IIMs in India: A Complete Guide to India’s Premier Management Institutes
Introduction
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are the most prestigious business schools in India and rank among the world’s leading management education institutions. Established by the Government of India to provide high-quality management education, IIMs are globally known for their academic excellence, rigorous selection process, world-class faculty, strong industry connections, and outstanding placements. Today, India has 21 IIMs, each contributing significantly to shaping future business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and innovators.
For students aspiring to pursue an MBA or Post Graduate Programme in Management, IIMs represent the peak of academic and professional achievement. This extensive guide covers everything about IIMs in India—including history, rankings, admissions, entrance exams, fees, placements, courses offered, comparisons, and career scope.
1. History of IIMs in India
The journey of IIMs began in the 1960s when India realized the need for world-class management professionals to support its growing economy. The first two IIMs were established with international collaboration from the MIT Sloan School of Management, Harvard Business School, and the Ford Foundation.
Chronological development of IIMs
| Year | IIM | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1961 | IIM Ahmedabad | Gujarat |
| 1961 | IIM Calcutta | West Bengal |
| 1973 | IIM Bangalore | Karnataka |
| 1981 | IIM Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh |
| 1996 | IIM Kozhikode | Kerala |
| 1997 | IIM Indore | Madhya Pradesh |
| 2010 onwards | 14 New IIMs | Different States |
The expansion was aimed at making quality management education accessible across India, promoting entrepreneurship, and supporting the country’s economic progress.
2. List of All 21 IIMs in India (2025 Updated)
India currently has 21 IIMs, categorized into Old, Middle-Tier, and New IIMs based on their establishment and reputation.
Oldest & Top IIMs (Highly Ranked)
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IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA)
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IIM Bangalore (IIMB)
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IIM Calcutta (IIMC)
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IIM Lucknow (IIML)
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IIM Kozhikode (IIMK)
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IIM Indore (IIMI)
Mid-Tier IIMs
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IIM Shillong
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IIM Rohtak
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IIM Ranchi
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IIM Raipur
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IIM Tiruchirappalli (IIM Trichy)
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IIM Udaipur
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IIM Kashipur
New Generation IIMs
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IIM Nagpur
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IIM Amritsar
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IIM Bodh Gaya
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IIM Sambalpur
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IIM Jammu
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IIM Visakhapatnam
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IIM Sirmaur
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IIM Mumbai (converted from NITIE in 2023)
3. Why IIMs Are Considered the Best Business Schools in India
IIMs enjoy unparalleled reputation due to:
1. High Academic Standards
Curriculum designed by global faculty, aligned with industry needs.
2. Well-Qualified Faculty
Professors from top institutions including:
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Harvard
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Wharton
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MIT
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Stanford
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IIM alumni
3. Rigorous Admission Process
Selections based on:
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CAT percentile
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Academic record
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Work experience
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WAT/PI performance
4. Strong Placement Records
IIM graduates secure top positions in:
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Consulting
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Investment banking
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Strategy roles
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Technology and product management
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FMCG and operations
5. Global Recognition
Top IIMs often appear in:
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Financial Times Global MBA Rankings
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QS World University Rankings
6. Powerful Alumni Network
IIM alumni include:
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Fortune 500 CEOs
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Entrepreneurs
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Politicians
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Academicians
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Start-up founders
4. Courses Offered at IIMs
IIMs offer a wide range of programs:
1. PGDM / MBA Equivalent (Flagship Programme)
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Duration: 2 years
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Most sought-after course
2. Executive MBA / PGPM
For professionals with work experience.
3. Fellowship Programme in Management (FPM) / PhD
Doctoral programme for research scholars.
4. Specialized Courses
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MBA in Analytics
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MBA in HR
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MBA in Agri-Business
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MBA in Sustainability
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MBA in Digital Enterprise Management
Each course is designed to support emerging industry needs and global competitiveness.
5. Admission Process for IIMs (Complete Breakdown)
The admissions process consists of several stages:
Step 1: Appear for the CAT Exam
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the primary entrance exam for all IIMs.
CAT Exam Pattern
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VARC – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
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DILR – Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
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QA – Quantitative Aptitude
A percentile above 98–99 is required for top IIMs.
Step 2: Shortlisting Based on Composite Score
IIMs consider:
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CAT score
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Class X, XII marks
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Graduation performance
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Gender diversity
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Work experience
Step 3: WAT / PI Round
The Written Ability Test and Personal Interview evaluate:
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Communication skills
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Analytical thinking
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Leadership qualities
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General awareness
Step 4: Final Merit List
Final admissions are based on the overall performance in all stages.
6. Fees of Top IIMs (2025 Updated)
| IIM | Programme | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | PGP | ₹25–28 Lakhs |
| IIM Bangalore | PGP | ₹24–26 Lakhs |
| IIM Calcutta | PGDM | ₹25–27 Lakhs |
| IIM Lucknow | PGP | ₹22–24 Lakhs |
| IIM Kozhikode | PGP | ₹21–23 Lakhs |
| IIM Indore | PGP | ₹21–22 Lakhs |
| New IIMs | PGP | ₹14–20 Lakhs |
Despite high fees, IIM RoI is exceptional due to strong placements.
7. Placement Highlights: Why IIM Graduates Are in High Demand
Top recruiters include:
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McKinsey
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Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
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Bain & Co
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Deloitte
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EY, KPMG, PwC
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HUL, P&G, Nestle
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Google, Microsoft, Amazon
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Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan
Average Salaries (Top IIMs)
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IIM Ahmedabad: ₹35–36 LPA
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IIM Bangalore: ₹33–34 LPA
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IIM Calcutta: ₹34–35 LPA
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IIM Kozhikode: ₹29–30 LPA
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IIM Lucknow: ₹26–28 LPA
Highest Packages
International offers often cross ₹1 crore+ annually.
8. Rankings of IIMs (NIRF + International Rankings)
NIRF 2024 Rankings (Approx.)
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IIM Ahmedabad
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IIM Bangalore
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IIM Calcutta
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IIM Kozhikode
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IIM Delhi (Non-IIM but highly ranked)
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IIM Lucknow
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IIM Indore
Global Rankings
IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta frequently appear in:
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FT Global MBA Rankings
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QS Global EMBA Rankings
9. Comparison: Old vs New IIMs
Old IIMs (A, B, C, L, K, I)
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Strong alumni base
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Higher placements
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Stronger brand value
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Larger campuses
New IIMs
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Rapidly developing
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Good facilities
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Competitive faculty
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Strong placements in consulting, finance, analytics
Who Should Prefer New IIMs?
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Students willing to explore emerging opportunities
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Those aiming for long-term career growth
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Those prioritizing specific specializations
10. Life at an IIM (Campus Culture)
IIMs offer a vibrant academic and extracurricular environment.
Academic Life
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Case-method learning
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Real-world projects
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Industry immersion
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Global exposure
Student Clubs
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Finance Club
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Marketing Club
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Entrepreneurship Cell
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Strategy Club
Events & Festivals
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Conclaves
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Guest lectures
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Corporate competitions
11. Specializations Offered at IIMs
Popular specializations include:
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Marketing
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Finance
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Operations
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HR & Organizational Behaviour
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Strategy
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Business Analytics
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Digital Transformation
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International Business
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Entrepreneurship
12. Scholarships at IIMs
To make education accessible, IIMs offer:
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Need-based scholarships
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Government scholarships
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Corporate-endowed financial aid
13. Future of IIMs in India
IIMs are expanding globally through:
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International campuses
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Joint degrees
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Global research centers
They play a crucial role in shaping India’s economic and innovation landscape.
Conclusion
IIMs in India stand as the pinnacle of management education, offering unmatched academic excellence, strong placements, global exposure, and transformative learning experiences. Whether you aim to become a corporate leader, entrepreneur, or policymaker, an IIM degree equips you with the knowledge, network, and confidence needed to succeed.
With 21 IIMs now operating across India, students have a diverse range of opportunities to choose from—each institute carrying the legacy of high-quality education and global recognition. From intense competitions to exceptional job offers, the journey at an IIM is challenging, rewarding, and life-changing.
If you are planning to pursue a top-tier MBA in India, the IIMs remain the best choice for achieving your professional goals.