About IIMs: Course, Fees, Seats, Ranking
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are popular for their high standard of academic programs in management. Their flagship two-year full-time Postgraduate Program in Management (PGP) is equivalent to an MBA. In addition to this, the IIMs provide executive education, various one-year diplomas, and specialized programs like the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM), which is considered at par with a PhD. If we talk about the fee for an MBA at IIMs, it can vary significantly. For instance, IIM Ahmedabad charges about INR 24.61 lakh for its PGP in Management, which is at the higher end, while IIM Bodh Gaya, a relatively newer institution, charges around INR 17 lakh. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, and we advise that you keep a check on the latest fee structure directly from the respective IIMs official website.
When considering admission chances at the IIMs, it is also essential to understand the total number of seats available across all the institutes. They collectively offer around 5500 seats in MBA/PGDM courses. This comprehensive figure reflects the opportunities available for aspiring students to pursue management education across India. Let us look at the distribution of seats at prominent IIMs:
- IIM Ahmedabad: Offers a total of 385 seats for their PGP course, including allocations for different categories - General (194), OBC (104), SC (58), and ST (29).
- IIM Bangalore: Provides 412 seats for their PGP course, distributed across categories - General (193), OBC (103), SC (57), and ST (29).
- IIM Calcutta: Allocates 462 seats for their PGP course, catering to various categories - General (233), OBC (125), SC (69), and ST (37).
- History of IIMs
- Entrance Exams to Get Admission in IIMs
- Eligibility Criteria to Get into IIMs
- Programmes Offered by IIMs
- List of All IIMs: Courses, Fees, Seats, Ranking
- FAQ’s
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The seat distribution across different categories is a pivotal aspect of ensuring a diverse student cohort at IIMs. It reflects IIMs' commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity.
Another element that plays a crucial role in the planning process for prospective students is the ranking of the institutes. The IIMs hold prestigious national and global rankings, with several IIMs consistently featuring in the top 100 global business schools. The Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2024 positioned IIM Ahmedabad at 41st place. The regular high ranks show the dedication of the IIMs toward top management education.
History of IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management)
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have played a vital role in shaping the landscape of higher education and management in India. After India gained independence in 1947, the need for trained managers in the public sector became evident. To address this, the Planning Commission, under the guidance of the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, sought assistance from Professor George Robbins of UCLA in 1959. This led to the establishment of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), with Calcutta and Ahmedabad being the first to be set up in 1961, followed by Bangalore in 1973.
Subsequently, there was a significant expansion of the IIMs between 2008 and 2016, leading to the establishment of new IIMs in various states, including Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan. In 2023, NITIE Mumbai was renamed IIM Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in the educational evolution of the institution, emphasizing its commitment to excellence, growth, innovation, and knowledge.
Entrance Exams to Get Admission in IIMs
CAT Exam
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) mainly use the Common Admission Test (CAT) for entry. This is a tough test that happens every year across the nation and is run by the IIMs. The CAT exam assesses candidates' abilities in various sections, including Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Scoring high in the CAT is really important. You need to be in the 99-100 percentile range for the best IIMs.
GMAT Exam
Various IIMs also accept the GMAT for international candidates or Indian nationals who were not in the country during the CAT exam. A strong GMAT score, typically falling within the range of 700-800, coupled with a solid professional and educational background, enhances one’s eligibility for the IIMs.
GRE Exam
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have expanded their admission criteria to attract a more diverse applicant pool by accepting Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. While specific percentile ranges may vary, a competitive GRE score typically falls within the range of 320-340.
Speak With Our ExpertEligibility Criteria to Get into IIMs
To be eligible for admission to the IIMs, candidates must meet the following academic criteria:
- Hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or an equivalent grade.
- Candidates from reserved categories (SC, ST, and PwD) must have a minimum of 45% aggregate marks in their bachelor's degree.
Candidates in their final year of undergraduate studies are also eligible to apply, provided they meet the final degree requirements before the stipulated date.
After the entrance exam and application submission, selected candidates will undergo further assessment through Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI). These stages are designed to evaluate candidates' communication skills, analytical abilities, and overall suitability for the rigorous management programs offered by the IIMs.
IIMs also use WAT (Written Ability Test) to assesses a candidate’s analytical thinking and communication skills. Candidates are required to express their thoughts in a written essay within a limited time frame, usually 15-20 minutes. The essay tests clarity, logic, and critical thinking and holds 10-20% weight in the final selection.
Speak With Our ExpertProgrammes Offered by IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management)
MBA
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at IIMs attracts over 2 lakh applicants annually. The full-time program, spanning two years, is widely acclaimed for its demanding curriculum aimed at equipping students for leadership positions in a fast-paced global setting.
Postgraduate Programs
IIMs provide a variety of postgraduate programs tailored to meet the needs of different professional stages. These include the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), which is equivalent to MBA, and specialized courses such as the Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM) for working professionals, and the Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics. Additionally, the institutes offer unique programs like the Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy and Management, which integrates insights on policymaking and management strategies.
Doctoral Programs
For those interested in academic and research careers, IIMs offer doctoral programs such as the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in various specializations. These programs are designed to equip students with advanced research skills and are known for their rigorous coursework and comprehensive fellowship support. The doctoral programs cover a wide range of disciplines from traditional management functions to more specialized areas like Public Systems and Innovation Management.
Executive Programs
Executive education at IIMs is designed to enhance the skills and capabilities of senior management through various short and long-duration programs. These programs range from general management to niche areas like technology and operations and are tailored to the specific developmental stages of professionals' careers. IIMs also offer customized programs designed in partnership with various organizations to address their unique business challenges and leadership development needs.
List of All IIMs: Courses, Fees, Seats, Ranking
*Please note that the fees mentioned are subject to change.
Speak With Our ExpertFAQs
The full form of IIM is the Indian Institute of Management.
There are 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in India.
IIMs are autonomous public institutions established by the Government of India. They are neither fully government-owned nor private institutions.
IIMs are renowned for their academic excellence, faculty expertise, industry connections, and high-quality management education, which lead to excellent career opportunities for graduates.
Yes, Indian government companies, as well as private and multinational companies, actively recruit from IIMs for various roles and positions.
Among the IIMs, IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore are widely considered to be the most popular due to their long-standing reputation and alumni achievements.
As of the NIRF Ranking of 2023, IIM Ahmedabad holds the top spot among the IIMs in India.
The average salary for an IIM passout ranges from ₹20-25 lakhs per annum, with variations based on factors such as work experience, industry, and job role.
The number of seats in each IIM varies, but on average, each IIM offers around 200-450 seats in its flagship Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP).