Top IIM Colleges in India: Rankings, Fees, Admission 2025
When it comes to business education, IIM colleges in India represent the pinnacle of academic excellence, leadership development, and career guidance. These prestigious institutions have made a name for themselves not only nationally but also globally for producing some of the brightest business minds in the world. Each year, lakhs of aspirants apply for just a few thousand seats just to get high packages, global exposure, and unparalleled industry connections.
However, with more than 20 IIMs across the country, selecting the right one requires a strategic and thoughtful approach. Each campus, from Ahmedabad to Bangalore, has unique strengths, culture, and career outcomes. Thus, to help you make the right choice, here we have made a list of the top IIM colleges in India based on their rankings, fees, highlights, admission breadth, and career outlook.
Indeed, each IIM colleges in india has its part in the larger picture of higher, specialised education. So let’s look further into the IIMs and what makes them the best B-schools, highly sought after.
Table Of Content
Top 10 IIMs in India – NIRF Ranking 2024
Top 10 IIMs of India: Highlights
What Makes IIM Colleges in India So Unique?
IIM Admission Process 2025: Step-by-Step Guide
Want to Get IIM Certified? Connect with Jaro Education Today
Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions
Top 10 IIMs in India – NIRF Ranking 2024
The Ministry of Education annually releases the NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework), which measures an institute’s ranking across all aspects of national emphasis, including quality of teaching, graduation outcomes, research, and peer perception. The following are the NIRF 2024 rankings for the best IIM colleges in India:
| Name | City | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | 1 |
| Indian Institute of Management Bangalore | Bangalore | 2 |
| Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode | Kozhikode | 3 |
| Indian Institute of Management Calcutta | Kolkata | 5 |
| Indian Institute of Management Mumbai | Mumbai | 6 |
| Indian Institute of Management Lucknow | Lucknow | 7 |
| Indian Institute of Management Indore | Indore | 8 |
| Indian Institute of Management Rohtak | Rohtak | 12 |
| Indian Institute of Management Raipur | Raipur | 14 |
| Indian Institute of Management Ranchi | Madras | 17 |
Top 10 IIMs of India: Highlights
Given below are details of the top 10 IIM colleges in india as ranked by the NIRF in the 2025 Management category:
1. Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA)
NIRF Rank: 1
Fees: ₹25-28 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹35-40 LPA
IIM Ahmedabad is considered the best IIM in India. Founded in 1961, IIMA is more than just a B-school; it has become an institution. Underpinned by a beautiful red-brick campus, IIMA alumni include leaders in the fields of business, politics and entrepreneurship.
The flagship PGP (Post Graduate Programme) involves case-study-based learning that simulates the real world. The Institute’s faculty includes leading researchers worldwide, industry experts, and visiting professors from abroad. Year after year, students from IIMA are recruited by firms such as Bain and McKinsey and international tech companies like Google and Amazon, and firms leap at the chance to recruit IIMA graduates from these top IIM colleges in india. And the good news is that IIM Ahmedabad also offers online courses in the management field. You can check out the courses by visiting Jaro Education’s website.
The Institute’s CAT cutoff is usually in the 99+ percentile range, and the admissions will involve a WAT (Written Ability Test), PI (Personal Interview) and holistic profile evaluation.
2. Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB)
NIRF Rank: 2
Fees: ₹24–26 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹32–35 LPA
Often regarded as the apple of the technology capital’s eye, IIM Bangalore serves as an Intellectual hub situated in a pleasant green environment. As one of the top IIM colleges in India, it is recognised for its academic thoroughness and inclusion of industry practice.
This one of the top IIM colleges in India is a favourite among consulting and finance firms and boasts good relationships with foreign universities. IIM Bangalore perhaps has one of the most diversified student populations, with engineers, CA toppers, designers, and even lawyers.
The proximity to India’s growing startup hub provides students with the opportunity to gain mobility in their entrepreneurial experience.
3. Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK)
NIRF Rank: 3
Fees: ₹21–23 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹31–34 LPA
Once underrated, IIM Kozhikode has climbed the prestige ladder in a decade to become a leader among the top IIM colleges in India. Its campus on the hill offers stunning views along with an overwhelmingly excellent academic experience. IIMK has a lot going for it, including student governance, a wide range of electives, and a robust international exchange program. Its placements are on par with those of more seasoned IIMs and are set to improve with consistent offers from global firms and unicorn startups. Admission is competitive, with a strong preference for academic standing and diverse work experience.
4. Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC)
NIRF Rank: 5
Fees: ₹24–26 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹35–37 LPA
IIM Calcutta is the oldest among all IIM colleges in India, established in 1961. Known as the “Finance Campus of India”, it is the go-to place for students aspiring to crack roles in investment banking, equity research, or global financial strategy.
Its scenic campus, with lakes and heritage buildings, adds charm to the academic environment. The IIMC alum network is one of the strongest, with representation in big companies worldwide. From analytics to leadership roles, IIM Calcutta sets benchmarks across verticals.
5. Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM-Mumbai)
NIRF Rank: 6
Fees: ₹20–22 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹28–30 LPA
Previously known as NITIE, IIM Mumbai is new to the IIM family, but it is not new to management excellence. Strategically located in India’s financial capital, it benefits significantly from its corporate connections.
IIM Mumbai – that comes under one of the IIM colleges in India, has a strong legacy in operations, supply chain management, and manufacturing strategy, but is quickly diversifying into general management, consulting, and product management roles.
As a new IIM college in India, it is quickly establishing a reputation for itself through high-profile recruitments and a strong return on investment (ROI).
6. Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML)
NIRF Rank: 7
Fees: ₹23–25 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹28–32 LPA
IIM Lucknow has consistently maintained its position among the top IIM colleges in India, thanks to its legacy, leadership programs, and social outreach initiatives.
IIML also serves as the mentor for newer IIMs, such as IIM Jammu and IIM Kashipur, proving its academic and administrative strength.
The institute offers excellent placements across consulting, marketing, and product management profiles. The atmosphere on campus blends academic intensity with a vibrant cultural scene.
7. Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIMI)
NIRF Rank: 8
Fees: ₹21–23 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹25–28 LPA
The Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) at IIM Indore is their flagship, and it is known for allowing students to join the program directly after completing Class 12. Along with their flagship PGP, this has helped the institution establish itself as another “brand” among IIMs.
These IIM colleges in India, promote a hybrid view between old and new, as shown by the global immersion programs, leadership workshops, and overall placement statistics (especially in consulting, analytics, and FMCG sectors).
The campus is modern (or contemporary), self-contained, and built for the future of learning and education, located on the outskirts of Indore.
8. Indian Institute of Management Rohtak (IIM Rohtak)
NIRF Rank: 12
Fees: ₹17–19 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹18–21 LPA
IIM Rohtak is one of the leading new-generation IIM colleges in India, and it’s known for its agility in introducing industry-relevant programs such as the Integrated Program in Law and executive MBAs.
The campus is situated in Haryana and has grown steadily in terms of placement, faculty strength, and global collaborations. It is powerful in marketing, HR, and analytics domains.
Its inclusion in the top 15 NIRF rankings shows that newer IIMs are quickly catching up with the older ones.
9. Indian Institute of Management Raipur (IIM Raipur)
NIRF Rank: 14
Fees: ₹18–20 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹18–20 LPA
Located in the state capital of Chhattisgarh, IIM Raipur is carving out its niche amongst mid-tier IIM colleges in India. Its active entrepreneurship focus, digital business model, and public policy are differentiators.
The campus benefits from strong infrastructure support from the Ministry of Education and offers a value-for-money proposition. IT, BFSI, and logistics recruiters can usually be found here.
It is a feasible option for those seeking a reasonable return on investment (ROI) with growth.
10. Indian Institute of Management Ranchi (IIM Ranchi)
NIRF Rank: 17
Fees: ₹17–19 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹16–18 LPA
IIM Ranchi, one of the youngest IIM colleges in India, has become reasonably successful as an IIM focused primarily on HR, analytics, and finance.
The institute’s HRM program is highly reputed and is usually ranked in second position, just after XLRI. IIM Ranchi has also established its dual-campus model with a modern campus and a heritage campus.
IIM Ranchi also has a good student-to-faculty ratio, which allows for more personalised learning and mentorship.
What Makes IIM Colleges in India So Unique?
When it comes to business education in India, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are in a class of their own. They have created the careers of thousands of leaders and created the definition of quality management education in India. So, what is so distinctive about IIM colleges in India?
1. Intensely Rigorous Curriculum
At the core of every IIM’s success is its rigorous and robust curriculum. IIMs design their programs with helpful input from leading industry experts and global academic advisors. Their courses integrate essential, evolving aspects of business and adapt to changes in a rapidly changing business landscape. The combination of case-study methods, live projects, and industry simulations makes students industry-ready on day one.
2. Globally Renowned Faculty
One of the strongest pillars of the IIM ecosystem is its faculty. Many of the IIM faculty have PhDs from Ivy League schools, while others have historically contributed decades of experience from the corporate world. This combination of academic rigour and practical insights creates a unique environment for student learning, as the learning environment brings theory to life. Faculty members are also busy with innovative research and policy advisory agendas; furthermore, their research inputs enhance the creativity of the classroom.
3. Strong Alumni Network
Getting an IIM degree is not just about the degree. It is about joining an alumni community for life. IIM alumni are everywhere – in premium roles such as CEO, CFO, and board members in leading corporations worldwide. They’re in startups in Silicon Valley and unicorns in India. The alumni network is great for mentorship and funding partnerships, and for providing global career opportunities.
4. Good Return on Investment (ROI)
While IIMs charge high fees for their programs, the return on investment (ROI) can be quite exceptional. The average salary packages offered during placements are significantly higher than tuition fees across all IIM programs, especially by the top-tier IIMs in India. Many students can recover the full value of their investment within a few years after graduation, making this a smart career decision.
5. Global Outlook and Exposure
IIM colleges in India maintain active partnerships with top international universities. Students can participate in semester exchanges and global immersion programs, as well as pursue dual-degree options. This type of exposure equips graduates to work in multicultural environments and assume leadership roles in global markets.
IIM Admission Process 2025: Step-by-Step Guide
Admission into India’s renowned IIM colleges is a multi-tiered and highly competitive process. Each tier aims to uncover not only academically sound candidates but also candidates with leadership potential, thought clarity, and professional drive. Below is a comprehensive description of the IIM admission process for 2025:
Step 1: Appear for the CAT Examination,/b>
The process begins with the Common Admission Test (CAT), a required admissions exam administered by one of the IIMs on a rotation basis every year. This computer-based test assesses a student’s ability in quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, data interpretation, and logical reasoning.
For Indian students, the CAT is the only prerequisite for admission to any of the IIM colleges in India. International or NRI candidates may substitute their CAT score for their GMAT score if they submit a GMAT score. Achieving a high percentile is important because it serves as the primary filter used to shortlist candidates for the next stage.
Step 2: Shortlisting for WAT/GD and Personal Interview
Once the CAT results are published, all the IIMs will publish their lists of shortlisted candidates based on the cut-off marks and composite index scores. The composite index score typically includes a candidate’s CAT percentile, marks in Class 10 and Class 12, and graduation, as well as work experience and various aspects of diversity.
Shortlisted candidates will be further invited to the next stage of the admission process, which generally consists of:
- Written Ability Test (WAT) or Group Discussion (GD): The candidates write an essay or participate in a group discussion on a current issue, business situation, or abstract topic. This is designed to assess the candidate’s communication skills, coherence, and critical thinking abilities.
- Personal Interview (PI): One-on-one interaction with a panel of IIM professors and industry experts. This test assesses the candidate’s personality, motivation, understanding of the domain, and ability to lead others.
At this stage, applicants are also required to submit two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to their academic integrity or professional capabilities, typically mentors, professors, or senior managers.
Step 3: Final Selection and Admission Offer
The last and ultimate stage is where the actual decision is made. Each IIM college in India prepares a final merit list based on a weighted formula, taking into account the following parameters:
- Performance in WAT/GD and PI
- CAT or GMAT score
- Past academic performance
- Work experience
- Gender diversity
- Educational background (such as school board or non-engineering degrees)
Want to Get IIM Certified? Connect with Jaro Education Today
If you’re aspiring to boost your career with a prestigious IIM certification, Jaro Education is your trusted partner. As a marketing and technology partner for various IIMs, Jaro offers support for professionals enrolling in top-tier certification programmes. Some of the most sought-after IIM programmes include the Professional Certificate Programme in Strategic Management (IIM Kozhikode), Digital Strategy and Marketing Analytics (IIM Nagpur), Data Science for Business Decisions (IIM Kozhikode), and Banking and Finance (IIM Trichy), among others.
Jaro Education ensures a seamless learning journey with personalised services like profile building, resume reviews, and expert-led career enhancement sessions. From reviewing LinkedIn profiles to preparing job-ready resumes, Jaro helps candidates stand out. With strong academic collaborations and consistent guidance, Jaro bridges the gap between elite education and career success, making your dream of IIM certification a practical reality. Let your journey to executive excellence begin with Jaro.
Final Thoughts
Choosing from the top IIM colleges in India is not just about rankings; choosing the best IIM college when comparing the best IIMs is about personal fit with your career aspirations, appropriateness of the level of fit for your strengths, and interest in the school.
While many good MBA colleges exist in India and continue to emerge, IIM colleges in India remain the flagship institutions for quality, boasting solid academic foundations, strong industry connections, and a global educational reach. Overall, IIM colleges in India remain the ultimate choice for aspiring business leaders. So, if you want to get IIM certified, explore the popular courses available at Jaro Education.
