Jagpreet
05 March, 2024
Table of Contents
Are you looking for an MBA course? The first step towards your MBA journey is selecting the institute. This is the foremost part of your journey. While considering an institute for an MBA you must look at its accreditation, rank, course, fees, resources, and placement. This blog has covered the most essential parts that would make your selection journey easier. Let’s take a look at the top MBA institutes in India.
Before stepping into the top institutes, let’s understand how to find which institute is the best for you. Here are some steps you can follow to find which institute works for you:
Do your research before enrolling in institutes. Begin the research early and take at least 6 months before applying to the institutes and universities. Explore each institute’s coursework, fees, eligibility, specialisation, projects, internships and placement. Also, take into consideration factors like accreditation, faculty expertise, infrastructure, and industry connections.
The institute’s rank is an important factor to take into account as ranks are distributed based on their coursework, resources, student review and placement rates. You can refer to reputable rankings such as NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework), Business Today, Times, and Outlook to gauge the overall reputation and standing of the institutes.
Pick your specialisation and write down what your interests are. It is always better to have 2-3 options of specialisation open for you while picking the best institute. Whether it’s finance, marketing, operations, or entrepreneurship, choose an institute that offers your favourite specialisation.
Outline a budget. While selecting which MBA institute you would want to apply to, keep your budget in mind while clicking through. Consider the fee structure of each institute and then decide. Most of the universities have scholarship options that you can apply for if the university’s fees are not in your budget. Do not jump to apply for universities with higher fees than your budget.
Look into the alumni network of the institutes, as it can provide you with valuable insights into post-MBA career prospects and industry connections. These alumni connections are also a great start for you to network with and kick-start your career.
You can go through the placement records of the university. A high placement percentage of an institute reflects a greater chance to get placed after you complete your MBA. Assess the placement records of the institutes, including average salary packages, recruiter profiles, and placement percentages, to gauge the employment opportunities available.
Consider if you would want to relocate or not. Take into account the location of the institute and its proximity to major business hubs, as it can influence networking opportunities and industry exposure. Consider which location is more feasible for you.
To define your MBA journey, it’s important to note the NIRF ranking of the institute. Let’s take a look at the top institutes for MBA in the country and their NIRF rank.
| Sl# | Institute | NIRF ’23 | Fees (in Lakhs) |
| 1 | IIM Ahmedabad | 1 | ₹ 25.00 |
| 2 | IIM Bangalore | 2 | ₹ 24.50 |
| 3 | IIM Kozhikode | 3 | ₹ 20.50 |
| 4 | IIM Calcutta | 4 | ₹ 30 |
| 5 | Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi | 5 | ₹ 11.20 |
| 6 | IIM Lucknow | 6 | ₹ 12.60 |
| 7 | IIM Indore | 8 | ₹ 17 to 35 |
| 8 | XLRI Xavier School of Management | 9 | ₹ 13.7 to 23.15 |
| 9 | IIM Raipur | 11 | ₹ 16.28 |
Table 01: Shows Top Institutes in India for MBA & NIRF Rank
Let’s take a closer look at the top institute’s details including fees, eligibility, course, specifications etc.
IIM Ahmedabad, which secured the top spot in the NIRF ’23 ranking, stands as one of India’s best management institutes since its inception in 1961. It provides a range of programs including PGP, PGP-FABM, ePGP, and ePGP-ABM. The common eligibility includes a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PWD/DA category) in graduation. If you are someone who is in the final year of a master’s or bachelor’s then you can apply as well. The institute offers specialisations in Finance, Marketing, Operations, HR, and Strategy, charging a fee of about ₹24.00 Lakhs. With an excellent placement record, IIM Ahmedabad sees top recruiters offering lucrative job opportunities across industries.
IIM Bangalore secured the second position in the NIRF ’23 ranking and is popular around the globe for its courses in different coursework including MBA. The Institute’s management education was established in 1973. It offers programs such as PGP, PGPPM, PGPEM, and EPGP. The common eligibility criteria is a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks and a minimum of 4 years of work experience after graduation. The specialisations including Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Strategy are available, with fees amounting to ₹24.50 Lakhs. The institute has a high rate of placement, which will help your future career.
The IIM Kozhikode has the third position in the NIRF ’23 ranking, IIM Kozhikode was established in 1996, and it is known for its innovative pedagogy and industry collaborations. It offers programs like PGP, EPGP, FPM, and EFPM. The common eligibility criteria include a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum 50% aggregate mark or equivalent CGPA. The IIM Kozhikode includes a wide range of specialisations for MBA including Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Strategy, with total fees of ₹20.50 Lakhs. IIM Kozhikode has great networking and placement opportunities.
IIM Calcutta, one of the oldest IIMs established in 1961, ranks fourth in the NIRF ’23 ranking. IIM Calcutta is known for its academic excellence and research-driven approach to the MBA program, it also offers programs like PGP, MBAEx, PGPEX-VLM, and FPM. The common eligibility criteria require a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a minimum of 5 years of full-time post-qualification managerial/professional experience. Specialisations in Finance, Marketing, Operations, HR, and Strategy are offered. The institute has a robust placement cell facilitating placements with top recruiters.
The Department of Management Studies (DMS), IIT Delhi, secures the fifth position in the NIRF ’23 ranking. It offers MBA and MBA-Telecom programs known for academic rigour and industry interface. The common eligibility for you to apply is a four-year graduation with a 60% aggregate in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Pharmacy or a minimum 60% aggregate or 6.0 CGPA in PCM subjects. Specialisations offered include General Management, Finance, and Marketing, with fees amounting to ₹11.20 Lakhs. The department boasts a dedicated placement cell facilitating placements with top companies.
Ranked sixth in the NIRF ’23 ranking, IIM Lucknow, established in 1984, is known for its academic excellence and research-oriented approach. It offers programs like PGP, IPMX, and FPM. The eligibility requirement is a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate or equivalent CGPA in the qualifying degree. Specialisations include Marketing, Finance, Operations, and HR, with fees of ₹12.60 Lakhs. The institute has a strong placement record with lucrative salary packages.
IIM Indore secures eighth position in the NIRF ’23 ranking. The institute is known for its academic progress and emphasises entrepreneurship. It offers several programmes such as PGP, IPM, EPGP, and FPM. The common eligibility for you to apply requires a pass in any UG degree or completion of a professional degree with a minimum 50% aggregate. Specialisations include Marketing, Finance, Operations, Strategy, and HR. The institute witnesses high placement figures annually.
XLRI Xavier School of Management, established in 1949, secured the ninth position in the NIRF ’23 ranking. Renowned for its academic excellence and ethical values, XLRI offers programs like PGDM, PGDHRM, and Executive FPM. Eligibility requires a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3 years duration. Specialisations include Human Resource Management, Business Management, General Management, and Business Analytics. Fees amount to ₹28.60 Lakhs, with a stellar placement record.
IIM Raipur, established in 2010, secured the eleventh position in the NIRF ’23 ranking. It offers programs and courses like PGP, IPM, EFPM, and FPM. The eligibility criteria require graduation with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. The programmes that IIM Raipur offers for an MBA degree are Marketing, Finance, Operations, HR, and Strategy. The institute consistently achieves impressive placement records with leading recruiters offering diverse roles and competitive packages.
Every institute provides different specialisations around the country. It depends on which specialisation would work best for you. Pick based on your interest, and career goal. Here is the table of various specialisations each institute provides.
| Sl# | Institute | Specialisations Offered |
| 1 | IIM Ahmedabad | Finance, Marketing, Operations, HR, Strategy |
| 2 | IIM Bangalore | Marketing, Finance, Operations, Strategy |
| 3 | IIM Kozhikode | Marketing, Finance, Operations, Strategy |
| 4 | IIM Calcutta | Finance, Marketing, Operations, HR, Strategy |
| 5 | Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi | General Management, Finance, Marketing |
| 6 | IIM Lucknow | Marketing, Finance, Operations, HR |
| 7 | IIM Indore | Marketing, Finance, Operations, Strategy, HR |
| 8 | XLRI Xavier School of Management | Human Resource Management, Business Management, General Management, Business Analytics |
| 9 | IIM Raipur | Marketing, Finance, Operations, HR, Strategy |
Table 02: Shows the top institutes and the specialisations they provide.
When you apply for an MBA, there are certain eligibility criteria set by different institutes. Each institute may have different requirements for you to get admission. Let’s glance at the eligibility criteria for universities for an MBA 2024.
The minimum eligibility to apply for an MBA in IIM Ahmedabad is a graduation with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PWD/DA categories). You can also apply while appearing for the final year of the bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification exam or awaiting their results are also eligible to apply.
IIM Banglore has different eligibility criteria which include a bachelor’s degree (minimum 50%) in any discipline as per the 10+2+3 norms. You are required to have a minimum of 4 years of work experience in any industry after the Bachelor’s degree. The selection process includes submission of application with the CAT/GRE/GMAT/IIMB Test, followed by personal interview and written ability test for shortlisted candidates. The final selection is based on prior academic performance, duration of work experience, quality of work experience, and performance in the interview and the Writing Ability Test.
Before applying to IIM Kozhikode, you must fulfil its eligibility which includes a Bachelor’s Degree (as per the latest UGC Norms) with a minimum 60% aggregate mark or equivalent CGPA. Candidates with CA/CMA(ICWA)/CS must secure a 50% aggregate in CA/CMA(ICWA)/CS and those who have 50% aggregate in CA/CMA(ICWA)/CS with a graduation degree, must secure a 60% in graduation.
To apply or enrol in IIM Calcutta, you must have a minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree (minimum 10+2+3 years of formal education) or equivalent in any discipline. You should have at least 5 years of full-time post-qualification managerial/professional experience as of March 31, 2024. Lastly, a valid GMAT Score (taken within the last 36 months of the application date).
To apply to the Department of Management Studies at IIT Delhi, you should either be a four-year graduate with a 60% aggregate in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Pharmacy or a graduate with a minimum 60% aggregate or 6.0 CGPA in any branch of PCM subjects (55% aggregate or 5 CGPA for SC/ST/PwD category).
IIM Lucknow MBA requirement is to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline and a valid CAT score.
IIM Indore’s minimum eligibility for an MBA is to pass any UG degree or completed a professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA/FIAI) with at least 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) is required to apply for PGP course.
The minimum requirement to apply at XLRI Xavier School of Management for an MBA is that you should have a recognised Bachelor’s degree of a minimum 3 years duration. If you have qualifications from premier B-Schools you will be given preference. You can also apply while you have a full-time job.
IIM Raipur requires a graduation degree with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PWD/DA category). You can apply if you are appearing for the final year of the bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification exam or awaiting your results.
Yay! You made it to the end. This shows that you are eager to apply to the top institutes in India for an MBA. While you are set up to apply, remember to read the common eligibility criteria for each university. Make sure that you take steps accordingly which is to research the college, the course, different specialisations, and resources that each institute provides for an MBA. It is important to have a budget however you can always apply for a scholarship according to your budget. Whether it’s the prestigious IIMs, renowned institutes like XLRI, or esteemed departments of management at IITs, each institution offers a unique blend of academic excellence, industry exposure, and networking opportunities for you to explore. These institutes will keep you ready for the upcoming job market and make sure you excel. Remember to understand your interests, budget, and career goals. Get set to becoming the next top leader of the country.
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