Which is the Top IIM in India? Here’s the Complete 2025 Guide

Every year, more than 2.5 lakh students take the CAT exam, but only a small number get into the IIMs, India’s top IIM colleges. With 20+ IIMs out there, it can be tough to figure out which one is the best fit for you. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ve ranked the top IIMs in India for 2025 and shared useful info about placements, fees, and career opportunities to help you decide smartly.

List of Top IIMs in India (2025 NIRF Rankings)

 1. IIM Ahmedabad

IIM Ahmedabad is the best IIM in India and is famous all over the world. It’s the top choice for CAT toppers because of its top-class MBA (PGP) program, strong alumni network, and great placement record. On average, students here get offers of over ₹35 LPA from big companies like BCG, McKinsey, and Goldman Sachs. Its case-based teaching style and iconic red-brick campus make it one of the most special and elite IIMs in the country.

2. IIM Bangalore

IIM Bangalore is based in India’s tech hub and is known for its strong ties with top companies, excellent teachers, and amazing placement record. The campus is green and peaceful, and the college is ranked among the top IIM colleges in India rank wise.. Whether you're aiming for a career in consulting, product management, or starting your own business, IIM Bangalore is a top choice and always ranks in the top 3 IIMs.

3. IIM Kozhikode

IIM Kozhikode, located in the beautiful state of Kerala, has quickly become one of the top IIMs. It stands out for its strong academics, focus on digital learning, and fast-improving placements. The college is also known for having more female students and for hosting Asia’s biggest management fest. In recent years, the average salary has gone up to around ₹29 LPA, especially in fields like consulting and analytics.

4. IIM Calcutta

IIM Calcutta is one of the oldest and most respected IIMs in India. It’s well-known for its strength in finance and analytics. The campus is green and peaceful, and the college has strong connections with top universities around the world. With tough academics and great placements, especially in consulting, it’s always ranked in the top IIMs in India rank wise. The average salary here is around ₹33 LPA and keeps getting better.

5. IIM Mumbai (formerly NITIE)

Now known as IIM Mumbai, this college was earlier called NITIE and is famous for courses in operations, supply chain, and analytics. Located in Powai, it has great industry connections, especially with big manufacturing companies. After getting IIM status, it’s quickly becoming a top choice for many students. Even before the upgrade, it had a strong track record of good placements.

6. IIM Lucknow

IIM Lucknow is a popular choice for students interested in marketing, HR, and general management. It has a strong placement record with top companies hiring every year. The campus is huge, spread across 200 acres, and the college also runs a well-known executive MBA program. Plus, it guides many of the newer IIMs as their mentor institute.

7. IIM Indore

IIM Indore is well-known for its unique five-year course called IPM, which is great for students who want to start early after school. It’s a popular choice for both freshers and working professionals. The campus is beautiful, and the college has good connections with companies. Placements are strong, especially in finance, marketing, and consulting.

8. IIM Rohtak

IIM Rohtak is one of the first new IIMs and has grown quickly in the last few years. It’s known for its increasing placement numbers and special programs like the 5-year IPM and a unique law-MBA course. The college has built a good name in north India and often hosts events, workshops, and live projects with industry experts.

9. IIM Raipur

IIM Raipur, located in central India, is growing fast and building a strong name for itself. It has solid academic support, good government backing, and partnerships with top companies. Placements are improving every year, with companies from consulting, banking (BFSI), and IT hiring many students. The college also focuses on both classroom teaching and practical learning.

10. IIM Ranchi

IIM Ranchi is one of the fastest-growing new IIMs and is well-known for its HR and Business Analytics programs. It offers great placements, with average salaries going above ₹19 LPA. Top companies from consulting, banking, and e-commerce hire from here. It also has an IPM course and is getting noticed for its diverse student crowd, modern campus, and steady rise in national rankings.

Other Top IIMs in India Worth Considering

• IIM Udaipur: This IIM is growing fast globally and is known for good placements, especially in analytics and consulting. It is also one of the best IIM colleges in India for return on investment.
• IIM Kashipur: A great value-for-money option with increasing industry connections and improving placements.
• IIM Shillong: Located in a scenic place, this IIM focuses on sustainability and offers good roles in strategy.
• IIM Visakhapatnam: Guided by IIM Bangalore, it’s getting solid placements, especially in IT and analytics.
• IIM Tiruchirappalli (IIM Trichy): Known for strong academics and steady placements in core areas like finance, marketing, and operations.

Admission Process for IIMs (2025)

Getting into an IIM starts with the CAT exam, but that’s just the beginning. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand how it all works:

1. Give the CAT Exam

CAT (Common Admission Test) is the main entrance exam for all IIMs which happens once a year, usually in November and has 3 sections:

• Verbal Ability
• Quantitative Aptitude (Maths)
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

2. Get Shortlisted by IIMs

After your CAT results, each IIM checks your score. Top IIMs need 90–99 percentile. They also look at:

• Your 10th, 12th, and graduation marks
• Work experience (if any)
• Diversity (some IIMs give extra points for gender or non-engineering background)

3. WAT & PI Round

If you're shortlisted, you’ll be invited for:

• WAT (Written Ability Test) – Short essay on current topics
• PI (Personal Interview) – Face-to-face or online interview where they ask about academics, goals, general knowledge, and your thinking skills

4. Final Selection

You’ll get a final score based on a mix of:

• CAT score (weight depends on the IIM)
• WAT and PI performance
• Your past academic marks
• Work experience
• Diversity factors

Extra Info You Should Know:

• Some IIMs like IIM Rohtak and IIM Ranchi do interviews and WAT rounds online
• Many new IIMs follow a Common Admission Process (CAP) – one interview for multiple IIMs
• For Executive MBA and IPM programs, you need to take GMAT or IPMAT, not CAT

Courses Offered at IIMs

IIMs offer much more than just a regular MBA. Here’s are the different types of courses you can do at IIMs:

1. MBA / PGP Programs (2-Year Full-Time Courses)

These are the most popular programs for students who clear CAT.

• PGP (Post Graduate Programme) – Regular MBA
• MBA-HRM – Focuses on Human Resources (e.g., IIM Ranchi, IIM Indore)
• MBA-BA – Business Analytics (e.g., IIM Bangalore, IIM Ranchi, IIM Udaipur)
• PGP-FABM – For careers in food & agri-business (IIM Ahmedabad)
• PGP-SM – Focus on sustainability and environment (IIM Lucknow, IIM Shillong)

2. Executive & One-Year MBA (For Working Professionals)

For people with 4–5 years of work experience who want to upgrade their careers.

• EPGP / PGPX / PGP-Ex – One-year full-time Executive MBA (offered by IIM A, B, C, I, etc.)
• PGPBM – Weekend/evening MBA for working professionals (available in cities like Mumbai, Noida)

3. Integrated Programs (After Class 12th)

These are 5-year courses that combine BBA + MBA.

• IPM (Integrated Programme in Management) – Ideal for students after 12th
  Offered at: IIM Indore, Rohtak, Ranchi, Bodh Gaya, Jammu

4. PhD & Research Programs

For those who want to do research or become professors.

• FPM (Fellow Programme in Management) – Full-time PhD
• EFPM / PhD Executive – Part-time PhD for working professionals

5. Certificate & Online Courses

Short-term programs for learning specific skills.

• ePGP / MOOCs / MDPs – Online or part-time courses in leadership, finance, marketing, etc.
• MDPs (Management Development Programs) – Short courses for corporate training

Fee Structure of Top IIMs in India (2025)

How to Choose the Right IIM

Picking the right IIM isn’t just about going for the top rank. What’s “best” for one person may not be right for another. Here’s what you should keep in mind before deciding:

1. Know Your Career Goal

Think about where you want to go after your MBA:

• Finance: Go for IIM Calcutta or IIM Ahmedabad
• Consulting: IIM Bangalore or IIM Lucknow
• Marketing: IIM Lucknow or IIM Kozhikode
• Analytics / IT: IIM Udaipur, Ranchi, or Kashipur
• HR: IIM Ranchi or IIM Indore

2. Look at Placements & ROI

• Check how much you’ll earn vs how much you’ll spend.
• Older IIMs usually offer higher salaries, but newer ones like IIM Udaipur, Trichy, and Ranchi offer great value for money too.

3. Think About Location & Exposure

• IIMs in big cities (like Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata) have better company links and networking chances.
• Remote IIMs offer a more peaceful setup with focused learning but may have fewer corporate events.

4. Check Program Specialties

Some IIMs are famous for specific programs:

• IPM (BBA+MBA): IIM Indore, Rohtak, Ranchi
• MBA in HR: IIM Ranchi
• MBA in Business Analytics: IIM Bangalore, Ranchi, Udaipur

5. Campus Life & Peer Group

• Older IIMs have larger, more competitive batches with people from all backgrounds.
• Newer IIMs offer smaller batches and more personal attention.

6. Cut-Offs & Your Profile

• Top IIMs need a CAT score of 98–99 percentile and strong academics.
• Newer IIMs accept around 90–95 percentile, especially if you have work experience or come from a diverse background.

7. Future Plans

• Want to work or study abroad later? Choose IIMs with international accreditations like EQUIS or AMBA.
• Thinking of starting your own business? Pick IIMs with strong startup and incubation support like IIM Bangalore or IIM Ahmedabad.

Conclusion

Now that you know what each top IIM has to offer, it’s time to make your shortlist, check the past cut-offs, and start preparing smartly. Remember, choosing the right B-school can shape your career and your future.