The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are the country’s most prestigious and globally recognized business schools, renowned for producing world-class business leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs. Over the years, the number of IIMs has increased to 20, spread across various parts of India. They offer a range of management programs, including the flagship MBA (or PGP) programs, executive programs, doctoral programs, and specialized courses. Admission to IIMs is highly competitive, with the CAT (Common Admission Test) being the primary gateway.
In this article, we will discuss the total number of IIMs in India, the programs they offer, their rankings, fees, and the steps to secure admission to these prestigious institutes.
1. List of IIMs in India
As of 2024, there are 20 IIMs in India, categorized into older, newer, and baby IIMs based on their establishment. Below is the list of IIMs, along with the key programs they offer:
| IIM | Year of Establishment | Location | Flagship Program | Other Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 1961 | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | MBA (PGP) | Executive MBA (PGPX), PhD |
| IIM Bangalore | 1973 | Bangalore, Karnataka | MBA (PGP) | EPGP, PGPEM, PhD |
| IIM Calcutta | 1961 | Kolkata, West Bengal | MBA (PGP) | MBA-Ex, PhD |
| IIM Lucknow | 1984 | Lucknow, UP | MBA (PGP) | IPMX, PhD, PGPWE |
| IIM Kozhikode | 1996 | Kozhikode, Kerala | MBA (PGP) | Executive PGP, PhD |
| IIM Indore | 1996 | Indore, MP | MBA (PGP), IPM | Executive MBA, PhD |
| IIM Shillong | 2007 | Shillong, Meghalaya | MBA (PGP) | PhD, MBA (WE) |
| IIM Rohtak | 2010 | Rohtak, Haryana | MBA (PGP), IPM | PhD, Executive MBA |
| IIM Raipur | 2010 | Raipur, Chhattisgarh | MBA (PGP) | Executive MBA, PhD |
| IIM Ranchi | 2010 | Ranchi, Jharkhand | MBA (PGP), IPM | PhD |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) | 2011 | Tiruchirappalli, TN | MBA (PGP) | PGPM-HR, Executive MBA, PhD |
| IIM Udaipur | 2011 | Udaipur, Rajasthan | MBA (PGP) | PhD, Executive MBA |
| IIM Kashipur | 2011 | Kashipur, Uttarakhand | MBA (PGP), IPM | Executive MBA, PhD |
| IIM Nagpur | 2015 | Nagpur, Maharashtra | MBA (PGP) | Executive MBA, PhD |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | 2015 | Visakhapatnam, AP | MBA (PGP) | Executive MBA, PhD |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | 2015 | Bodh Gaya, Bihar | MBA (PGP), IPM | PhD |
| IIM Sambalpur | 2015 | Sambalpur, Odisha | MBA (PGP) | Executive MBA, PhD |
| IIM Sirmaur | 2015 | Sirmaur, HP | MBA (PGP) | Executive MBA, PhD |
| IIM Jammu | 2016 | Jammu, J&K | MBA (PGP), IPM | Executive MBA, PhD |
| IIM Amritsar | 2015 | Amritsar, Punjab | MBA (PGP) | Executive MBA, PhD |
2. Rankings of IIMs in India
While all IIMs are prestigious, some are consistently ranked higher due to their history, academic standards, and placement records. Here’s a general ranking of IIMs based on NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) and other MBA rankings:
- IIM Ahmedabad – Ranked 1st consistently for its academic rigor and placements.
- IIM Bangalore – Known for excellent faculty and strong industry connections.
- IIM Calcutta – Renowned for finance and consulting placements.
- IIM Lucknow – Strong placements, especially in marketing and operations.
- IIM Kozhikode – High student satisfaction and strong faculty.
- IIM Indore – Known for its innovative IPM program (5-year integrated MBA).
- IIM Shillong – Increasingly popular, with a focus on sustainability.
- IIM Udaipur – Gaining recognition for its global orientation.
- IIM Trichy – One of the best among the new IIMs.
- IIM Rohtak, Ranchi, and Kashipur – Emerging as top choices among newer IIMs.
Rankings can vary each year based on specific criteria such as research output, placements, peer perception, and infrastructure.
3. Fees Structure for IIMs
The fees for IIMs vary depending on the program and the location of the institute. Here is a general overview of the fees for the flagship MBA programs at different IIMs:
| IIM | Approx. Fees (MBA/PGP) |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | ₹23-25 Lakhs |
| IIM Bangalore | ₹24-26 Lakhs |
| IIM Calcutta | ₹23-25 Lakhs |
| IIM Lucknow | ₹20-23 Lakhs |
| IIM Kozhikode | ₹20-22 Lakhs |
| IIM Indore | ₹20-22 Lakhs |
| IIM Shillong | ₹18-20 Lakhs |
| IIM Rohtak | ₹16-18 Lakhs |
| IIM Raipur | ₹15-17 Lakhs |
| IIM Ranchi | ₹15-18 Lakhs |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli | ₹17-19 Lakhs |
| IIM Udaipur | ₹16-18 Lakhs |
| IIM Kashipur | ₹15-17 Lakhs |
| IIM Nagpur | ₹15-18 Lakhs |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | ₹15-18 Lakhs |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | ₹12-15 Lakhs |
| IIM Sambalpur | ₹12-15 Lakhs |
| IIM Sirmaur | ₹12-15 Lakhs |
| IIM Jammu | ₹12-15 Lakhs |
| IIM Amritsar | ₹12-15 Lakhs |
The fees mentioned above are indicative and subject to change. Fees for specialized programs like Executive MBAs and doctoral programs are different and may be higher depending on the program.
4. How to Get Admission to an IIM
The admission process for IIMs is extremely competitive and involves multiple stages. The following steps outline how to secure a seat at one of these premier institutions:
Step 1: Appear for CAT
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the primary entrance exam for admission to IIMs. It is a national-level, computer-based exam conducted once a year in November. The CAT tests candidates on:
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Step 2: Meet the Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for CAT, candidates must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 50% for general category; 45% for SC/ST/PwD).
- Be in the final year of their undergraduate studies (provisional admission is granted).
Step 3: CAT Percentile and Cut-offs
After the CAT results are declared (usually in January), candidates are shortlisted for further rounds based on their CAT percentile. The cut-off percentiles vary across IIMs. Generally:
- Older IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta require a 95-99+ percentile.
- Newer IIMs may have a cut-off around 90-95 percentile.
Step 4: Shortlisting for WAT-GD-PI
Once you clear the cut-off, IIMs shortlist candidates for the next rounds, which typically include:
- Written Ability Test (WAT): Essay writing to evaluate your articulation and analytical thinking.
- Group Discussion (GD): Not all IIMs conduct GD, but some still do.
- Personal Interview (PI): A panel of professors or alumni will interview candidates on various aspects like academics, work experience, and general awareness.
Step 5: Final Selection
The final selection is based on a composite score that includes:
- CAT Score (40-50%)
- Academic Profile (10-20%)
- Work Experience (10-20%)
- WAT/GD/PI Performance (20-30%)
Step 6: Receive Admission Offer
Based on the composite score, candidates receive an offer from the IIMs they applied to. Upon receiving an offer, candidates must confirm their admission by paying the acceptance fees.
5. Scholarships and Financial Aid
Many IIMs offer scholarships and financial aid to deserving students based on merit, academic performance, and financial background. These scholarships help ease the financial burden, making IIMs accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
Conclusion
With 20 IIMs offering world-class management education, students have multiple opportunities to pursue their MBA dreams. While the older IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta) still dominate in terms of rankings and placement opportunities, newer IIMs are quickly catching up. With a strong focus on leadership, innovation, and global business practices, IIM graduates are equipped to lead in a rapidly changing world. Securing admission to an IIM is challenging but immensely rewarding, with high returns on investment in terms of career growth and opportunities.
