Among the 5,800 MBA colleges, finding the top 10 MBA Colleges in India poses a great difficulty. Among these, IIM Ahmedabad is the elite MBA colleges in India with graduates earning an impressive average package of Rs 35 LPA. The fee structure at most premier institutions ranges from Rs 25 to Rs 30 lakhs, but FMS Delhi stands out with its average fee of Rs 2.30 lakhs. Students get the best value for money at FMS Delhi, which combines low fees with a substantial average package of INR 34.1 LPA.
CAT is the most sought-after entrance exam for admission to the top MBA colleges in India. Moreover, candidates can also appear for XAT, GMAT, CMAT, MAT, and SNAP for admission to various Private MBA colleges.
However, IIM Kozhikode will conduct CAT on 30th November 2025. The registration for the same will begin on 1st August 2025.
Top 10 MBA Colleges in India: NIRF Rankings and Recognition
MBA colleges in India receive their rankings through different frameworks that measure their academic excellence, placement records, research output, and industry perception. This 10-year-old framework measures management institutions on five parameters: Teaching, Learning and Resources (TLR), Research and Professional Practice (RPC), Graduation Outcomes (GO), Outreach and Inclusivity (OI), and Perception. The top 10 MBA Colleges in India according to NIRF Ranking is given below in the table.
| Ranking | College Name | City | NIRF Score |
| 1 | Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | 83.32 |
| 2 | Indian Institute of Management Bangalore | Bengaluru | 81.16 |
| 3 | Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode | Kozhikode | 77.90 |
| 4 | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | New Delhi | 76.25 |
| 5 | Indian Institute of Management Calcutta | Kolkata | 75.07 |
| 6 | Indian Institute of Management Mumbai | Mumbai | 74.73 |
| 7 | Indian Institute of Management Lucknow | Lucknow | 74.43 |
| 8 | Indian Institute of Management Indore | Indore | 73.53 |
| 9 | XLRI – Xavier School of Management | Jamshedpur | 68.13 |
| 10 | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay | Mumbai | 67.16 |
International Recognition and Global Rankings
The top 10 MBA colleges in India has also been recognised by various International agencies like EQUIS, QS, etc. Checkout the key International Accreditations & Recognition of these colleges given in the table below.
| Rank | College Name | Key International Accreditations & Recognition |
| 1 | Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) | Highly ranked globally by Financial Times, QS; AACSB & AMBA accredited |
| 2 | Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) | Accredited by EQUIS and AMBA; recognised in global MBA rankings |
| 3 | Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C) | AMBA & AACSB accredited; ranked in Financial Times global MBA rankings |
| 4 | Indian School of Business (ISB) | First Indian school in the Financial Times global rankings; strong international collaborations |
| 5 | XLRI – Xavier School of Management | Accredited by AMBA; internationally recognised for HR and business management |
| 6 | Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) Delhi | Noted for reputed programs; rising international visibility |
| 7 | SP Jain Institute of Management Research (SPJIMR) | AMBA accredited; has campuses in Mumbai, Dubai, and Sydney for global exposure |
| 8 | Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM-L) | Growing international collaborations and recognition |
| 9 | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management | Known for research and international collaborations |
| 10 | Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) | AMBA accredited; international student exchange programs |
Top 10 MBA Colleges In India With Fee Structure
IIM MBA fees ranges from INR 16.28 lakhs to INR 27 lakhs for their flagship two-year MBA programmes. IIM Ahmedabad fees for mba 2 years are INR 26.50 lakhs. However, IIM Bangalore and Calcutta are close behind at ₹26 lakhs and ₹27 lakhs, respectively. The newer IIMs are more affordable options. IIM Bodh Gaya stands out as the most budget-friendly at ₹16.28 lakhs.
| IIM Campus | 1st Year Fees | 2nd Year Fees | Total Fees |
| IIM Ahmedabad | ₹13,25,000 | ₹13,25,000 | ₹26,50,000 |
| IIM Bangalore | ₹13,00,000 | ₹13,00,000 | ₹26,00,000 |
| IIM Calcutta | ₹13,50,000 | ₹13,50,000 | ₹27,00,000 |
| IIM Lucknow | ₹10,37,500 | ₹10,37,500 | ₹20,75,000 |
| IIM Indore | ₹10,58,900 | ₹10,58,900 | ₹21,17,800 |
| IIM Kozhikode | ₹10,25,000 | ₹10,25,000 | ₹20,50,000 |
| IIM Mumbai | ₹7,00,000 | ₹7,00,000 | ₹14,00,000 |
| IIM Shillong | ₹12,29,000 | ₹12,99,000 | ₹25,28,000 |
| IIM Ranchi | ₹9,60,000 | ₹9,60,000 | ₹19,20,000 |
| IIM Rohtak | ₹8,95,000 | ₹8,95,000 | ₹17,90,000 |
Hidden Costs and Additional Expenses
MBA costs go beyond just tuition fees. Education loan interest can add about ₹2.3 lakhs to a ₹17 lakh loan at 9% interest. Professionals with 2+ years of experience might give up ₹8-12 lakhs in salary during the two-year programme.
Students should also budget for:
- Accommodation: ₹30,000 to ₹3,20,000 yearly based on the school
- Mess charges: Around ₹30,000 per term at top schools
- Pre-application expenses: ₹1,500-3,000 for each application
- Coaching expenses: ₹30,000-40,000 to prepare for entrance exams
Scholarship and Financial Aid Opportunities
Top MBA colleges help ease the financial load through various scholarships. IIM Bangalore helps students whose family earns less than ₹8 lakhs yearly. IIM Ahmedabad’s scholarships can cover up to 25% of fees.
Corporate scholarships are a great way to get financial support:
- Aditya Birla Scholarship: ₹1.75 lakhs per student
- OPJEMS Scholarship: ₹1.50 lakhs based on grades
- IDFC FIRST Bank MBA Scholarship: Up to ₹1 lakh yearly for two years
SC/ST/PwD candidates can get full tuition coverage through government scholarships.
Also Check: CAT Previous Year Question Papers
Top 10 MBA Colleges In India With Low Fees
Though studying in a MBA college is costly, however students can also check out the top 10 MBA college in India with low fees that goes with their budget.
| Sl. No. | College Name | Total Fee (INR) | Average Package (INR LPA) |
| 1 | Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi | ₹2.32 Lakh | 34.1 |
| 2 | Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai | ₹6.10 Lakh | 26.12 |
| 3 | Department of Financial Studies (DFS), Delhi University | ₹52,000 approx | 15 – 16 |
| 4 | Delhi School of Economics, Delhi University | ₹62,000 approx | 13 – 15 |
| 5 | Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai | ₹2 – 4 Lakh approx | 20 – 25 |
| 6 | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) (Distance MBA) | ₹62,000 approx | 3.5 |
| 7 | Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi | ~ ₹1 Lakh | Not specified |
| 8 | Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi | ₹1.2 Lakh approx | 7 – 8 |
| 9 | Institute of Management Studies (IMS), Ghaziabad | ₹2.3 – 2.6 Lakh | 6 – 7.5 |
| 10 | Ambedkar University, Delhi | ₹3.5 Lakh approx | 7.5 |
Top 10 MBA Colleges In India Except IIM
Given below is the 1st year and 2nd year fee along with the average package of the top 10 MBA colleges in India except IIM.
| NIRF Rank | College Name | 1st Year Fee (INR) | 2nd Year Fee (INR) | Average Package (INR LPA) |
| 1 | Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad | ₹16,00,000 – ₹17,50,000 | ₹16,00,000 – ₹17,50,000 | 33.25 |
| 2 | XLRI Jamshedpur | ₹11,50,000 – ₹15,30,000 | ₹11,50,000 – ₹15,30,000 | 29 – 31 |
| 3 | Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) Delhi | ₹1,16,000 | ₹1,16,000 | 34.1 |
| 4 | SP Jain Institute of Management Research (SPJIMR) Mumbai | Approx ₹10,50,000 | Approx ₹11,50,000 | 32 |
| 5 | Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai | ₹12,50,000 | ₹12,50,000 | 21 – 24 |
| 6 | Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai | ₹9,00,000 | ₹9,00,000 | 16 – 17 |
| 7 | International Management Institute (IMI), Delhi | ₹11,00,000 | ₹11,00,000 | 17 – 18 |
| 8 | Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad | ₹11,00,000 | ₹11,00,000 | 16 – 19 |
| 9 | T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal | ₹11,00,000 | ₹11,00,000 | 17 – 18 |
| 10 | FORE School of Management, Delhi | ₹10,00,000 | ₹10,00,000 | 15 – 16 |
Entrance Exams for Top 10 MBA Colleges in India
Getting into the top 10 MBA colleges in India means passing tough entrance exams that test your aptitude, reasoning, and analytical skills. These competitive tests are your first step toward studying management at India’s best schools.
CAT 2025: The Gateway to IIMs
The Common Admission Test (CAT) leads the pack of MBA entrance exams in India. IIMs take turns to conduct it each year. About 2.3-3.3 lakh students compete for nearly 5,000 MBA seats at 20 IIM campuses. IIM Kozhikode will conduct CAT 2025 in 30th November 2025. Students can visit the official website https://iimcat.ac.in for CAT 2025 registration.
XAT, GMAT and Other Accepted Exams
Students have several other paths to top MBA programmes besides CAT:
| Exam | Conducting Body | Date |
| XAT 2026 | XLRI Jamshedpur | January 4, 2026 |
| GMAT | GMAC | Year-round |
| CMAT | National Testing Agency | To be announced |
| MAT | AIMA | Multiple sessions |
| SNAP | Symbiosis International University | December 2025 |
Also Check: CAT Score Vs Percentile
Cut-off Trends and Selection Criteria
Top MBA colleges select students through multiple rounds. Students must first reach the minimum CAT percentile, which differs across schools.
Older IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta) look for 98-100 percentile from general category students. Newer IIMs accept 94-97 percentile through their Common Admission Process (CAP). Students who clear these cutoffs move to the next rounds: Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI). The final selection depends on your CAT score, academic history, work experience, and performance in these rounds.
| Institute | Overall Percentile | VARC | DILR | QA |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 80 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| IIM Bangalore | 85 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| IIM Calcutta | 85 | 80 | 80 | 75 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 85 | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| IIM Lucknow | 90 | 85 | 85 | 85 |
Admission Process and Eligibility Criteria
Students who want to join the top 10 MBA colleges in India must go through a comprehensive selection process. The top MBA colleges required bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD categories). Final year students can submit provisional applications but need to provide completion certificates by set deadlines usually June 30th. Executive programmes like PGPX at IIM Ahmedabad need additional qualifications. Students must be at least 25 years old and have valid GMAT/GRE scores.
| Institution | Minimum Academic Requirement | Work Experience Requirement |
| IIMs (Regular MBA) | Bachelor’s degree with 50% (45% for reserved categories) | Not mandatory |
| IIM-A (PGPX) | Bachelor’s degree | Minimum 4 years |
| XLRI | Bachelor’s degree with 50% | Not mandatory |
Top 10 MBA Colleges In India Placement-Wise
The standard for the top 10 MBA colleges in India lies in their placement outcomes. IIM Bangalore currently guides the pack with ₹35.31 LPA average package. IIM Calcutta (₹35.07 LPA) and IIM Ahmedabad (₹34.45 LPA) follow right behind. FMS Delhi shows excellent value at ₹34.1 LPA, especially given its lower fees. The 2024 figures revealed some dips – IIM Bangalore’s median dropped to ₹32.5 LPA, while IIM Lucknow saw its average decrease to ₹30 LPA from ₹32.20 LPA in 2023. IIM Ahmedabad grabbed the highest international package at ₹1.15 Crore annually. IIM Calcutta followed with ₹94.82 Lakhs. IIMB’s 2024 placements saw 503 students accept offers during placement week, plus 13 more through rolling placements.
| Rank | College Name | Highest Package (INR LPA) | Average Package (INR LPA) |
| 1 | Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) | ₹115.00 | ₹34.36 |
| 2 | Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) | ₹115.00 | ₹35.92 |
| 3 | Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C) | ₹120.00 | ₹35.07 |
| 4 | Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi | ₹123.00 | ₹34.10 |
| 5 | Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur | ₹75.00 | ₹29.89 |
| 6 | SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai | ₹81.00 | ₹33.00 |
| 7 | Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM-L) | ₹123.00 | ₹30.00 |
| 8 | Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM-I) | ₹100.00 | ₹25.68 |
| 9 | Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) | ₹43.92 | ₹29.23 |
| 10 | Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai | ₹35.75 | ₹28.02 |
ROI Analysis: Best Value MBA Colleges in India
ROI has become a crucial factor for MBA aspirants who evaluate the top 10 MBA colleges in India. Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi University leads as the undisputed ROI in India’s MBA world. Students can recover their total investment of ₹2 lakhs within months through an average annual gross salary of ₹34.1 lakhs. FMS Delhi’s graduates receive packages above ₹20 lakhs, and many join prestigious consulting firms like Accenture Strategy, BCG, and Deloitte.
| Institution | Total Fees (₹) | Avg. Package (₹) | Payback Period |
| IIM Calcutta | 27-31 lakhs | 35 lakhs | 3-4 years |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 25-30 lakhs | 34 lakhs | 3-5 years |
| IIM Bangalore | 25-30 lakhs | 34 lakhs | 3-5 years |
Specialisations Offered by Top MBA Colleges
The academic offerings at the top 10 MBA colleges in India have evolved beyond admission criteria and placement records to meet the needs of industries. These prestigious institutions now help students specialise in specific business domains.
Finance Specialisation and Top Colleges
IIM Ahmedabad guides students through investment banking, corporate finance, and global financial markets. IIM Calcutta’s detailed finance programmes attract major recruiters like Goldman Sachs and ICICI Bank. FMS Delhi stands out as a value choice with finance training at ₹1.92 lakhs and impressive placement packages of ₹25.6 LPA.
| Institution | Unique Strength | Average Package |
| IIM Calcutta | First triple-accredited B-school | ₹35.07 LPA |
| IIM Ahmedabad | Global finance curriculum | ₹34.36 LPA |
| JBIMS Mumbai | “CEO Factory” reputation | ₹28.02 LPA |
| NIBM Pune | RBI establishment | ₹15.22 LPA |
Marketing Management Programmes
IIM Ahmedabad has earned its nickname as the “Mecca of Marketing” through specialised courses in consumer behaviour and strategic brand management. MICA Ahmedabad shines exclusively in advertising and marketing communication excellence. Students learn analytical marketing, brand management, and digital marketing strategies.
Human Resource Management Excellence
XLRI Jamshedpur stands out in HR education with its detailed curriculum that focuses on organisational behaviour and strategic HR practices. TISS Mumbai provides great value with fees of ₹1.85 lakh and average placements of ₹27.22 LPA. IIM Calcutta’s Executive Programme in HR Management focuses on talent acquisition, retention, and management analytics.
Operations and Supply Chain Management
IIM Mumbai’s excellence in operations and supply chain management comes from collaborations with global institutions like MIT. The curriculum merges state-of-the-art subjects like warehouse management, logistics, and green development. Students get ready for roles in manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce sectors with companies like Amazon and Flipkart.
Emerging Specialisations in Technology and Analytics
Business analytics has become a popular specialisation, and institutions like BITS Pilani offer work-integrated learning programmes. Students get access to software packages like Tableau, SPSS, and Python. Career paths include data analysts, business analysts, and data scientists with opportunities in retail, finance, and healthcare sectors.
Top 10 MBA Colleges In India: Infrastructure and Campus Facilities Comparison
Campus infrastructure is the foundation of education at the top 10 MBA colleges in India. Quality facilities set premier institutions apart and substantially improve the learning experience for management students. Elite MBA institutions demonstrate their commitment to quality education through their academic resources. IIM Udaipur has 21 advanced classrooms that seat 1,333 students and an auditorium for 330 people. Symbiosis provides bright, spacious, and airy classrooms that create ideal learning spaces.
| Institution | Collection Size | Electronic Resources | Special Features |
| IIM Udaipur | 24/7 Learning Centre | Centralised air-conditioning | 200-student capacity |
| GIM | 24,800+ management books | 50,000 online journals | Access to 103 hard copies of global journals |
| Symbiosis | Extensive reference section | Online databases (EBSCO, Emerald, etc.) | Wi-Fi enabled study areas |
Key Factors When Choosing an MBA College
Given below are the key factors a student should keep in mind while choosing the top 10 MBA colleges in India.
| Factor | Key Consideration |
| Rankings | NIRF, QS Global, and Financial Times positions |
| Fee Structure | Total programme cost, including hidden expenses |
| ROI | Average placement package versus total investment |
| Specialisations | Alignment with career goals and industry demand |
| Infrastructure | Learning resources and campus facilities |
| Faculty Profile | Academic credentials and industry experience |
| Alumni Network | Career advancement opportunities post-graduation |
Conclusion
Selecting the right MBA college is a life-changing decision for aspiring management professionals. The top 10 MBA colleges in India offer unique advantages.
IIM Ahmedabad leads the pack of MBA colleges in India with an impressive average package of Rs 35 LPA. Students should consider this against the investment needed – most top institutions charge between Rs 25 to Rs 30 lakhs. FMS Delhi stands out with its amazing value proposition. It charges just Rs 2.30 lakhs and delivers an average package of Rs 34.1 LPA.
NIRF rankings serve as a quality measure for academic excellence. IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Kozhikode hold the top three spots. CAT scores open doors to IIMs, but that’s just the beginning. Schools look at academic records, work experience, and how candidates perform in WAT, GD, and PI rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the top 10 MBA colleges in India according to recent rankings?
According to the NIRF Rankings 2025, the top MBA colleges in India include IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Kozhikode, IIT Delhi, and IIM Calcutta. These institutions are recognised for their academic excellence, placement records, and industry reputation.
2. How much does an MBA from a top IIM cost?
The fee for an MBA from any of the top 10 MBA colleges in India generally ranges from ₹25 to ₹30 lakhs for most premier institutions. However, there are exceptions like FMS Delhi, which offers its programme at a much lower fee of around ₹2.30 lakhs.
3. What’s the ROI for IIM Ahmedabad MBA fees for the general category?
General category students invest ₹26.5 lakhs and earn average packages of ₹34.45 LPA. They recover costs in about 10-11 months.
4. What is the average salary package offered to graduates from top MBA colleges?
Graduates from top MBA colleges in India can expect average salary packages ranging from ₹28 to ₹35 lakhs per annum. For instance, IIM Bangalore reported an average package of ₹35.31 LPA in recent placements.
5. Which entrance exams are required for admission to the top 10 MBA Colleges in India?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the primary entrance exam for the top 10 MBA colleges in India, especially IIMs. Other accepted exams include XAT, GMAT, CMAT, and MAT, depending on the institution.
