The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are the premier choice for business school aspirants in India due to several compelling reasons. IIMs have an exceptional placement record, with graduates highly sought after by top companies, often securing lucrative job offers. The extensive and active alumni network provides students with invaluable mentorship opportunities, professional connections, and enhanced career prospects. However, right now there are 21 IIMs in India, which often leaves students scratching their heads as they wonder which one is the best. So, have a look,
India is home to 21 prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), offering a variety of post-graduate, doctoral, and executive programs aimed at shaping the future leaders of the business world. Each year, the allure of an IIM education attracts over 200,000 MBA aspirants who compete fiercely for the coveted 5000+ seats available through the Common Admission Test (CAT).
These institutes are renowned for their rigorous academic programs, exceptional faculty, extensive alumni networks, and of course – 100% placement records. From established giants like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta to the newer ones, every IIM holds a unique place.
In this article, we explore the ranking, rating, and courses offered by each of these 21 IIMs to uncover the opportunities suitable for you.
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 1
Established in 1961, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) maintains its esteemed reputation as a top-tier business school both domestically and internationally. Garnering the 1st position in India by NIRF 2023 and securing global acclaim, it ranks 53rd by QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2024 and 42nd by World University Rankings - Masters In Management 2024. Renowned for its excellence, IIM Ahmedabad offers a diverse range of postgraduate and doctoral programs in management, including its flagship PGP (MBA), PGP FABM, Executive MBA (MBA PGPX), and specialized offerings like the online ePGP and ePGD in Advanced Business Analytics.
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 2
Established in 1973, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) stands tall as one of Asia's premier management institutions, earning accolades both nationally and globally. It holds the 2nd position among IIMs and private business schools in India by NIRF 2023 and is esteemed 31st in the Masters in Management category by the QS World University Ranking 2024. Furthermore, its full-time MBA program ranks 50th worldwide according to the QS Global MBA Rankings 2023. The institute’s offering includes full-time MBA (PGP), Executive MBA (EMBA), and Master of Science (MS) programs, along with doctoral offerings in various management disciplines, along with doctoral offerings in various management disciplines.
Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 3
The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) stands among India's top business schools, achieving a notable 3rd position in the Management category by NIRF 2023 and securing 72nd globally in the Financial Times rankings for executive programs. Accredited by AMBA and EQUIS, IIMK is recognized for its exceptional academics, faculty, and alumni network. Offering diverse programs, including the flagship two-year Post Graduate Programme (PGP), specialized PGPs in Finance, Liberal Studies & Management, and Business Leadership, along with a Doctoral Programme in Management (PhD), it caters to aspiring business leaders and researchers. Established in 1997, IIMK maintains its commitment to excellence.
Indian Institute of Management Calcutta
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 4
Established in 1961, the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) ranks 4th in India by NIRF 2023 in the Management category and holds prestigious positions globally, including 1st for MBA by Business Today 2023 and 50th in Masters in Management by QS World University Rankings 2024. Accredited by EQUIS, IIM Calcutta enjoys a stellar reputation for its academic prowess, distinguished faculty, and extensive alumni network. Offering diverse postgraduate and doctoral programs, including the flagship two-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), Executive MBA (EMBA), MBA in Business Analytics (MBA (BA)), and the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM), it caters to a wide spectrum of aspiring managers and researchers.
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 6
Established in 1984, the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) is renowned as one of India's premier business schools, consistently earning top rankings across various prestigious platforms. It holds the 6th position by NIRF 2023 in the Management category and ranks 4th in MBA by Business Today Ranking 2023. Accredited by AMBA and AACSB, IIM Lucknow upholds high academic standards, boasting experienced faculty and a robust alumni network. Offering a spectrum of postgraduate programs, including the flagship Two-Year Full-Time MBA, One-Year Full-Time Executive MBA (IPMX), Management Development Programs (MDPs), and Doctoral Programs (Ph.D.), it caters to diverse career aspirations.
Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (formerly NITIE)
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 7
Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (formerly NITIE) is a top institution for management education in India, ranking 7th in the Management category by NIRF 2023. Known for its high-quality academics, experienced faculty, and strong alumni network, IIM Mumbai is on par with other premier Indian Institutes of Management. Established in 1963 and renamed in 2023, it offers various postgraduate and doctoral programs, including an MBA, an MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management, and an MBA in Sustainability Management. Additionally, it provides executive education programs such as the Fellow Programme in Management and specialized certificate courses.
Indian Institute of Management Indore
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 8
Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) is a prestigious institution for management education in India, ranked 8th among IIMs and private business schools by NIRF 2023 and placed 151-250 in the QS World University Ranking by Subject 2024. Known for its high-quality teaching, strong industry connections, and successful alumni network, IIM Indore is accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA). Established in 1996, it offers a variety of postgraduate and doctoral programs, including the flagship two-year MBA, a two-year part-time Executive MBA, doctoral programs, and short-term Management Development Programs for working professionals.
Indian Institute of Management Rohtak
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 12
Indian Institute of Management Rohtak (IIM Rohtak) is a well-regarded business school in India, ranked 12th in the Management category by NIRF 2023 and placed 151+ globally in the Post Graduate Management Programme by QS World University Rankings 2024. Known for its innovative approach to management education, strong industry linkages, and excellent placement record, IIM Rohtak offers a variety of programs. These include the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), the Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP), and the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM). Additionally, it offers a Five-Year Integrated Programme in Law (IPL) and an Online Diploma in Management (ODiM). Established in 2009, IIM Rohtak also provides short-term Management Development Programmes.
Indian Institute of Management Raipur
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 11
Indian Institute of Management Raipur (IIM Raipur) is a well-regarded institution for management education in India, established in 2010. It is ranked 11th in the Management category by NIRF 2023 and 3rd in the Top 150 Management Institutes Overall Ranking by Times B-School Ranking 2022. IIM Raipur is praised for its academics, faculty, and industry connections, and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The institute offers a variety of programs, including a two-year full-time Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), a three-year part-time Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executives (PGPEX), and an Executive Ph.D. Program, and short-term Management Development Programs (MDPs).
Indian Institute of Management Udaipur
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 16
Indian Institute of Management Udaipur (IIM Udaipur), established in 2009, is a prominent business school in India known for its quality education and strong research focus. It is ranked 1st among new IIMs and 13th overall in the Management category by NIRF 2023, and features in the 151+ band of the Masters in Management category by QS World University Rankings 2024. Additionally, its MBA program is ranked 88th globally in the FT Masters in Management Ranking 2023. IIM Udaipur, accredited by AACSB, offers a variety of programs, including a two-year full-time MBA, an MBA in Digital Enterprise Management, an MBA in Global Supply Chain Management, and an Executive MBA for experienced professionals, along with a Ph.D. in Management.
Indian Institute of Management Kashipur
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 19
Indian Institute of Management Kashipur (IIM Kashipur), established in 2011, is a well-regarded business school in India. It ranks 19th among Management Institutes in India by NIRF 2023, 8th by Times Management Institutes 2023, and 28th in the Government Category of Top B-Schools by NIRF 2024. IIM Kashipur is known for its strong academics, faculty, and student placements, receiving positive reviews for its curriculum, quality of instruction, and career support services. The institute offers a variety of programs, including a two-year full-time MBA, an Executive MBA for experienced professionals, an MBA in Business Analytics, and fellowship programs in management specializations such as Economics, Finance and Accounting, Marketing, OBHR, and Strategic Management.
Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 22
Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli (IIM Trichy), established in 2011, is a prominent second-generation IIM in India. It is ranked 22nd in the Management category by NIRF 2023 and 19th by Business Today B-School Ranking 2023. Known for its strong academics and focus on experiential learning and industry collaborations, IIM Trichy is accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and is a member of the AACSB. The institute offers a variety of programs, including the two-year full-time Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM), the PGPM in Human Resources, a part-time Executive MBA for professionals in Chennai, an Executive Doctoral Programme in Management, and a full-time Doctor of Management program.
Indian Institute of Management Ranchi
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 24
Indian Institute of Management Ranchi (IIM Ranchi), established in 2010, is a well-regarded business school in India. It is ranked 24th in the Management category by NIRF 2023, 7th by Outlook (MBA-Government) in India 2023, and 19th among the top MBA institutes in India by IIRF 2023. IIM Ranchi is known for its strong academics, faculty, and placements, earning a positive reputation as a prestigious institution. The institute offers a variety of programs, including the two-year full-time Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), PGDM in Human Resource Management, and PGDM in Business Analytics. It also offers an Executive MBA (EMBA) and a Ph.D. in Management.
Indian Institute of Management Shillong
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 26
Indian Institute of Management Shillong (IIM Shillong), established in 2008, is a respected business school in India. Ranked 26th among IIMs and private business schools by NIRF 2023, it's known for its strong faculty, research focus, and emphasis on holistic leadership development. Accredited by AMBA, it offers various postgraduate programs like the two-year full-time Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), three-year part-time MBA for working executives, and one-year full-time Post Graduate Programme for Executives (PGPX). Additionally, it provides Doctoral Programs such as Ph.D. in Management and short-term Management Development Programs (MDPs) on diverse topics.
Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 29
Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam (IIMV), established in 2015, is a promising B-school affiliated with IIM Bangalore. Ranked 29th among IIMs and private business schools by NIRF 2023, it's seen an improvement from 33rd in NIRF 2022. Despite being relatively new, IIMV is lauded for its placements and faculty. It offers diverse postgraduate programs including the two-year flagship Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), Post Graduate Programme for Executives (PGPX), specialized Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), Executive MBA (EMBA), and a Master of Science in Finance (MS Finance). Additionally, it provides a Ph.D. in Management. Detailed course information can be found on the IIMV website or by contacting the admissions office.
Indian Institute of Management Jammu
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 41
Indian Institute of Management Jammu (IIM Jammu), established in 2016, is rapidly gaining recognition in the educational landscape. Ranked 41st in NIRF 2023, it's acclaimed for its strong faculty, focused curriculum on emerging areas, and impressive placements, achieving 100% placement for its graduates. The institute offers diverse programs including the two-year full-time MBA program with occasional specializations, and a five-year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) for students post-Class 12. Additionally, it provides a Ph.D. in Management. Detailed course information can be found on the IIM Jammu website or by contacting the admissions office.
Indian Institute of Management Nagpur
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 43
Indian Institute of Management Nagpur (IIM Nagpur), established in 2015, is gaining recognition in the educational sphere. With a NIRF Ranking of 43rd among management schools in India in 2023, and ranked 24th by Business Today and 19th under the MBA (Government) category by Outlook in the same year, it's establishing a strong presence. Offering programs at various levels, including the two-year full-time Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP), Executive Post Graduate Program (EPGP), and Ph.D. in Management, it caters to diverse educational needs. Additionally, it may provide Management Development Programs (MDPs) for skill enhancement. Detailed course information can be found on the IIM Nagpur website or by contacting the admissions office.
Indian Institute of Management Amritsar
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 51
Indian Institute of Management Amritsar (IIM Amritsar), established in 2015, is making strides in the educational realm. Ranked 51st among all Management Institutes by NIRF 2023, and 34th for MBA by Business Today, and 21st for MBA (Government) by Outlook in the same year, it's establishing its position. Despite its youth, IIM Amritsar is esteemed for its academics, faculty, and industry connections. Offering a range of programs including the two-year full-time Master of Business Administration (MBA), Executive MBA (EMBA) for experienced professionals, and the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM), tentatively starting in 2024, it caters to diverse educational needs. Additionally, it provides a Doctoral Program in Management (FPM).
Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 53
Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya (IIM Bodh Gaya) since 2015, has been steadily making its mark in the educational landscape. Ranked 53rd among IIMs and private business schools by NIRF 2023, it's showing promising progress. Offering programs at various levels, including the five-year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM), two-year full-time Master of Business Administration (MBA), Executive MBA (EMBA), and Ph.D. in Management, it caters to diverse educational aspirations. The MBA program offers specializations like Marketing, Finance, and Human Resource Management. Additionally, it may offer short-term certificate programs. Detailed course information can be found on the IIM Bodh Gaya website.
Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 58
Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur (IIM Sambalpur), established in 2015, is ranked 58th among Management institutes in India by NIRF 2023, 37th in Management (Govt.) by IIRF 2024, and 43rd under the MBA category by Business Today in 2023. Despite its youth, IIM Sambalpur is recognized for its strong academic programs, experienced faculty, and excellent placements, boasting a 100% placement record in 2022. The institute offers programs such as the flagship two-year full-time Master of Business Administration (MBA)/PGDM, Executive MBA/PGDM for experienced professionals, Ph.D. in Management, and Management Development Programs (MDPs) for executives. Detailed course information can be found on the IIM Sambalpur website or by contacting the admissions office.
Indian Institute of Management Sirmaur
NIRF MBA Ranking 2023: 98
Indian Institute of Management Sirmaur (IIM Sirmaur), founded in 2015, is a budding institution making strides in management education. Ranked 98th among management institutes in India by NIRF 2023 and 38th among Top MBA Colleges in India 2024 by the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework, it's gaining recognition. While it's still establishing its reputation compared to older IIMs, it shows promise with dedicated faculty and a practical learning approach. Offering programs like the two-year full-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Business Administration (Tourism and Hospitality Management), it caters to diverse career aspirations. Detailed information on courses can be found on platforms like Shiksha. For more insights, the official website provides comprehensive details on admissions and programs.
Tabular Details of 21 IIM's
The table below highlights the NIRF 2023 rankings, qualifying CAT cut-offs, and estimated final CAT cut-offs for various Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Kozhikode top the rankings, with qualifying CAT cut-offs ranging from 80 to 85 and estimated final cut-offs nearing 100. IIM Calcutta and Lucknow also have high rankings and similar competitive cut-offs. Overall, while qualifying cut-offs vary, the final CAT cut-offs reflect the high competitiveness across all IIMs.
IIM |
NIRF Ranking (2023) |
Qualifying CAT Cut Off |
Final CAT Cut Off (Estimated) |
IIM Ahmedabad |
1 |
80 |
99-100 |
IIM Bangalore |
2 |
85 |
99-100 |
IIM Kozhikode |
3 |
85 |
97-98 |
IIM Calcutta |
4 |
85 |
98-99 |
IIM Lucknow |
6 |
90 |
97-99 |
IIM Mumbai (formerly NITIE) |
7 |
90 |
97 - 98 |
IIM Indore |
8 |
90 |
97-98 |
IIM Raipur |
11 |
92 |
94-95 |
IIM Rohtak |
12 |
95 |
96-97 |
IIM Udaipur |
16 |
92 |
92-94 |
IIM Kashipur |
19 |
92 |
94-95 |
IIM Ranchi |
24 |
92 |
94-95 |
IIM Shillong |
26 |
75 |
90 |
IIM Visakhapatnam |
29 |
80 |
94-95 |
IIM Jammu |
41 |
90 |
94-95 |
IIM Nagpur |
43 |
85 |
94-95 |
IIM Amritsar |
51 |
85 |
95-96 |
IIM Bodh Gaya |
53 |
92 |
94-95 |
IIM Sambalpur |
58 |
92 |
95-96 |
IIM Sirmaur |
98 |
92 |
94-95 |
And in case you are wondering, which courses are provided by IIMs, the table below will provide you a list of the unique management programs offered by various IIMs. Please confirm the availability of the below-mentioned program from your preferred IIMs.
Courses offered by IIMs |
Duration |
Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) |
2 years |
Post Graduate Programme in Management for Executives (PGPX/EPGP/PGEXP) |
1 year |
Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) |
5 years (2 years coursework + 3 years research) |
Armed Forces Programme in Business Management (AFP) |
6 months |
Post Graduate Programme in Food and Agri-business Management (PGP-FABM) |
2 years |
ePost Graduate Programme (ePGP) |
2 years (flexible completion in 3 years) |
Faculty Development Programme (FDP) |
- |
Post- Graduate Program in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM) |
1 year |
Post-Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM) |
2 years |
PGPEX-VLM (Post Graduate Program for Executives for Visionary Leadership in Manufacturing) |
1 year |
Post Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics (PGDBA) |
2 years |
CEMS MIM: Master’s in International Management |
1 year |
Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (PGDHRM) |
2 years |
Certificate Program in General Management (CPGM) |
15 months |
Post Graduate Programme in Business Leadership (PGP-BL) |
1 year |
Management Development Programme (MDP) |
- |
Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) |
5 years |
Post Graduate Programme in Management Mumbai (PGP-Mumbai) |
2 years |
Post Graduate Diploma Programme in Management for Executives (PGPMX) |
2 years |
Fellow Programme in Management (Industry) |
- |
Post Graduate Programme in Human Resource Management (PGP-HRM) |
2 years |
Executive Fellow Programme in Management (EFPM) |
4 years for non-exempted, 3 years for exempted |
Post-Graduate Programme in Sustainable Management (PGP-SM) |
2 years |
Post-Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executives (WPM) |
3 years |
Management for Executives (IPMX) |
1 year |
Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executives (PGPWE) |
1.5 years |
Post Graduate Program for Executives - Managing Business in India and China (PGPEx-MBIC) |
14 months |
Post Graduate Programme in Business Management (PGPBM) |
2 years |
Post Graduate Certificate Programme in Business Management for Experienced Professionals |
15 months |
MBA, MBA Sustainability Management, MBA Operations and Supply Chain Management |
2 years |
DGMP, Global Certifications |
- |
PGDEX VLFM |
12-15 months |
MDP for Women Entrepreneurs (MDPWE) |
5 months |
What are the NIRF MBA Rankings for IIMs in India?
The NIRF ranking (National Institutional Ranking Framework) is a ranking system launched by the Ministry of Education (MoE) in India. It ranks higher educational institutions in India, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
The NIRF rankings for IIMs in India (2023) show that IIM Ahmedabad holds the top spot, followed by IIM Bangalore and IIM Calcutta. All IIMs are well-regarded institutions, but these three are generally considered the most prestigious. The rankings continue down the list with the other IIMs.
Which are the Top 5 IIMs in India?
The top 5 IIMs of India are as follows -
1) Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad.
2) Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM-B)
3) Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode (IIM-K)
4) Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIMCal)
5) Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow (IIML)
Which are the Programmes offered by IIMs?
IIMs offer diverse programs including PGP, PGPX/EPGP/PGEXP, FPM, AFP, PGP-FABM, ePGP, and specialized courses like PGDBA and CEMS MIM, catering to various career stages and objectives.
What is the Admission Process for the courses at IIMs?
The admission process at IIMs typically consists of three stages.
-
Firstly, candidates must clear the Common Admission Test (CAT),
-
The next stage involves shortlisting based on CAT scores, followed by a Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI).
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The final selection considers CAT scores, WAT/PI performance, work experience, and academic background.
-
Some IIMs may include a Group Discussion (GD) round.
What are the Top MBA specializations offered at IIMs?
The top MBA specializations at IIMs cover finance, marketing, operations management, human resource management, information technology management, consulting, entrepreneurship, strategy, business analytics, and healthcare management.
What is the total number of seats in IIMs?
The 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) collectively offer approximately 5,500 seats for MBA and PGDM admissions. Seat numbers vary across IIMs, ranging from over 300 to fewer than 120. For instance, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Lucknow, and IIM Ranchi offer 385, 419, and 300 seats respectively.
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