Top 10 IIM Colleges in India 2027: Rankings, Courses & Fees

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are among the most well-known management institutes in India. They offer MBA and other postgraduate management programmes, along with executive education and doctoral programmes.

For students planning an MBA through CAT, comparing IIMs involves more than just looking at rankings. Programme structure, admission criteria, fees, placements, location, specializations and alumni networks can all matter when deciding where to apply.

This guide covers top IIM colleges in India, their NIRF 2025 Management ranking, locations, major programmes and CAT-based admission process. The NIRF ranking used here is the latest available 2025 Management ranking.

Ranking note: The list below is a CareerMint selection of 10 prominent IIMs. It is not a direct reproduction of the NIRF ranking order. NIRF rankings are one reference point and can change with future editions.

Top 10 IIMs in India

These positions are based on the NIRF 2025 Management ranking. IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore and IIM Kozhikode were ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively among management institutions.

What Should You Check Before Choosing an IIM?

A ranking can help you compare institutes, but it should not be the only factor.

Consider:

• CAT percentile requirements
• MBA programme and specialization
• Placement opportunities
• Average and median salary
• Fees and total programme cost
• Alumni network
• Faculty and academic environment
• Location
• Career opportunities after graduation

These factors can be more useful when comparing institutes based on your own career plans.

1. IIM Ahmedabad

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It ranked #1 in the NIRF 2025 Management ranking.

Its flagship two-year MBA programme is designed for graduates from different academic backgrounds. CAT is used for the regular domestic admission route, followed by the institute’s shortlisting and selection process.

Key Highlights

IIM Ahmedabad Programmes

IIM Ahmedabad offers several management programmes, including its flagship MBA, MBA-FABM and MBA-PGPX for experienced professionals.

IIM Ahmedabad Admission Through CAT

For the flagship MBA, domestic applicants need to appear for CAT. Shortlisted candidates then go through the subsequent selection stages specified by the institute.

IIM Ahmedabad considers CAT performance along with other factors such as academic performance and performance in its selection components. There is no single CAT percentile that guarantees admission because the selection criteria can vary by admission year.

2. IIM Bangalore

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It ranked #2 in the NIRF 2025 Management ranking.

Its flagship two-year full-time MBA programme accepts a valid CAT score as part of the admission process.

Key Highlights

IIM Bangalore Programmes

IIM Bangalore offers management programmes across different areas, including its two-year MBA, Business Analytics and executive programmes for experienced professionals.

IIM Bangalore Admission Through CAT

Candidates applying for the two-year MBA need a valid CAT score and must satisfy the institute’s eligibility requirements.

The admission process includes initial shortlisting followed by the selection stages specified by IIM Bangalore. CAT sectional and overall performance form part of the initial evaluation.

3. IIM Kozhikode

Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) is located in Kozhikode, Kerala. It ranked #3 in the NIRF 2025 Management ranking.

Its flagship two-year Post Graduate Programme in Management uses CAT as the entrance examination for domestic candidates.

Key Highlights

IIM Kozhikode Programmes

The management curriculum covers areas such as:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Economics
• Operations
• Information Technology
• Strategic Management
• Organizational Behaviour

IIM Kozhikode Admission Through CAT

CAT performance is one part of the admission process. The institute’s selection process can also consider academic performance, work experience and diversity factors, followed by further selection stages for shortlisted candidates.

4. IIM Lucknow

Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML) is located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It ranked #5 in the NIRF 2025 Management ranking and was the fourth IIM in the NIRF management ranking after excluding IIT Delhi, which ranked #4 overall.

Its flagship MBA is a two-year management programme, while the institute also offers programmes such as MBA-ABM and MBA-SM.

Key Highlights

IIM Lucknow Admission Through CAT

For the regular MBA programme, CAT is used as part of the admission process. Shortlisted candidates may proceed through further selection components such as the Writing Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI), depending on the applicable admission policy.

5. IIM Mumbai

Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai) is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It ranked #6 in the NIRF 2025 Management ranking.

IIM Mumbai offers postgraduate management programmes, including its flagship MBA.

Key Highlights

The institute also offers specialized programmes such as MBA in Operations & Supply Chain Management and MBA in Sustainability Management.

IIM Mumbai Admission Through CAT

For the regular MBA, candidates need a bachelor’s degree with the required marks and must appear for CAT. Final-year candidates may also apply subject to the applicable conditions.

The institute’s admission policy uses CAT-based shortlisting followed by further selection stages. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not itself guarantee shortlisting or admission.

6. IIM Calcutta

Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) is located in Joka, Kolkata, West Bengal. It was established in 1961 and ranked #7 in the NIRF 2025 Management ranking.

Its flagship two-year full-time MBA includes core management subjects and a range of electives.

Key Highlights

Areas of Study

The programme covers areas including:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Economics
• Operations
• Systems
• Organizational Behaviour
• Human Resources
• Strategy
• Public Policy

IIM Calcutta Admission Through CAT

For the domestic MBA admission process, candidates need a valid CAT score and must satisfy the academic eligibility requirements.

The institute uses a composite evaluation process, so CAT performance is not the only factor considered. Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee shortlisting.

7. IIM Indore

Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) is located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It ranked #8 in the NIRF 2025 Management ranking.

Its flagship two-year Post Graduate Programme in Management is designed to provide a broad foundation in business and management.

Key Highlights

IIM Indore Programmes

The institute offers management education covering areas such as:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Operations
• Economics
• Strategy
• Human Resources
• Information Systems

It also offers programmes including the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM), executive education and doctoral-level management studies.

IIM Indore Admission Through CAT

For the two-year PGP, candidates must satisfy the prescribed academic requirements and appear for CAT. Shortlisting and final selection follow the criteria published by the institute for the relevant admission cycle.

8. IIM Raipur

Indian Institute of Management Raipur (IIM Raipur) is located in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. It ranked #15 in the NIRF 2025 Management ranking.

Its flagship MBA is a two-year full-time residential programme.

Key Highlights

IIM Raipur Admission Through CAT

CAT performance forms part of the admission evaluation. Depending on the admission cycle, the selection process can also consider factors such as academic performance, work experience, diversity and interview performance.

The exact criteria should always be checked in the admission policy for the relevant batch.

9. IIM Tiruchirappalli

Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli (IIM Trichy) is located in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. It ranked #16 in the NIRF 2025 Management ranking.

Its flagship two-year MBA provides a broad foundation in management and business.

Key Highlights

Areas of Study

Students can study areas such as:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Operations
• Strategy
• Economics
• Business Analytics

IIM Trichy Admission Through CAT

Candidates need to meet the prescribed eligibility requirements and appear for CAT. The institute’s selection process considers CAT performance along with other factors specified in the applicable admission policy.

10. IIM Udaipur

Indian Institute of Management Udaipur (IIM Udaipur) is located in Udaipur, Rajasthan. It ranked #21 in the NIRF 2025 Management ranking.

Its two-year MBA programme focuses on management, business decision-making, leadership and analytical skills.

Key Highlights

IIM Udaipur Admission Through CAT

Candidates applying for the MBA must satisfy the applicable eligibility criteria and appear for CAT. Shortlisting and final admission are based on the institute’s criteria for the relevant admission cycle.

The programme also has a focus on areas such as analytics, digital business, operations, finance and strategy.

How to Choose the Right IIM

Getting a high CAT percentile is only one part of the admission process. When comparing IIMs, look at the factors that actually matter for your situation.

1. CAT Cutoff and Percentile

Check both overall and sectional percentile requirements. The minimum qualifying percentile published by an IIM is not necessarily the percentile at which a candidate will receive an admission offer.

2. MBA Programme and Specialization

Look at the programme structure and available electives based on your career interests.

Common areas include:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Consulting
• Operations
• Business Analytics
• Human Resources
• Strategy

3. Fees and Total Cost

Compare the total programme cost with the career outcomes you are targeting. A higher fee does not automatically mean better value for every student.

4. Placements

When looking at placement information, consider more than the highest salary.

Check:

• Average salary
• Median salary
• Major recruiters
• Hiring sectors
• Internship opportunities
• Placement report methodology

5. Location

The location of an institute can affect industry interaction, internships, networking and exposure to particular business sectors.

6. Alumni Network

Alumni networks can be useful for networking, mentorship and career opportunities. Consider the size and reach of the alumni base as part of your overall comparison.

IIM Admission Process Through CAT

A CAT score is generally the starting point for the regular MBA admission process at IIMs. Each institute has its own selection policy, so the exact process can differ.

Step 1: Appear for CAT

Candidates take the Common Admission Test and receive their overall and sectional percentiles.

Step 2: Meet IIM Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must satisfy the academic and category-specific requirements of the individual IIM.

Step 3: Shortlisting

IIMs use their own admission policies to shortlist candidates. Factors can include:

• CAT overall percentile
• Sectional percentile
• Academic performance
• Graduation discipline
• Work experience
• Diversity factors

Step 4: WAT, PI or Other Selection Components

Depending on the institute and admission year, shortlisted candidates may go through a Written Ability Test (WAT), Personal Interview (PI) or other evaluation components.

Step 5: Final Selection

The institute calculates a final composite score according to its admission policy and releases admission offers.

Important: There is no single CAT percentile that guarantees admission to every IIM. Selection depends on the individual institute’s criteria and can also consider academic profile, category, work experience and other factors.

IIMs vs Other MBA Colleges Accepting CAT

IIMs are not the only institutes that accept CAT scores. Several other management institutes use CAT as part of their admission process.

When comparing MBA colleges, look at:

This comparison can help you keep suitable alternatives in your application plan rather than focusing only on IIMs.

Which IIM Should You Choose?

There is no single IIM that is the right choice for every student.

IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Lucknow, IIM Mumbai, IIM Calcutta and IIM Indore are among the highest-ranked IIMs in the NIRF 2025 Management ranking, while newer IIMs can also offer different programmes, locations and career opportunities.

Your decision can be based on:

• CAT percentile
• Academic profile
• Career goals
• Preferred specialization
• Programme structure
• Fees
• Placement outcomes
• Location
• Alumni network

Rather than choosing an institute based on ranking alone, compare the factors that matter most for your own plans.

Frequently Asked Questions About Top IIM Colleges

Which IIM is ranked No. 1 in India?

According to the NIRF 2025 Management ranking, IIM Ahmedabad was ranked #1, followed by IIM Bangalore at #2 and IIM Kozhikode at #3.

Which are the top IIMs in India?

Some of the IIMs appearing highest in the NIRF 2025 Management ranking include:

• IIM Ahmedabad
• IIM Bangalore
• IIM Kozhikode
• IIM Lucknow
• IIM Mumbai
• IIM Calcutta
• IIM Indore

Do all IIMs accept CAT scores?

CAT is the common entrance examination used for admission to the regular postgraduate management programmes of the IIMs, subject to the eligibility and admission criteria of the individual institute.

What CAT percentile is required for IIMs?

The required percentile varies by IIM, category, academic profile and admission year. A published minimum qualifying percentile should not be treated as a guaranteed admission percentile.

Which IIM has the highest NIRF ranking?

In the NIRF 2025 Management ranking, IIM Ahmedabad ranked #1, IIM Bangalore #2 and IIM Kozhikode #3.

Are newer IIMs worth considering?

Yes. Newer IIMs can offer management programmes, industry exposure and growing alumni networks. Compare their programmes, fees, placement information, location and career opportunities with your own goals.

What should I consider when choosing an IIM?

Consider CAT requirements, programme and specialization, fees, placement outcomes, alumni network, location, career opportunities and overall cost rather than relying on ranking alone.

Can I get into an IIM with a lower CAT percentile?

It depends on the institute and your overall profile. IIM admission processes can consider CAT performance along with academics, work experience, diversity factors and interview performance.

Are IIM placements guaranteed?

No. Admission to an IIM does not guarantee a particular job or salary. Placement outcomes can vary by institute, student profile, market conditions and individual performance.