Avg, in LPA) (Not Displayed)	Fees (Total, in Lac)
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad	CAT	34.45	26.5
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore	CAT	35.92	26
Indian Institute of Management Calcutta	CAT	35.07	31
Indian Institute of Management Indore	CAT	25.68	21.17
Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode	CAT	28.05	23.5
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow	CAT	30	20.75
Indian Institute of Management Ranchi	CAT	19.24	19.23
Indian Institute of Management Rohtak	CAT	18.73	17.9
Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli	CAT	19.43	19.5
Indian Institute of Management Udaipur	CAT	18.8	20.43

 

 

Top IIMs In India As Per NIRF Ranking 2025

The MHRD NIRF introduces their yearly rankings for IIMs in India. IIM A, B, and K are the top 3 IIMs in India among the top management institutions in India.

NIRF Rank	IIM	Location	Score
1	Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad	Ahmedabad	83.29
2	Indian Institute of Management Bangalore	Bengaluru	81.56
3	Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode	Kozhikode	79.85
4	Indian Institute of Technology Delhi	New Delhi	78.94
5	Indian Institute of Management Lucknow	Lucknow	77.97
6	Indian Institute of Management, Mumbai	Mumbai	77.58
7	Indian Institute of Management Calcutta	Kolkata	77.34
8	Indian Institute of Management Indore	Indore	75.68

 

 

What’s the Admission Process for IIMs? 

The admission process for the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) follows a procedure with several stages:

1. Participate in CAT: The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted by IIMs yearly on a rotational basis. Majority of B-schools in India accept the CAT scores for the selection procedure. 
2. Shortlisting GD-PI: If the candidates are shortlisted based on CAT scores, they will be required to appear for more entrance tests (if required in a particular IIM) and Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI).
3. Final Selection: Each IIM announces a merit list based on a composite scores of CAT results, WAT/GD-PI performance, academic background, job experience. Those who successfully complete all phases are invited to apply for admission to the IIMs MBA program or other management courses.

It’s crucial to remember that certain IIMs and their program may have slightly varying admissions procedures and requirements.

 

IIM Admission and Selection Process

The first stage in IIM admission is your CAT score which gets your foot in the door. Next, is the shortlisting process based on your academic. Following is the Written Ability Test and Personal Interview.

Stage 1 – The CAT Exam

Everything begins with the MBA entrance test i.e. CAT. Additionally, different IIMs have different cutoff requirements. Also, the sectional cutoffs in CAT exam comes into play as IIMs use a dual cutoff system. For instance, a candidate’s 99.5 percentile in overall CAT exam won’t suffice if their score in Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension is only 60 percentile. Each IIM sets minimum percentile requirements for all three sections: VARC, DILR, & Quant.

 

Stage 2 – The Shortlisting Process

Clearing the CAT exam is just the beginning. Now comes the composite scoring system based on the entire academic journey.

Academic Performance (30-40% weightage)

• Class 10th marks

• Class 12th marks

• Graduation percentage/CGPA

Work Experience (10-20% weightage)
Additional points for relevant work experience:

• 0-12 months: Minimal/no points

• 12-36 months: Maximum points

• 36+ months: Points may start decreasing (they prefer fresh perspectives)

Diversity Factors

• Gender Diversity: Female candidates often get additional points to improve gender ratio in classrooms

• Academic Diversity: Engineers dominate CAT, so candidates from commerce, science, or arts backgrounds may receive preference

• Professional Diversity: Varied work backgrounds are valued over multiple IT professionals

 

The Composite Score Formula

While each IIM has its own formula, here’s a typical breakdown:

• CAT Score: 40-50%

• Class 10th: 10-15%

• Class 12th: 10-15%

• Graduation: 10-15%

• Work Experience: 5-10%

• Diversity Factors: 5-10%

Stage 3 – Written Ability Test (WAT)

Once shortlisted, most IIMs conduct a Written Ability Test where you’re given 20-30 minutes to write a structured essay on a given topic. Such topics varies from Abstract, Current Affairs, history, to Business/Economy, and Social Issues.

 

Stage 4 – Personal Interview (PI)

This is where your CAT score matters the least and your personality matters the most. The PI typically carries 30-40% weightage in the final selection. The interview panel consists of 2-3 panelists, including a senior faculty member (often a professor of management), an industry expert or alumnus, and sometimes a subject matter expert in psychology or HR

 

Stage 5 – Final Selection – The Composite Score

After WAT-PI, IIMs calculate a final composite score typically distributed as:

• CAT Score: 25-30%

• Academic Record: 15-20%

• WAT Performance: 10-15%

• PI Performance: 30-40%

• Work Experience & Diversity: 5-10%

Based on this composite score, IIMs prepare category-wise final merit lists. Seat allocation happens through multiple rounds until all seats are filled.

 

Top IIMs in India: Specialization Course

 

Programs and Course Offered by IIMs in India

The IIMs offer postgraduate, doctoral and executive education programs, such as:

• 2 years MBA/PGP: It is the flagship program across all IIMs, and is equivalent of regular MBA programs.
• EPGP: Almost all IIMs offer the Executive Post Graduate Program specifically for mid level professionals with 5-12 years of work experience.
  
• IPM: Integrated Program in Management or IPM is the five-year course after 12. The IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, IIM Ranchi, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Amritsar, and IIM Jammu offer it.
• PGPX: It’s one-year post-graduate diploma for graduates with work experience.
• FPM: It’s a Fellow Program in Management or a doctoral program equivalent to a PhD globally.
• Certificate Executive Programs: Most IIMs offer short-duration executive education/EMBA courses and part-time programs.

 

Why Choose an IIM?

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are known for being the top places to study business in India. They offer advanced classes, modern courses, experienced faculty, and a large network of former students. This ensures that students have great chances for their future.

Having a degree from an IIM can really help you in getting good job opportunities in many different fields.

IIMs offer many types of degrees in management, like an MBA (Master in Business Administration), PGDM (Postgraduate Diploma in Management), MMS (Master in Management Studies), and PGPEX (Post Graduate Programme for Executives). If you want to get into an IIM, you have to pass an examination known as the Common Admission Test (CAT).

 

Top IIMs In India: How to Select the Best IIM for Your MBA?

The IIMs are renowned for their excellent management courses. Each IIM campus provides a unique blend of experiential learning and leadership development. Getting a seat in the right IIM for your MBA journey can be overwhelming because of the tough competition among the candidates, and IIMs select only the best talent.

1. Rankings and Reputation 

Remember that the rankings of Top IIM Colleges In India, such as IIMs, reflect the quality of education, faculty, infrastructure, and placements at each institution. Keep in mind that the best IIM for you depends on your career goals and interests. Rankings can change, so research carefully and consider an institute’s overall reputation.

2. Location

It is important to consider the location of an IIM, as it can significantly influence your experience. Some IIMs are in busy cities, while others are in smaller communities. When choosing an IIM, think about how the location fits your lifestyle, its proximity to your interests, and the chance to experience different cultures.

3. Diverse Specializations

If you are sure about what you want to study, look for IIMs that have good programs in that field. For an MBA in Finance, consider IIM Ahmedabad, which is known for its strong reputation in finance-related education.

4. Faculty and Curriculum 

The teaching expertise and the creativity of the curriculum are crucial for your exam preparation. An experienced faculty with practical industry knowledge can offer real-world insights. A dynamic curriculum that reflects current industry trends is also important for equipping you with relevant and forward-thinking skills.

5. Placements Opportunities

Earning a degree can significantly improve job prospects. It’s important to research the placement records of various IIMs to identify which ones consistently have strong placements in your chosen industry. The institute’s corporate connections play a crucial role in ensuring quality placements. In this article, we have mentioned the average package offered by the top IIMs in India.

6. Campus Infrastructure

Remember that having a good learning environment can make a difference in your academic career. Consider things like the buildings, libraries, technology, and activities at the IIM campus. A well-equipped campus can really help you develop and learn better.

7. Alumni Network: A Lifelong Resource

Keeping in touch with former students can be very helpful. Alumni networks provide mentorship, connections, and career advice. If an institution has a large alumni network, it can connect you with people from many different industries and give you valuable perspectives on the business world.

Read More: Top Tier 2 MBA Colleges in India | CAT Syllabus

 

 

Top IIM Colleges: Final Words

Choosing the right Indian Institute of Management (IIM) for your MBA can significantly impact your career goals and personal growth. With each IIM offering unique strengths in various specializations, faculty expertise, location advantages, and placement opportunities, aligning your choice with your career goals, learning preferences, and lifestyle aspirations is important. 

The prestigious IIMs not only help students with advanced management skills but also provide a platform for networking with industry leaders and peers, opening doors to several opportunities in the corporate world. As you are ready to join the IIMs and embark on the decision-making journey to decide which one is best for you, consider the comprehensive insights and data provided about the top IIMs in India. 

Remember, the best choice is one that aligns with your personal and professional aspirations. Pursuing an MBA from an IIM can be a transformative experience, setting the stage for a successful and fulfilling career in management.

 

FAQs on the Best IIMs In India

 

Which IIM gives the highest package?

IIM Ahmedabad has a legacy of offering the highest package. The recent IIM Ahmedabad placement report shows the top offer of Rs. 1.46 crore per annum. Other IIMs, like Bangalore and Calcutta also report the average salaries of about Rs. 1.45 crore and Rs. 1.15 crore.

 

Which is the most expensive IIM in India?

The IIM Calcutta tops the list of most expensive IIMs in India. The fee structure for its flagship MBA program has a total cost of being around ₹31 lakhs for the two-year program. While other IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad charges about Rs. 26 lakhs.

Read more: IIM Fee Structure

 

Which is the cheapest IIM?

The IIMs in Rohtak, Ranchi, and Sambalpur are among the affordable IIMs in India. They have the lowest fees which is in the range of approximately Rs. 19 to Rs. 20 lakhs, based on the latest fee structure. Other IIMs like Amritsar and Sirmaur also come in the list of the IIMs with low fees as they charge an average of about Rs. 17.5 lakhs.

 

Which IIM gives 100% placement in India?

IIM A, IIM B, and IIM C have a proven track record of providing 100% placement records every year. These IIMs highlight their high placement rates and average salaries, through yearly placement reports on their websites.

Read more: IIM A placement report  |  IIM B placement report  |  IIM C placement report

 

What’s the total timeline of IIM admission and selection?

The timeline for admission and selection to the IIMs in India begins from the CAT exam in November month each year. The next is announcement of CAT results in January along with the shortlist announcements. Following is the WAT and PI rounds in from February to April. The IIMs announce their composite scores and final results along with the offer letters to the candidates. Finally the batches begin from June onwards.