Top MBA Colleges in South India: State-Wise Colleges, Top Rankings, Fees, & Placements
South India hosts more top-tier business schools than any other region in India. The IIM Bangalore, IIM Kozhikode, ISB Hyderabad, IIM Tiruchirappalli, IIM Mumbai, LIMB, GLIM, etc. are among the top MBA colleges in South India. IIM Bangalore is consistently ranked in top 3 nationally, and ISB Hyderabad is the only Indian B-school in Asia’s top 5.
Just saying “South India has great colleges” isn’t helpful. What you need to know is: Which MBA college is right for you? Which college offers the best ROI for your career goals? And which one will actually get you hired by top companies?
Key Takeaways About the Top MBA Colleges in South India
- Total 550+ management colleges in South India.
- 10 Colleges in the top 25 MBA Colleges in India are from South India.
- 200+ MBA Colleges in Karnataka (including 4 IIMs)
- 150+ in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh combined
- 100+ Management colleges in Kerala
- Average placement packages: ₹20-36 LPA
- Industry partnerships: Tech companies, consulting firms, and FMCG companies are based in Southern India.
This blog answers those questions by breaking down every major MBA college in South India, across all 6 states (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Mumbai)
Top MBA Colleges in South India – Choose Your College By Investment & Placement
Here is a list of top MBA colleges South India with their total fees and average placements:
| College | Fees in Lakhs | Average Placement in Lakhs |
| IIM Bangalore | 26 | 35.92 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 23.5 | 28.05 |
| ISB Hyderabad | 39.51 | 34.21 |
| SPJIMR | 22.5 | 33 |
| IIM Trichy | 19.5 | 19.43 |
| IIM Mumbai | 21 | 33.84 |
| Department of Management Studies, IIT – Madras | 13.55 | 16.93 |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai (GLIM) | 20.8 | 15.1 |
| Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA), Chennai | 19.29 | 11.00 |
| NIT Surathkal | 4.6 to 5.6 | 16.00 |
| Christ University, Bangalore | 9.96 | 7.9 |
| XIME-Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship, Bengaluru | 14.87 | 10.7 |
| NMIMS, Bengaluru | 22 to 26 | 14.12 |
| NIT Calicut | 4.8 | 9.63 |
| Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai | 25 | 25.13 |
| K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai | 22.32 | 12 |
| Goa Institute of Management | 20.4 | 14.81 |
| SIBM, Bengaluru | 22 | 14.47 |
| ICFAI Business School, Hyderabad | 9.09 | 8.03 |
| TISS Mumbai | 2.07 | 26.31 |
Top MBA Colleges in South India: Karnataka MBA Colleges
| College | Fees in Lakhs | Average Placement in Lakhs |
| IIM Bangalore | 26 | 35.92 |
| NMIMS, Bengaluru | 22 to 26 | 14.12 |
| SIBM, Bengaluru | 22 | 14.47 |
| NIT Surathkal | 4.6 to 5.6 | 16.00 |
| Christ University, Bangalore | 9.96 | 7.9 |
| XIME-Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship, Bengaluru | 14.87 | 10.7 |
| TAPMI-T A Pai Management Institute, Manipal | 17.00 | 13.80 |
| MSRIM- M S Ramaiah Institute of Management, Bengaluru | 10.00 | 6.50 |
| SDMIMD Mysore | 12.7 | 10 |
Top MBA Colleges in South India: Andhra Pradesh & Telangana MBA Colleges
| Institute Name | Fees (In Lakhs) | Placement (Avg. in LPA) |
| ISB, Hyderabad | 39.51 | 34.21 |
| NMIMS, Hyderabad | 19.54 | 12.65 |
| Symbiosis Institute of Business Management | 17.47 | 9.10 |
| Indian Institute of Management, Visakhapatnam | 19 | 15.61 |
| International Management Institute | 15.03 | 12.30 |
| National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad | 9.00 | 12.38 |
| ICFAI Business School – IBS | 9.09 | 7.89 |
| GITAM School of Business, Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) |
12.00 | 12-15 |
| ISBR Business School | 10.11 | 8.01 |
| Mahindra University – School of Management, Hyderabad | 22.2 | 8.6 |
Top MBA Colleges in South India: Kerala MBA Colleges
The list of the top MBA colleges in Kerala:
| Institute Name | Fees (In Lakhs) | Placement (Avg. in LPA) |
| IIM-K | 23.5 | 28.05 |
| NIT, Calicut | 4.8 | 9.63 |
| Cochin University of Science and Technology |
1.15 | 6 to 7.5 |
| University of Calicut | 1.00-1.20 | – |
| Saintgits Institute of Management, Kottayam | 4.00 | 4.50 |
Best MBA Colleges in South India: Tamil Nadu MBA Colleges
The list of the best MBA colleges in Tamil Nadu:
| Institute Name | Fees (In Lakhs) | Placement (Avg. in LPA) |
| IIM-Tiruchirappalli | 19.5 | 19.43 |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai | 22.65 | 17.3 |
| Department of Management Studies, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras | 13.55 | 16.93 |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai (GLIM) – PGDM | 20.8 | 15.1 |
| International Management Institute | 22.25 | 16.71 |
| Loyola Institute of Business Administration | 19.29 | 11.21 |
| Bharathidasan Institute of Management, Trichy | 16.3 | 11.8 |
| IFMR Chennai – MBA | 19.06 | 13.04 |
| DMS – NIT Trichy | 3.17 | 7.9 |
Also read, Best MBA Colleges in Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Top Tier MBA Colleges in South India: MBA Colleges in Maharashtra & Goa
The inclusive list of the best MBA colleges in Maharashtra and Goa:
| Institute Name | Fees (In Lakhs) | Placement (Avg. in LPA) |
| SPJIMR | 22.5 | 33 |
| IIM-M | 21 | 33.84 |
| Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay | 15.15 | 28.01 |
| Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies | 6 | 26.12 |
| Tata Institute of Social Sciences | 8.49 | 24.6 |
| NMIMS | 25 | 25.13 |
| Symbiosis Institute of Business Management | 24.9 | 28.8 |
| Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development, Pune | 24.12 | 21.47 |
| Indian Institute of Management, Nagpur | 18.9 | 18.07 |
| Jio Institute | 9.75 | 19.34 |
| SDA Bocconi Asia Center, Mumbai | 20.75 | 15.01 |
| Sydenham Institute of Management Studies Research and Entrepreneurship Education, Mumbai | 4.38 | 15.19 |
| Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies | 34 | 15.9 |
| University Business School, Mumbai | 2.3 | 12.95 |
| SIOM – Nashik – MBA Operations | 18.44 | 14.7 |
| Goa Institute of Management | 20.4 | 15.6 |
| Symbiosis Institute of International Business, Pune | 20.92 | 13.5 |
| National Institute of Bank Management, Pune | 19.54 | 15.4 |
| Symbiosis Center for Information Technology, Pune | 16.79 | 11.58 |
| L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research | 16 | 13.17 |
| Goa Institute of Management | 20.4 | 15.4 |
| K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management | 22.32 | 12 |
| Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management | 17.25 | 12.24 |
| Praxis Business School – PGP DS | 6.05 | 13.5 |
| SIDTM Pune – MBA DTM | 17.03 | 13.08 |
| Symbiosis Center for Information Technology | 16.79 | 11.16 |
| L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research, Mumbai | 16 | 13.17 |
| GIM – PGDM IDA, Goa | 20.4 | 14.1 |
| WE School – Mumbai – PGDM E-Business | 14 | 12.47 |
| WE School – Mumbai – PGDM Business Design | 14.17 | 13.2 |
| WE School – Mumbai – PGDM Retail Management | 14.13 | 12.41 |
| WE School – Mumbai – PGDM Healthcare Management | 14.87 | 12.6 |
| WE School – Mumbai – PGDM Rural Management | 14.2 | 12.69 |
| WE School – Mumbai – PGDM Media & Entertainment | 14 | 11.93 |
| SP Jain School of Global Management (Masters in Global Business) (MGB) | 33.13 | 19.85 |
| Institute of Management Technology, Nagpur (IMT-N) (PGDM) | 15.12 | 10.8 |
| National Insurance Academy, Pune | 14.5 | 12.74 |
| NL Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research (PGDM) | 14.7 | 10.28 |
| Department of Management Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University | 4.4 | 11.23 |
| SIMS Pune – MBA | 14.68 | 10.12 |
| Symbiosis school of banking and finance, Pune | 18.23 | 10.8 |
| FLAME University | 19.7 | 9.46 |
| Vivekanand Business School, Mumbai | 9.5 | 8.5 |
| Chetana’s R. K. Institute of Management and Research | 4.2 | 7 |
| K. J. Somaiya | 22.32 | 8.23 |
MBA Entrance Exams Accepted by MBA Colleges in South India
If someone wants to take admission to the MBA colleges in South India, they must clear the following entrance exams:
CAT Exam:
The Common Admission Test is the most important MBA entrance for admission. The IIMs conduct it on a rotating basis every year. The CAT exam has three sections that evaluate candidate’s reasoning analytical skills and writing abilities.
XAT Exam:
XLRI Delhi organizes this exam for its admission to the MBA program. Many other colleges also accent the XAT scores to admit the MBA aspirants. The XAT test includes sections of general knowledge, math, decision-making, verbal and logical ability and DI.
NMAT Exam:
The NMIMS Management Aptitude Test is known for admission to MBA programs at top colleges including NMIMS Mumbai and other NMAT-affiliated colleges. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) organizes the NMAT test annually. The three sections of the NMAT test are logical reasoning, quantitative skills and language skills.
GMAT Exam:
GMAT exam has global value and one can take admission to global MBA colleges through GMAT exam. GMAC conducts GMAT exam to assess analytical and critical thinking of the candidates. Now, the GMAT test is known as GMAT Focus Edition.
MAT Exam:
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is also a go-to option for MBA aspirants in South India to take admissions to the best MBA colleges. The All India Management Association (AIMA) conducts MAT exam on a national level.
SNAP Exam:
Symbiosis International University and its institutes in Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad etc., conducts an important entrance exams for MBA admissions which is Symbiosis National Aptitude (SNAP) Test. SIU conducts this test in three sessions on three different dates every year. One candidate can appear in all three tests and their highest scores will be considered for the admission.
MAH MBA CET:
MAH MBA CET exam occurs annually, mostly in March-April and will be conducted during the same time in 2026. The registration process and exam schedule will be out most likely in December.
TANCET Exam:
The TANCET is a state-level entrance test in Tamil Nadu. Anna University in Chennai conducts TANCET exam for admission to MBA colleges in Tamil Nadu. It has three sections; Quant, AR, English, and General Awareness.
KMAT Exam:
The Karnataka Management Aptitude Test or KMAT is a state-level MBA entrance test for admission to the MBA colleges in Karnataka. The test includes Quant, LR, and VARC sections.
Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams
Top 10 MBA Colleges in South India
The top 10 MBA colleges from south India offers leads the management education with an ecosystem of the tech hub, manufacturing units, & academic hub.
1. IIM Bangalore
- Program: 2-year PGDM
- Fees: ₹26 Lakhs (2 years)
- Entrance Exam: CAT (85+ percentile)
- Average CTC: ₹35.92 LPA
- Highest CTC: ₹70 LPA
- Placement Rate: 100%
- Key Recruiting Companies: Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, Deloitte
- Notable Programs: Strategic Leadership Program, Technology Management, Consulting tracks
Why IIM Bangalore Stands Out:
- Consistently ranked #2 by NIRF among Indian B-schools
- Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, ACBSP)
- Alumni network in tech and finance across globe
- Average domestic placement package: ₹29.57 LPA (2023-25 batch)
- 35%+ go into consulting (BCG, McKinsey, Deloitte)
- Bangalore location = proximity to tech companies offering premium packages
2. ISB Hyderabad (Indian School of Business)
- Program: 1-year PGPX (Post-Graduate Program)
- Fees: ₹18.50 Lakhs (1 year)
- Entrance Exam: CAT/GMAT (85+ percentile equivalent)
- Average CTC: ₹35-50 LPA (1-year program, experienced professionals)
- Highest CTC: ₹80+ LPA
- Placement Rate: 99%+
- Key Recruiting Companies: Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, Google, Accenture, JP Morgan
- Target Candidate: 5+ years work experience (average: 8 years)
Why ISB Is Unique:
- Only 1-year program (vs 2-year at others)
- Targets experienced professionals (not fresh graduates)
- Asia’s top 5 B-school (Times Higher Education)
- Highest average starting salary among Indian B-schools
- 95% international placements possible
- Bangalore/Hyderabad tech ecosystem advantage
3. IIM Kozhikode
- Program: 2-year PGDM
- Fees: ₹10,00,000 – ₹16,00,000Entrance Exam CAT (85+ percentile)
- Average CTC: ₹22-25 LPA (strong increase from previous years)
- Highest CTC: ₹65+ LPA
- Placement Rate: 100%
- Key Recruiting Companies: Amazon, Google, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, Deloitte
Why IIM Kozhikode Punches Above Its Weight:
- NIRF Rank 3 (among Indian business schools)
- Growing international placements (USA, Europe)
- Strong in consulting (40%+ placements)
- Research-oriented curriculum
- Smaller batch size gives personalized attention
- Kerala’s literacy advantage is strong
4. IIM Trichy (Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirapalli)
- Program: 2-year PGDM
- Fees: ₹19.50 Lakhs
- Entrance Exam: CAT (85+ percentile)
- Average CTC: ₹19.43 LPA
- Placement Rate: 100%
- Key Recruiting Companies: TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Goldman Sachs, Boston Consulting Group
Why IIM Trichy Is Growing:
- New IIM (established 2011) but already achieving top-tier placements
- NIRF Rank 57 (Management category)
- Lower fees than IIM Bangalore but similar placement quality
- Strong in IT/Analytics and Consulting domains
- Manufacturing companies actively recruit (Trichy industrial belt)
5. IIT Madras – Postgraduate Program (DoMS – Department of Management Studies)
- Program 2-year MBA
- Fees ₹13.95 lakhs
- Entrance Exam: CAT (90+ percentile expected)
- Average CTC: ₹16.50 LPA
- Placement Rate: 100%
- Key Recruiting Companies: Microsoft, Amazon, Google, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs
- NIRF Rank: Top 15 (consistently)
Why DoMS IIT Madras Punches Above Its Weight:
- IIT brand recognition globally
- Research-focused curriculum (unique advantage)
- Strong tech background students
- Half the fees of premium private institutions
- Excellent finance and tech placements
- Alumnae network spans Fortune 500 companies
6. Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
- Program: 2-year PGDM
- Fees: ₹22.70 lakhs
- Entrance Exam: CAT, GMAT
- Average CTC: ₹17-21 LPA
- Placement Rate: 98%+
- Key Recruiting Companies: Accenture, Amazon, Flipkart, Hindustan Unilever, ITC
- Notable Alumni 15,000+ in India and abroad
Why Great Lakes Stands Out:
- NIRF Rank 37 (Management category)
- Transformation-focused curriculum
- Strong alumni network (15,000+)
- Industry partnerships with 500+ companies
- 4.3/5 Google rating (highest among South Indian colleges)
- Mix of placements: Consulting, Finance, IT, FMCG
7. LIBA, Chennai (Loyola Institute of Business Administration)
- Program: 2-year MBA
- Fees: ₹19.29 lakhs
- Entrance Exam: CAT, GMAT
- Average CTC: ₹12 LPA
- Placement Rate: 97%+
- Key Recruiting Companies: Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, CRISIL, ICICI Bank
- Focus Areas: Finance, Consulting, HR
Why LIBA Matters:
- Strong on faculty quality
- Finance sector specialization
- Personal mentoring approach
- Jesuit education philosophy (ethics-focused)
8. TAPMI Manipal (T.A. Pai Management Institute)
- Location: Manipal, near Udupi
- Program: 2-year PGDM
- Fees: ₹19.45 lakhs
- Entrance Exam: CAT, MAT, ATMA
- Average CTC: ₹12-15 LPA
- Placement Rate: 95%+
- Key Recruiting Companies: Amazon, Microsoft, Infosys, TCS, HUL
- Focus Areas: Entrepreneurship, Operations, Technology
Why TAPMI Stands Out:
- Manipal ecosystem advantage (multiple departments on campus)
- Strong on startup incubation
- Affordable coastal town location
- Good for operations and supply chain roles
9. SIBM Bangalore (Symbiosis Institute of Business Management)
- Program: 2-year MBA
- Fees: ₹20,50,000
- Entrance Exam: SNAP (80+ percentile), also accepts CAT
- Average CTC: ₹18-22 LPA
- Placement Rate: 98%+
- Key Recruiting Companies: HUL, ITC, Amazon, Flipkart, Deloitte
- Focus Areas: General Management, Consulting, Retail
Why SIBM Bangalore Matters:
- Better SNAP performance conversion than most colleges
- Bangalore location for tech/startup placements
- Symbiosis network across India provides alumni advantage
- Lower fees than IIM but competitive placements
- 25%+ students get offers >20 LPA
10. Christ University, Bangalore (IIMK Partner)
- Program: MBA (2 years)
- Fees: ₹9-10 lakhs
- Entrance Exam CAT, MAT, ATMA
- Average CTC: ₹7-9 LPA
- Placement Rate: 95%+
- Key Recruiting Companies: Accenture, TCS, Wipro, HCL, Cognizant
Why It’s Value for Money:
- Significantly lower fees than comparable colleges
- Strong IT/ITES placements
- Growing reputation in startup ecosystem
- Affordable Bangalore location access
How to Prepare for Entrance Exams of Top MBA Colleges in South India
Here are the best resources to prepare for the MBA entrance exam with study plans, tips, online MBA classes, offline classes, and CAT mock tests:
How to Prepare for Your Dream MBA College
Whether you’re aiming for IIM Bangalore’s ₹35.92 LPA packages, ISB’s global roles, IIT Madras DoMS’s exceptional ROI, or Great Lakes’ rapid career growth – your first step must be cracking the CAT exam.
IMS India’s CAT coaching has helped students crack CAT and secure admissions to IIMs and top MBA colleges across South India. The CAT coaching program includes live classes, section-wise mastery, and mock tests with detailed analysis.
Key parameters to Classify the Best MBA Colleges in India
IMS has made the list of top colleges for MBA in South India with the help of some key parameters. These parameters are fees, placement data, ROI, brand value of the institution, and mentor opinions.
- Placement Data – The average data for the final and summer placements is considered.
- ROI for the Students – The total cost of the degree, including hostel fees and the time taken to recover the invested amount. It’s the most crucial point for the students and parents before investing in education.
- Entrance Test Cutoffs – Cutoffs by MBA schools are the key representative of the result quality and the kind of students getting admissions.
- Brand and Legacy Value – This is about the external as well as the internal perception of the institute among the students and mentors.
- Mentor Opinions – The opinions of the past students, mentors, and expert reviews play a pivotal role in shaping the perceptions about the college.
FAQs – Questions Every MBA Aspirant Asks
Is IIM Bangalore really worth with high fees?
It’s worth it because IIM Bangalore has been securing top position in NIRF ranking of management schools in India. It offers average placement of ₹35+ LPA and the total investment of 40 lakhs breaks even in 2-3 years.
Should I choose IIM Trichy (85% CAT) or Great Lakes (75% CAT)?
Choose IIM Trichy, if you want IIM brand, consulting focus, and can afford ₹16L for fees. Choose Great Lakes, if you want faster growth in your sector, strong alumni network, and more affordable fees of ₹11.4 lakhs.
Is ISB Hyderabad worth it for experienced professionals?
Yes, if you have 5+ years experience and can afford ₹18.16 lakh for 1 year. It gives faster career acceleration in global roles. If you are aiming for ISB then look at the GMAT cutoffs for ISB admissions.
Can I do MBA from South India and get placed in North India/abroad?
Absolutely. IIM Bangalore, ISB Hyderabad, Great Lakes, and NIT Surathkal offers nationwide as well as international placements. The tier-1 colleges (IIMs, ISB) have global recruiters actively hiring.
Should I take CAT or GMAT for South Indian colleges?
CAT is better for IIMs (Bangalore, Trichy, Kozhikode), IIT Madras, Great Lakes as most South Indian colleges accept CAT only.
GMAT helps for ISB Hyderabad, LIBA Chennai, International placements, and US-based finance roles. CAT gives you more options in South India and GMAT offers international roles.
How important is location for MBA in South India (Bangalore vs Chennai vs Hyderabad vs Cochin)?
Different locations offer various advantage and disadvantage. Bangalore is abundant with tech hub, startups, consulting firms but has expensive living costs.
Chennai has Manufacturing, FMCG, IIT ecosystem but lesser startup ecosystem. Hyderabad also has tech companies, developing infrastructure with chances of international placements through ISB.
Cochin offers quality of life, education hub, top IIM Kozhikode but with smaller tech ecosystem in Kerala. Manipal in Mangalore offers multi-campus, coastal town vibes with less urban noise.
At the end, location matters more for internships (1st year), but less for final placements. Top colleges attract national/global companies regardless of location.
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