Top MBA Colleges in India List of Top Colleges with Average Package

CL Team September 10 2024
90 min read

Choosing the right MBA college is a pivotal decision that can shape your career and life trajectory. When evaluating top B-schools, it is crucial to consider factors such as placement records, quality of education, and networking opportunities to make an informed choice.

To aid in this decision-making process, we have categorized the top MBA colleges in India into four distinct clusters. Each cluster represents a tier of prestigious institutions, providing clarity on their relative standings. As you progress through the clusters, the differences between colleges become less pronounced, highlighting their overall excellence.

 

Top MBA Colleges: CLUSTER 1

Every year, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta consistently secure the top three spots among preferred MBA institutions. Their remarkable placement records, strong brand reputation, and extensive opportunities make them standout choices.

Other notable institutions in this cluster include FMS Delhi, IIM Lucknow, and XLRI Jamshedpur. These schools also offer excellent programs, and the best choice will depend on individual preferences and career goals.

For candidates with over three years of work experience, ISB Hyderabad presents an attractive option with its one-year MBA program, which accepts GMAT scores for admission. On the other hand, FMS Delhi, TISS Mumbai, and JBIMS Mumbai are recognized for their "value for money" offerings due to their lower fees and strong placement records. However, JBIMS faces a slight disadvantage because of the 85% reservation for Maharashtra residents.

TISS, while lower on the list, offers specialized programs that might appeal to those with specific interests, such as HR. General management programs are often preferred for their flexibility in allowing students to choose a specialization after the first year. However, if you have a particular interest in HR, specialized programs like those at TISS and XLRI Jamshedpur could be more suitable.

 

No.

Sub-Cluster

Institute

City

Program

Average Package (LPA)

1

1A

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-A)

Ahmedabad

MBA

36.14

2

1A

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-B)

Bangalore

MBA

35.92

3

1A

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-C)

Kolkata

MBA

35.07

4

1A

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-B)

Bangalore

PGP-BA

35.92

5

1A

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-L)

Lucknow

MBA

32.20

6

1A

FMS - Delhi University

New Delhi

MBA

34.10

7

1A

Xavier Labour Research Institute (XLRI)

Jamshedpur

PGDM - HRM

32.70

8

1A

Xavier Labour Research Institute (XLRI)

Jamshedpur

PGDM - BM

32.70

9

1A

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-L)

Lucknow

MBA - ABM

32.20

10

1B

Indian School of Business (ISB)

Hyderabad

PGP

33.25

11

1B

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)

Mumbai

MA - HRM LR

19.62

12

1B

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-K)

Kozhikode

MBA

31.02

13

1B

Xavier Labour Research Institute (XLRI)

NCR

PGDM - BM

32.70

14

1B

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-I)

Indore

MBA

30.21

15

1B

SP Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR)

Mumbai

PGDM

33.02

16

1C

Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS)

Mumbai

MMS

28.02

17

1C

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-K)

Kozhikode

MBA - Finance

26.11

18

1C

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-K)

Kozhikode

MBA - LSM

25.96

19

1C

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)

New Delhi

MBA

29.10

20

1C

Management Development Institute (MDI)

Gurgaon

PGPM

27.67

 

Top MBA Colleges: CLUSTER – 2

In Cluster 2, several non-IIM institutions have distinguished themselves, often surpassing some IIMs in terms of growth, educational quality, and placement performance. For example, IIFT Kolkata is placed in Cluster 2A, ahead of many older, well-established institutes. This ranking is largely due to its integrated placement process with IIFT Delhi, which ensures uniform opportunities across both campuses.

 

Similarly, IIM Lucknow's Agribusiness Management (ABM) program is ranked higher than IIM Ahmedabad’s Food and Agribusiness Management (FABM) program. This is because IIM Lucknow provides equal placement opportunities for its ABM and PGP programs, whereas IIM Ahmedabad has distinct placement processes for its PGP and FABM programs.

 

Prominent technical institutes such as IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIM Mumbai also feature prominently in this cluster, recognized for their strong MBA programs in Operations, Systems, and Analytics.

 

The International Business (IB) programs offered by MDI Gurgaon are placed in this cluster rather than Cluster 1, mainly due to cost considerations. Additionally, various newer IIMs like IIM Ranchi and IIM Udaipur, along with several respected non-IIM institutions, are included in this cluster. This reflects a diverse range of institutions providing competitive MBA programs.

 

Top MBA Colleges: CLUSTER – 2

No.

Sub-Cluster

Institute

City

Program

Average Package (LPA)

1

2A

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay - SJMSOM

Mumbai

MBA

28.88

2

2A

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)

Kolkata

MBA

29.10

3

2A

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-S)

Shillong

MBA

26.96

4

2A

IIM Mumbai (Former NITIE)

Mumbai

PGDIM

25.40

5

2A

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-A)

Ahmedabad

MBA - FABM

20.04

6

2B

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi - DMS

New Delhi

MBA

25.82

7

2B

Management Development Institute (MDI)

Gurgaon

PGPM-HRM

26.42

8

2B

Management Development Institute (MDI)

Gurgaon

PGPM - IB

27.67

9

2B

Management Development Institute (MDI)

Gurgaon

PGP-BA

-

10

2B

Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM)

Pune

MBA

26.77

11

2B

Symbiosis Centre for Management and HRD (SCMHRD)

Pune

MBA

23.71

12

2B

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)

Mumbai

MBA - Core

26.63

13

2B

Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS)

Mumbai

MSc Finance

21.00

14

2B

Mudra Institute of Communications Ahmedabad (MICA)

Ahmedabad

PGDM-C

20.09

15

2B

BITS School of Management (BITSOM)

Mumbai

MBA

23.85

16

2C

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-Trichy)

Trichy

MBA

20.55

17

2C

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-U)

Udaipur

MBA

20.09

18

2C

Indian Institute of Management (IIM Raipur)

Raipur

MBA

21.04

 

Top MBA Colleges: CLUSTER – 3

Cluster 3 is distinguished by its focus on specialized MBA programs and institutions renowned for their niche expertise. Leading the cluster is MICA, which is acclaimed for its Marketing and Advertising programs, solidifying its position as a top choice for candidates interested in these fields. Similarly, IRMA is well-regarded for its focus on rural management, offering unique opportunities for those aiming to make an impact in this sector.

Established institutions such as XIMB and IMT Ghaziabad are also prominent in this cluster, known for their robust placement records and strong academic reputation. For candidates with more than two years of work experience, the one-year PGPM program at Great Lakes Chennai is an appealing option, despite its lack of AICTE recognition. This program is supported by impressive placement results and industry recognition.

Additionally, several IITs are included in this cluster, valued for their affordability and strong placement opportunities, particularly for those pursuing specializations in operations, systems, or analytics. These institutes offer a solid balance of cost-effectiveness and quality education, making them a preferred choice for many MBA aspirants.

 

Top MBA Colleges: CLUSTER – 3

No.

Sub-Cluster

Institute

City

Program

Average Package (LPA)

1

3A

Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

Bengaluru

M.Mgmt

28.00

2

3A

Xavier Institute of Management (XIMB)

Bhubaneswar

MBA - BM

20.03

3

3A

Xavier Labour Research Institute (XLRI)

Jamshedpur

Global MBA

28.02

4

3A

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur - VGSOM

Kharagpur

MBA

22.13

5

3A

Indian Institute of Technology Madras – DMS

Chennai

MBA

20.19

6

3A

Indian Institute of Management (IIM Kashipur)

Kashipur

MBA

18.10

7

3A

Indian Institute of Management (IIM Ranchi)

Ranchi

MBA

16.17

8

3B

Indian Institute of Management (IIM Rohtak)

Rohtak

MBA

18.70

9

3B

Indian Institute of Management (IIM Ranchi)

Ranchi

MBA - HRM

15.63

10

3B

Indian Institute of Management (IIM Lucknow)

Lucknow

PGP - SM

30.00

11

3B

IIM Mumbai (Former NITIE)

Mumbai

MBA (SM)

25.40

12

3B

Institute of Management Technology (IMT)

Ghaziabad

PGDM

17.35

13

3B

Institute of Management Technology (IMT)

Ghaziabad

Marketing, Finance

17.35

14

3B

Institute of Rural Management (IRMA)

Anand

PGPRM

15.00

15

3C

Great Lakes Institute of Management (GLIM)

Chennai

PGPM - 1 year

18.10

16

3C

International Management Institute (IMI)

New Delhi

PGDM

17.01

17

3C

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)

Mumbai

MBA - HR

19.60

18

3C

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee – DoMS

Roorkee

MBA

18.30

19

3C

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur – DoMS

Kanpur

MBA

18.10

 

 

Top MBA Colleges: CLUSTER – 4

Cluster 4 is distinguished by a mix of established regional institutions and newer IIMs, reflecting a broad spectrum of MBA programs with strong local reputations and emerging prominence. This cluster includes well-regarded regional schools such as TAPMI, GIM, KJ Somaiya, and IIM Trichy, known for their solid track records and regional influence.

In addition, this cluster features some of the latest IIMs, including those in Vizag and Nagpur, representing a blend of traditional and cutting-edge institutions in the MBA field.

Specialized programs are also a highlight of this cluster. Notable offerings include NITIE’s PGDISEM, JBIMS’s MSc in Finance, and specialized HR programs at NMIMS and XIMB. Furthermore, Delhi University’s value-for-money MBA programs, such as MFC, MHROD, and MBE, are part of this cluster, providing a diverse array of options to meet various career aspirations and preferences.

Top MBA Colleges: CLUSTER – 4

No.

Sub-Cluster

Institute

City

Program

Avg. Package (LPA)

1

4A

BITS Pilani, Department of Management

Pilani

MBA-BA

17.45

2

4A

T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI)

Manipal

PGDM

14.6

3

4A

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-N)

Nagpur

PGP

16.74

4

4A

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-Sambalpur)

Sambalpur

PGP

16.64

5

4A

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-V)

Visakhapatnam

PGP

16.61

6

4A

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-Amritsar)

Amritsar

PGP

16.51

7

4A

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-J)

Jammu

PGP

16.5

8

4A

Department of Business Economics, Delhi University

Delhi

MBA (BE)

15.92

9

4B

Master of HR and Organisational Development, DSE, Delhi Univ.

Delhi

MBA (HRD)

14

10

4B

Sydenham Institute of Management Studies (SIMSREE)

Mumbai

MMS/PGDBM

13-14

11

4B

Xavier Institute of Management (XIMB)

Bhubaneswar

MBA - Rural Mgmt

12.5

12

4B

International Management Institute (IMI)

New Delhi

PGDM BFS

16.48

13

4B

International Management Institute (IMI)

New Delhi

PGDHRM

15.58

14

4B

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-Bodh Gaya)

Bodh Gaya

PGP

14.96

15

4C

Indian Institute of Management (IIM S)

Sirmaur

PGP

14.45

16

4C

FORE School of Management

New Delhi

PGDM IB

15.1

17

4C

Goa Institute of Management (GIM)

Goa

PGDM

14.87

18

4C

Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB)

Pune

MBA IB

13.12

19

4C

Symbiosis Institute of Operations Management (SIOM)

Nasik

MBA Ops

14.35

20

4C

K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research (SIMSR)

Mumbai

MBA/MBA-HCM

12.32

Top MBA Colleges: CLUSTER – 5 & 6

If you haven't secured admission to any college up to Cluster 4 and retaking the CAT/XAT exams isn't a viable option or won't significantly improve your scores, it’s time to consider institutes in Clusters 5 and 6. These colleges provide solid education and good career prospects, though the roles, profiles, and salary levels may not match those of higher-ranked institutions.

At this level, location becomes particularly important, as institutes in metropolitan areas often have better industry connections and placement opportunities.

Furthermore, placements in these clusters are often regionally focused. For example, if you study in the NCR region, job prospects may be primarily confined to that area. Given the moderate salary expectations from these institutions, it is crucial to manage your MBA expenses carefully, including tuition fees and accommodation. Effectively balancing these costs is essential, especially if you are taking on a substantial loan. Servicing a large loan with a modest salary can be challenging, so careful financial planning is necessary.

Top MBA Colleges: CLUSTER – 5 & 6

No.

Sub-Cluster

Institute

City

Program

Avg. Package (LPA)

1

5A

National Institute of Bank Management

Pune

PGDM B & FS

15.22

2

5A

Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC GBO), Delhi University

Delhi

GBO

13.48

3

5A

Great Lakes Institute of Management (GLIM)

Chennai

PGDM

14.5

4

5A

Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM)

Bengaluru

MBA

13.48

5

5A

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)

Bengaluru

PGDM

14.0

6

5A

SDA Bocconi Asia Center

Mumbai

International Masters in Business

14.3

7

5B

Great Lakes Institute of Management (GLIM)

Gurgaon

PGPM 1 year

11.6

8

5B

IFMR GSB, Krea University

Sri City, Andhra Pradesh

MBA

13.5

9

5B

University Business School (UBS)

Chandigarh

MBA

13.67

10

5B

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)

Navi Mumbai

MBA

13.35

11

5B

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)

Hyderabad

PGDM

13.01

12

5B

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)

Indore

MBA

12.5

13

5B

Welingkar Institute of Management

Mumbai

MMS, PGDM

12.01

14

5B

Nirma University – Institute of Management (IMNU)

Ahmedabad

MBA

13.0

15

5B

Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS)

Pune

MBA

16.0

16

5B

Symbiosis Institute of Digital & Telecom Management (SIDTM)

Pune

MBA

12.78

17

5B

Management Development Institute (MDI)

Murshidabad

PGP

12.67

18

5B

Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBS)

New Delhi

PGDM, Finance

12.42

19

5B

Bharathidasan Institute of Management (BIM)

Tiruchirapally

MBA

12.4

20

5C

Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA)

Chennai

PGDM

11.5

21

5C

Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIM Tech)

Greater Noida

PGDM, IB

11.24

22

5C

Delhi School of Management - Delhi Technological University (DTU)

New Delhi

MBA

10.3

23

5C

International Management Institute (IMI)

Kolkata

PGDM

10.65

24

5C

Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication (SIMC)

Pune

MBA CM

8.2

25

5C

Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB)

Pune

MBA E&E

11.54

26

5C

Symbiosis Center for Information Technology

Pune

MBA-ITBM

11.18

27

5C

Symbiosis Institute of Banking and Finance (SSBF)

Pune

MBA BF, PGDBF

11.0

28

5C

Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB)

Pune

MBA AB

10.66

29

5C

ICFAI Business School

Hyderabad

MBA/PGPM

10.42

30

5C

ISM Dhanbad

Dhanbad

MBA

11.6

 

Top MBA Colleges: CLUSTER – 5 & 6

No.

Sub-Cluster

Institute

City

Program

Avg. Package (LPA)

1

6A

Institute of Management Technology (IMT)

Ghaziabad

DCP

-

2

6A

Jagan Institute of Management Studies

New Delhi

PGDM

-

3

6A

Institute of Management Technology (IMT)

Hyderabad

PGDM

12

4

6A

Great Lakes Institute of Management (GLIM)

Gurgaon

PGDM

11.6

5

6A

Institute of Management Technology (IMT)

Nagpur

PGDM

10.81

6

6A

Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship (XIME)

Bengaluru

PGDM

10.75

7

6A

SOIL Institute of Management

Gurgaon

PGDM

10.3

8

6A

NL Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research

Mumbai

PGDM

10

9

6A

SDM Institute for Management Development (SDMIMD)

Mysore

PGDM

9.8

10

6A

Faculty of Management Studies, BHU (FMS BHU)

Varanasi

MBA, MBA IB

9.7

11

6A

Flame University

Pune

MBA

9.15

12

6A

Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research (SICSR)

Pune

MBA IT

6.55

13

6A

International School of Business & Media

Pune

PGDM

14

14

6B

Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS)

Ranchi

PGDM HRM

9.4

15

6B

Symbiosis Institute of Business Management

Hyderabad

MBA

9.2

16

6B

Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM)

Bhopal

PGDFM

8.5

17

6B

TAPMI School of Business, Manipal University

Jaipur

MBA

7.6

18

6C

BML Munjal University

Gurgaon

MBA

9.4

19

6C

Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS)

Ranchi

PGDM Marketing & PGDM Finance

9.4

20

6C

Kirloskar Institute of Advanced Management Studies

Harihar, Pune

PGDM

8.5

21

6C

Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship (XIME)

Kochi

PGDM

8.07

22

6C

Symbiosis Institute of Health Services (SIHS)

Pune

MBA

6.98

 

Conclusion

Choosing the right MBA college is a crucial decision that significantly impacts your career trajectory. When evaluating top B-schools, it’s essential to consider factors such as placement records, the quality of education, and networking opportunities to make an informed choice.

To assist you in this process, we have categorized the top MBA colleges in India into distinct clusters based on their prestige and performance. Each cluster represents a tier of institutions, providing a clear understanding of their relative standings.

For those preparing for entrance exams, a strategic approach is key. Once you’ve completed your preparation, consider joining Career Launcher Medical Square, Nagpur Branch to gain further insights and guidance on your MBA journey. Whether aiming for top-tier institutions in Cluster 1 or exploring opportunities in lower clusters, having a solid plan and support system will enhance your chances of success.