MBA

IIMs vs Non-IIMs

Babita Saini
IIMs vs Non-IIMs
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When it comes to pursuing a top-notch management education in India, aspiring students often find themselves in a confusion, deciding the esteemed Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) vs the growingly competitive field of Non-IIM business schools. With the Common Admission Test (CAT) attracting over 200,000 hopefuls each year, the IIMs, renowned for their tough selection process and exceptional placement records, continue to reign supreme. Yet, the emergence of institutions like XLRI, FMS, and others, which consistently provide high-caliber management education and noteworthy placement statistics, is transforming the Indian B-school landscape. While IIMs boast average placement packages reaching upwards of ₹30 lakhs per annum, several top Non-IIMs are closing the gap, offering competitive salaries and diverse career opportunities. This article sets out to explore a thorough comparison, highlighting the major distinctions and commonalities between IIMs vs Non-IIMs, to aid aspiring students in making an informed decision.

IIMs vs Non-IIMs

FeatureIIMsNon-IIMs
Brand ReputationHighly prestigious, strong legacy, national and international recognition.Top Non-IIMs have strong reputations, but brand recognition may be more regional.
Admission ProcessPrimarily through CAT, rigorous selection, high cut-offs.CAT, XAT, GMAT, and other exams; selection criteria vary by institute.
CurriculumCase-based learning, emphasis on general management, strong focus on research.Can include case studies, lectures, and practical projects; may offer specialized programs.
FacultyExperienced faculty, often with strong research backgrounds.Some Non-IIMs have excellent faculty, while others may have a mix of experienced and newer faculty.
PlacementsHigh average salaries, top-tier recruiters, strong alumni networks.Top Non-IIMs have excellent placement records, but average salaries may be lower.
Alumni NetworkExtensive and influential, strong global presence.Growing alumni networks, but may be less extensive than IIMs.
FeesGenerally higher.Can be lower or comparable to IIMs, depending on the institute.
ROI (Return on Investment)Typically high, due to strong placements and brand value.Can be very high for top Non-IIMs, but depends on placement outcomes.
Entrance ExamsCATCAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, and other individual college entrance exams.
Campus lifeGenerally very competitive, and high pressure, but with very strong peer groups.Can vary greatly, some are very competitive, while others have a more relaxed atmosphere.

Also Read: Baby IIMs in India- Fees, Courses, Cut-offs, MBA Admissions 2025

CAT Score Accepting Colleges List – IIMs

CollegesFeesAverage PackagesBatch SizeHighest Package
IIM Ahmedabad34.15 lakh35.92 LPA4551.15 CPA
IIM Bangalore26 lakh35.31 LPA51280 LPA
IIM Calcutta33.5 lakh35.07 LPA4621.2 CPA
IIM Lucknow19.25 lakh30 LPA5711.23 CPA
IIM Kozhikode22.5 lakh28.23 LPA48367.02 LPA
IIM Mumbai15 lakhs33.84 LPA66054 LPA
IIM Indore17.18 lakh25.01 LPA5781 CPA
IIM Shillong25.88 lakh26.96 LPA23871.30 LPA
IIM Udaipur21.34 lakh20.03 LPA36843.76 LPA
IIM Raipur18 lakh18.15 LPA32843.43 LPA
IIM Ranchi17.2 lakh18.69 LPA25035.50 LPA
IIM Trichy19.5 lakh19.55 LPA35041.61 LPA
IIM Kashipur17.30 lakh15.11 LPA17137 LPA
IIM Rohtak18 lakh19.27 LPA35036 LPA
IIM Nagpur21 lakhs16.29 LPA26038.4 LPA
IIM Visakhapatnam20.50 lakh15.64 LPA34043.25 LPA
IIM Amritsar21 lakh16.51 LPA25736.25 LPA
IIM Jammu14.82 lakh1 6.4 8 L P A2403 1.7 5 L P A
IIM Sirmaur17.5 lakh13.93 LPA24632.65 LPA
IIM Bodh Gaya16.28 lakh13.9 LPA26632.5 LPA
IIM Sambalpur18.5 lakh14.21 LPA19223.5 LPA

Also Read: Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT in India 

CAT Score Accepting Colleges List – Non IIMs

CollegesFeesAverage PackagesBatch SizeHighest Package
ISB Hyderabad41.8 lakh34.08 LPA873–
SPJIMR Mumbai24 lakhs33 LPA36074 LPA
FMS Delhi2 lakhs34.20 LPA250–
MDI Gurugram25 lakhs27.67 LPA60063.3 LPA
SJMSOM (IITB)14 lakhs28.88 LPA11572 LPA
DMS (IITD)11.2 lakh25.82 LPA11841.30 LPA
IIFT Delhi21.77 lakh29.10 LPA40076.5 LPA
IIFT Kolkata21 lakh29.10 LPA14085.4 LPA
TISS Mumbai(HRM & LR)2.43 lakh27.22 LPA8049 LPA
JBIMS Mumbai6 lakhs28.02 LPA15035.75 LPA
MICA Ahmedabad23 lakh20.09 LPA17336 LPA
IIT Kharagpur9.08 lakh22.13 LPA10443.37 LPA
IMT Ghaziabad21.5 lakh17.35 LPA60065.60 LPA
XIMB Bhubaneswar19.3 lakh18.37 LPA35030 LPA
IIT Madras10.3 lakhs16.93 LPA8429.65 LPA
IIT Roorkee8.52 lakhs18.34 LPA6627.94 LPA
GLIM Chennai20.8 lakh15.1 LPA27937 LPA
Taxila Business School10.50 Lakh11.50 LPA30028 LPA
IMI Delhi18.2 lakh17.01 LPA42070.95 LPA
GIM Goa18.31 lakh17.20 LPA48055 LPA
NIBM Pune16.20 lakhs15.22 LPA12023.5 LPA
TAPMI Manipal17.34 lakh13.84 LPA51532.02 LPA
SIMSREE1.4 lakhs15.24 LPA18026.30 LPA
IIT Kanpur2.80 lakh18.14 LPA7824 LPA
Welignkar14 lakhs13.17 LPA72040 LPA
DFS26k17.1 LPA6332 LPA
DBE1 lakh14.41 LPA11724.8 LPA

Also Read: Top 50 MBA Colleges in India 2025 – Best 50 B Schools of India

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