Best MBA Colleges in India: Fees, Admission, and Placement

Completing an MBA from a top-tier business school in India, such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, or IIM Calcutta, can significantly improve your career prospects due to high salaries, industry exposure, and networking opportunities. Furthermore, India has some of the best MBA colleges, including XLRI Jamshedpur. When applying for an MBA, keep in mind the college’s admission criteria, fees, placement records, and faculty reputation.

In this guide, we will look at the top MBA colleges in India, based on NIRF rankings, entrance exams, course fees, and placement records. This guide will assist you in making decisions about high-paying jobs after graduation or good investment returns.

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad: NIRF Ranking 1

Often regarded as one of the top MBA colleges in India, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) is a highly esteemed educational institution focused on business and management studies. Established in 1961, it has gained a reputation for excellence in teaching and research in the field of business. Located in Ahmedabad city, the institute has a campus of 102 acres that offers an inspiring environment for learning and personal growth. The institute teaches students how to become great leaders and entrepreneurs. 

Features of IIM Ahmedabad

• Entrance Examination: CAT Exam
• Cut-off Percentile: 

• Course Fees: INR 24.61 lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 32.79 LPA
• Highest Placement Package: INR 1.15 crores

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore: NIRF Ranking 2

The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore) is a public business school and Institute of National Importance located in Bangalore, India. It was founded in 1973 and is the third IIM to be established after IIM Calcutta and IIM Ahmedabad. IIM Bangalore is consistently ranked among the top MBA colleges in India and Asia. It occupies an area of 100 acres, and its state-of-the-art campus serves as a hub for innovative thinking and knowledge creation. Moreover, its strong industry ties, collaborations, and placement opportunities ensure that graduates are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to the corporate world.

Features of IIM Bangalore

• Entrance Examination: CAT/GMAT/GRE/GATE/NET/IIMB Test
• Cut-off Percentile: 

• Course Fees: INR 24.50 lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 33.80 LPA
• Highest Placement Package: INR 80 LPA

Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode: NIRF Ranking 3

The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) is one of India’s tier 1 MBA colleges. It is dedicated to offering top-quality management education to students. Located in the city of Kozhikode in the southern state of Kerala, IIM Kozhikode stands as a token of excellence in the field of business and management studies. 

The institute provides a platform for students to develop their leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills through its diverse academic programs. The institute is located on a sprawling campus of 112.5 acres. The campus is well-equipped with modern facilities, including classrooms, hostels, a library, a sports complex, and an auditorium.

Features of IIM Kozhikode

• Entrance Examination: CAT/GRE/GMAT
• Cut-off Percentile: 

• Course Fees: INR 12 lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 31.02 LPA
• Highest Placement Package: INR 67.02 LPA

Indian Institute of Management Calcutta: NIRF Ranking 4

The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) is a respected educational institution in India that focuses on providing excellent management education. Situated in the city of Kolkata in West Bengal, IIM Calcutta is a renowned hub for business and management studies. The institute offers a range of programs designed to help students enhance their leadership abilities, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills. With a team of experienced faculty members and modern facilities, IIM Calcutta must be included among the top 10 MBA colleges in India and play a vital role in shaping capable professionals and future leaders who contribute meaningfully to the business field.

Features of IIM Calcutta

• Entrance Examination:  CAT/GMAT
• Cut-off Percentile: 

• Course Fees: INR 27 lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 35.07 LPA
• Highest Placement Package: INR 1.15  crores

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi: NIRF Ranking 5

The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, a symbol of academic excellence and innovation, often referred to as IIT Delhi, is a prestigious educational institution in India. It’s a place where students from all over the country come to learn and excel in various fields of science, engineering, technology, and research. Students here not only gain knowledge from textbooks but also engage in practical experiments and innovative projects. It has a rich history of producing top-notch professionals and contributing to groundbreaking research.

Features of IIT Delhi

• Entrance Examination: CAT
• Cut-off Percentile: 

• Course Fees: INR 11.2 lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 25.82 LPA
• Highest Placement Package: INR 41.13 LPA

Indian Institute of Management Lucknow: NIRF Ranking 6

The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) is like a shining star in the world of education, especially for business and management. It’s located in the city of Lucknow, and being there feels like stepping into a place full of knowledge and new ideas. It is recognized as an “Institution of Excellence” by India’s Ministry of Human Resource Development. 

IIM Lucknow has a two-campus system, with its main campus located in Lucknow and a second campus in Noida. It is one of the top MBA colleges in India, with its campus spread over 100 acres of land and a student capacity of 850. 

Features of IIM Lucknow

• Entrance Examination: CAT/GMAT
• Cut-off Percentile: 

• Course Fees: 20.75 lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 32.23 LPA
• Highest Placement Package: INR 1 crore 

National Institute of Management, Mumbai: NIRF Ranking 7

The Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai), previously named the National Institute of Industrial Engineering, Mumbai (NITIE Mumbai), is one of the top MBA colleges in India that operates under the Ministry of Education in India, a constituent of the Indian government. Located in Powai, Mumbai, near Vihar Lake, the institution currently occupies the 7th position among business schools in India, as per the NIRF 2023 rankings.

Features of IIM Mumbai

• Entrance Examination: CAT/GMAT/XAT/NMAT
• Cut-off Percentile: 

• Course Fees: INR 14.5 lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 15–20 LPA
• Highest Placement Package: INR 50 LPA

Indian Institute of Management Indore: NIRF Ranking 8

The Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) is an autonomous public business school located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. It was established in 1996 and is one of the 20 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It is a place of higher learning that focuses on business management and related subjects. 

IIM Indore is known for providing top-quality education and training to individuals who aspire to become effective leaders and managers in the business world. The institute offers various programs, such as postgraduate and doctoral degrees that equip students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the field of management. 

Features of IIM Indore

• Entrance Examination: CAT
• Cut-off Percentile: 

• Course Fees: INR 21.17 lakh
• Average Placement Package: INR 30.21 LPA
• Highest Placement Package: INR 114 LPA

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XLRI-Xavier School of Management: NIRF Ranking 9

Founded in 1949 by a few Jesuit Fathers with a vision, XLRI is the oldest business school in India. It was created to make a positive impact on the economy and society. XLRI has always aimed to stand out as a different kind of management school. XLRI is known for providing high-quality education and training to individuals who want to become successful leaders and managers in the business world. XLRI is famous for its excellent teaching and experienced faculty, making it a popular choice for those who want to become experts in business and administration.

Features of XLRI

• Entrance Examination: CAT/GMAT/XAT
• Cut-off Percentile: 

• Course Fees: INR 24.5 lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 25.08 LPA
• Highest Placement Package: INR 50 LPA

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay): NIRF Ranking 10

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) is a highly regarded educational institution in India. Located in the heart of India, Mumbai, it attracts bright minds seeking academic excellence. With a wide range of subjects available, including engineering, technology, and the sciences, the institute offers a comprehensive education. IIT Bombay provides an MBA program within its on-campus institution, known as the Shailesh J Mehta School of Management (SJMSOM). This program offers four distinct specializations: finance, operations, human resources, and accounting.

Features of IIT Bombay

• Entrance Examination: CAT
• Cut-off Percentile:

• Course Fees: INR 8.67 lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 28.88 lakhs
• Highest Placement Package: INR 54 lakhs

Management Development Institute: NIRF Ranking 13

The Management Development Institute (MDI) is a private, non-profit, autonomous institute of management education in India. It was established in 1973 by the Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) and is located in Gurgaon, Haryana.

The mission of MDI is to “inculcate professionalism in management education and enhance the effectiveness of organizations through education, training and research.” The institute aims to produce graduates who are “knowledgeable, competent, and ethical leaders who can contribute to the development of the nation.”

Features of MDI

• Entrance Examination: CAT/GMAT
• Cut-off Percentile: 

• Course Fees: INR 24.17 lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 27.67 lakhs
• Highest Placement Package: INR 60 lakhs

Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune: NIRF Ranking 17

Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune (SIBM Pune) is among the top private MBA colleges in India, located in Pune, Maharashtra, India. It is a constituent of Symbiosis International (Deemed University). The institute promotes a holistic learning environment where students can develop not only their academic knowledge but also their practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork. The school helps students learn about business not just from books, but also by doing things that are similar to what they would do in real jobs. 

Features of Symbiosis Institute of Business Management 

• Entrance Examination: SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
• Cut-off Percentile:

• Course Fees: INR 11.36 lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 26.77 lakhs
• Highest Placement Package: INR 35.05 lakhs

S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research: NIRF Ranking 20

S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) is a well-known business school located in Mumbai, India. Established in 1981, it is one of the premier management institutes in India and is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the country. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, and the institute’s placement cell ensures that students have excellent job opportunities. SPJIMR is recognized for its strong connections with industries and its emphasis on ethical values and community involvement. 

Features of S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research

• Entrance Examination: CAT/GMAT
• Cut-off Percentile:

• Course Fees: INR 10–22.1 lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 18 lakhs
• Highest Placement Package: INR 45 lakhs

SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai: NIRF Ranking 21

The SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, located in Mumbai, is an esteemed educational institution known for its quality education and academic excellence. With a commitment to providing top-notch learning experiences, the institute offers a wide range of programs in management and related fields. Renowned for its curriculum, experienced faculty, and modern facilities, NMIMS Mumbai attracts students from various backgrounds who aspire to excel in their chosen fields of study. 

Features of Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies 

• Entrance Examination: NMAT (Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test)
• Cut-off Percentile: 

• Course Fees: INR 11.95 lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 17.5 lakhs
• Highest Placement Package: INR 40 lakhs

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi: NIRF Ranking 27

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), located in Delhi, is a prestigious educational institution dedicated to enhancing India’s engagement with the global economy. Established by the Government of India, IIFT focuses on imparting knowledge and skills in the fields of international business, trade, and policy. As one of the best MBA colleges in India, this institute offers a range of specialized courses and programs designed to equip students with a deep understanding of global markets, trade dynamics, and cross-border business strategies.

Features of IIFT

• Entrance Examination: CAT
• Cut-off Percentile: 

• Course Fees: INR 21.77 lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 29.1 lakhs
• Highest Placement Package: INR 46.9 lakhs

Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai: NIRF Ranking 31

The 32-acre green campus of Great Lakes in Chennai became the first campus in South Asia to receive the LEED Platinum rating. Additionally, it is renowned for being one of the most splendid educational campuses in the nation. Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, has received accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA), UK, which is one of the three primary global accreditation bodies in the field of business education. This recognition makes Great Lakes the seventh and youngest institute in India to achieve accreditation from this esteemed association. 

Features of Great Lakes Institute of Management 

• Entrance Examination: CAT, GMAT, XAT, IIFT
• Cut-off Percentile: 

• Course Fees: INR 26.5  lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 18.10 lakhs
• Highest Placement Package: INR 34 lakhs

International Management Institute: NIRF Ranking 34

IMI, New Delhi, known as IMI, is a respected private business school located in the capital city of India. In the realm of management education, it holds commendable positions, securing the 26th rank among management schools in India as per NIRF’s 2020 rankings and being listed as the 9th top private MBA institution by Outlook India in the same year. 

Beyond its educational endeavors, IMI, New Delhi, actively participates in two significant networks: the South Asian Network of Economic Research Institutes (SANEI) and the Global Development Network (GDN). These associations underline IMI’s commitment to fostering collaborations among institutions dedicated to economic and policy research.

Features of IMI 

• Entrance Examination:  CAT/XAT/MAT
• Cut-off Percentile: 

• Course Fees: INR 21.45 lakhs (self-sponsored), INR 33.45 lakhs (sponsored)
• Average Placement Package: INR 18.25 lakhs
• Highest Placement Package: INR 45 lakhs

MICA: NIRF Ranking 37

MICA, or the Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad, was founded in 1991. It’s a unique residential institute in the Asia-Pacific region that focuses on developing leaders in strategic marketing and communication. MICA operates independently as a non-profit organization and offers various academic programs, including four residential ones: Post Graduate Diploma in Management–Communications (PGDM-C), Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), Post Graduate Certificate Programme in Crafting Creative Communication (CCC), and Fellow Programme in Management–Communications (FPM-C). MICA stays updated with current trends and preferences, adapting to the ever-changing environment.

Features of MICA 

• Entrance Examination: CAT, GMAT, XAT, IIFT
• Cut-off Percentile: 

• Course Fees: INR 21 lakhs approx.
• Average Placement Package: INR 18.10 lakhs
• Highest Placement Package: INR 34 lakhs

Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad: NIRF Ranking 38

IMT Ghaziabad, which stands for Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad, is a private business school located in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. It’s known as IMT G for short. This school is well-regarded and is usually ranked among the best private business schools in India and the northern part of the country. 

IMT G is approved by AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) and provides various programs in business management, both for postgraduate students and executives. They also have options for distance learning and collaborative programs.

Features of IMT, Ghaziabad

• Entrance Examination: CAT/XAT/MICAT (MICA Aptitude Test)
• Cut-off Percentile: 

• Course Fees: INR 19.5 lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 20.09 lakhs
• Highest Placement Package: INR 57.51 lakhs

Fore School of Management: NIRF Ranking 63

The Foundation for Organizational Research and Education (FORE) is a non-profit organization established in 1981. It’s dedicated to improving education, research, training, and advice in the field of management. FORE collaborates with both businesses and educational institutions to create new ideas and education in management, contributing to the development of capable leaders in the global business world.

Situated in the central part of South Delhi, the FORE School of Management (FSM) provides practical learning that helps students grow into thoughtful professionals. These professionals will be ready to handle the challenges of future business leadership. The programs teach various skills, including making good decisions as managers, solving problems, thinking critically, communicating effectively, and being creative and innovative.

Features of Fore School of Management

• Entrance Examination:  CAT/XAT/GMAT
• Cut-off Percentile: 

• Course Fees: INR 17 lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 14.5 lakhs
• Highest Placement Package: INR 30 lakhs

Here is a table that compares the top 20 MBA colleges in India:

Conclusion

Choosing the best MBA college in India is an important step towards a career in management. Institutions such as IIMs, XLRIs, IITs, and MDI Gurgaon offer top-tier education, strong corporate connections, and even better placement opportunities. While IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore are at the top of the merit list, SPJIMR Mumbai, NMIMS, and Great Lakes Chennai are also well-known for offering excellent MBA opportunities.

While choosing an MBA program, you should look at the admission cutoffs, the fees, the faculty, and the placement statistics of the institution, among other factors. Proactively planning an MBA program can strategically place graduates into high-paying jobs in consulting, finance, and, marketing, among other top professions. Keeping up with the latest MBA rankings and admissions information is critical for getting into one of the top MBA colleges in India.