Introduction
India is home to some of the world’s most renowned business schools, making it a hub for management education. The top MBA colleges in India stand out for their academic excellence, global recognition, and excellent placement records. Aspiring students dream of getting into prestigious institutions like the IIMs, which offer unparalleled opportunities. With 21 IIMs across the country, along with several other reputed institutions, candidates have a plethora of options to choose from. This article delves into the eligibility, entrance exams, and details about the best MBA colleges in India to help you make informed decisions.
Eligibility to Get Admission in top MBA Colleges in India
When considering the top 10 mba colleges in india with fee structure, it’s essential to understand that different colleges and IIMs have their respective eligibility criteria, entry-level tests, and interview processes. However, certain minimum qualification and eligibility requirements must be fulfilled before gaining admission to any MBA colleges. Typically, candidates must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree in any discipline, with many colleges imposing a minimum percentage requirement, often around 50%. Additionally, most institutions require candidates to clear entrance exams such as the CAT, XAT, or MAT. While work experience is preferred by some colleges, it is not always mandatory. Lastly, candidates may need to attend a personal interview and participate in group discussions as part of the admission process. It is crucial to check the specific requirements of each college to ensure compliance with their criteria.
- Graduation: You must have been graduated to completed your graduation from recognised university before admission to the desired college. Graduation can be from any stream and of any duration like 3 years or more.
- Minimum qualifying marks in graduation: The students must have secured 50% and above in their graduation to be eligible for admission. For SC/ST category, the minimum qualification percentage is 45%.
- Appear for exams: Many entrance tests are required to be attempted and the scores of these tests decide your admission.
- Age requirements: Usually there are no age limits for MBA but the candidates should be in their 20s or older.
Along with these, you might have to appear for some interviews and present your resume, letter of appreciation, work experience etc as well.
Entrance Exams for top MBA Colleges in India
CAT (Common Aptitude Test)
The Common Aptitude Test (CAT) is one of the most popular entrance exams for securing admission to the top MBA colleges in India, including the prestigious IIMs. Conducted by the IIMs on a rotational basis, it evaluates candidates’ skills in quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, and logical reasoning. CAT is a computer-based test with 66 objective-type questions and a duration of 120 minutes. Apart from IIMs, over 500 MBA colleges in India accept CAT scores for admission to their MBA programs.
| Conducting Authority | IIM |
| Examination Type | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Number of Question | 66 Objective Type Questions |
| Colleges Accepting | All IIMs and 500+ other colleges |
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a globally recognized exam, widely accepted by the top MBA colleges in India and many international institutions. Conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), it assesses analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal skills. With a duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes, the GMAT is a preferred choice for students aiming for both Indian and global MBA programs.
| Conducting Authority | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) |
| Examination Type | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 2 hours 15 Minutes |
| Number of Question | 64 |
| Colleges Accepting | Various Foreign Institutes and colleges |
XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the XLRI Jamshedpur for admission to its management programs. Many top MBA colleges in India also accept XAT scores, making it a sought-after option for aspirants. The exam includes sections on decision-making, verbal and logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and general knowledge, with a total duration of 190 minutes.
| Conducting Authority | Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) |
| Examination Type | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 190 Minutes |
| Number of Question | 100 Objective Type Questions |
| Colleges Accepting | XLRI institutes |
MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is an entry-level exam conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA). Recognized by several MBA colleges in India, it offers both computer-based and paper-based options. The test, lasting 150 minutes, covers topics like language comprehension, data analysis, and intelligence reasoning, making it a gateway to some of the best management institutions in the country.
| Conducting Authority | All India Management Association (AIMA) |
| Examination Type | Computer Based Test (CBT) and Paper Based Test (PBT) |
| Duration | 150 minutes |
| Number of Question | 200 Objective Type Questions |
| Colleges Accepting | JIMS, Amity University, Christ University and others |
CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is accepted by all AICTE-approved MBA institutions in India. It is a computer-based test that spans 180 minutes and evaluates quantitative techniques, logical reasoning, language comprehension, and general awareness. CMAT serves as an excellent platform for admission to the top MBA colleges in India.
| Conducting Authority | All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) |
| Examination Type | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 180 minutes |
| Number of Question | 100 |
| Colleges Accepting | All AICTE approved institutes |
SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) is conducted by Symbiosis International University for admission to its management programs. The exam, lasting 60 minutes, features multiple-choice questions across quantitative, analytical, and verbal sections. SNAP is widely accepted by the top MBA colleges in India affiliated with Symbiosis, making it a key option for management aspirants.
| Conducting Authority | Symbiosis International University |
| Examination Type | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 60 Minutes |
| Number of Question | 60 |
| Colleges Accepting | Symbiosis International University and other colleges |
IBSAT (ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test)
The ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test (IBSAT) is an online exam conducted by the ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education. It focuses on verbal ability, quantitative techniques, data interpretation, and reasoning. With a duration of 120 minutes, IBSAT scores are primarily used for admission to ICFAI Business Schools, which rank among the top MBA colleges in India for business education.
| Conducting Authority | ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education |
| Examination Type | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Number of Question | 140 MCQs |
| Colleges Accepting | ICFAI Business School |
Read More: IELTS or TOEFL: Your Guide to Choosing the Best Exam for Study Abroad
Top MBA Colleges in India with Fee Structure
| College | NIRF Rankings |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 1 |
| IIM Bangalore | 2 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 3 |
| IIM Calcutta | 5 |
| IIM Mumbai | 6 |
| IIM Lucknow | 7 |
| IIM Indore | 8 |
| XLRI- Xavier School Of Management | 9 |
| Management Development Institute | 11 |
| IIM Rohtak | 12 |
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IIM Ahmedabad
| Exams Accepted | CAT, GATE |
| Tuition Fee | 12-25L |
| Average initial package | 20-31.5L |
| Popular Courses |
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IIM Bangalore
| Exams Accepted | CAT |
| Tuition Fee | 12.5L-24.5L |
| Average initial package | 32.5 |
| Popular Courses |
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IIM Kozhikode
| Exams Accepted | CAT, EMAT |
| Tuition Fee | 12-20.5 L |
| Average initial package | 25-27 L |
| Popular Courses |
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IIM Calcutta
| Exams Accepted | CAT |
| Tuition Fee | 25L |
| Average initial package | 31.1-33L |
| Popular Courses |
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IIM Mumbai
| Exams Accepted | CAT |
| Tuition Fee | 21 L |
| Average initial package | 28L |
| Popular Courses |
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IIM Lucknow
| Exams Accepted | CAT, GMAT, CUET-PG |
| Tuition Fee | 7.6-12.8 L |
| Average initial package | 28-30 L |
| Popular Courses |
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IIM Indore
| Exams Accepted | CAT |
| Tuition Fee | 8-12 L |
| Average initial package | 28-30L |
| Popular Courses |
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XLRI- Xavier School of Management
| Exams Accepted | XAT |
| Tuition Fee | 13-18L |
| Average initial package | 30 L |
| Popular Courses |
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Management Development Institute, Gurgaon
| Exams Accepted | CAT |
| Tuition Fee | 5-12 L |
| Average initial package | 26.8 L |
IIM Rohtak
| Exams Accepted | CAT |
| Tuition Fee | 7.9 L |
| Average initial package | 18-20 L |
Read More: GMAT 2024: Tips and Strategies to Score High
Top Non IIM MBA Colleges in India
When it comes to MBA, the only colleges that come to mind are IIMs but there are many other colleges as well which are providing MBA courses and also hold top rankings in various indexes. These institutes offer the best of infrastructure, faculty, pedagogy, international exposure and placements. MBA fees of these B-schools range from INR 11 to INR 30 lakh. The only exception here is FMS-Delhi whose fee is INR 1.92 lakh. Take a look MBA fees of some of the top B-schools in India other than IIMs.
| B-School | Course Name | **Fees |
|---|---|---|
| FMS-Delhi | MBA | INR 1.92 lakh |
| MDI-Gurgaon | PGPM | INR 24 to 28 lakh |
| SPJIMR-Mumbai | PGDM | INR 23.50 lakh |
| IIFT-New Delhi | MBA International Business | INR 21.77 lakh |
| ISB-Hyderabad | PGPM | INR 38 to 41 lakh |
| Symbiosis Institute Of Business Management-Pune | MBA | INR 24.59 lakh |
| Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies-Mumbai | MMS | INR 6.00 lakh |
| IMI-Delhi | PGDM | INR 18.20 lakh |
| NMIMS Mumbai-School of Business Management | MBA | INR 11.90 to 24.00 lakh |
| IMT-Ghaziabad | PGDM | INR 19.50 lakh |
| Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research-Mumbai | PGDM | INR 94,000 to 14.00 lakh |
| BIMTECH-Greater Noida | PGDM | INR 14.00 lakh |
| K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management Studies And Research-Mumbai | PGDM International Business | INR 19.94 lakh |
| IRMA-Anand | PGDRM | INR 12.60 lakh |
| Xavier Institute of Management, XIMB-Bubaneshwar | MBA | INR 21.50 lakh |
| TAPMI-Manipal | PGDM | INR 16.50 lakh |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management-Chennai | PGPM | INR 19.95 lakh |
| Symbiosis Institute of Business Management-Bangalore | MBA | INR 18.00 lakh |
| Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India – Ahmedabad | PGDM Business Entrepreneurship | INRs 12.56 lakh |
| IIT Madras – Department of Management Studies | MBA | INR 15.00 lakh |
**Fees mentioned above may change in the upcoming academic year. However, the candidates can avail scholarships and financial assistance offered by these institutes in getting a study loan from banks.
Top MBA Colleges in India with Fees less than INR 10 lakh
Most of the MBA colleges in this fee-range are the departments of management studies of IITs. The MBA programmes offered by these institutes are not only economical as compared to private B-Schools but are also highly ranked in the annual ranking by MHRD-NIRF and offer excellent placement opportunities. Take a look at colleges with MBA fees less than INR 10 lakh:
| *B-School | Course Name | **Fees |
|---|---|---|
| IIT Delhi – Department of Management Studies | MBA Telecommunication Systems Management | INR 8.080 lakh |
| IIT Bombay – Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management | MBA | INR 8.32 lakh |
| NITIE-Mumbai | PGD Industrial Safety and Environmental Management | INR 8.50 lakh |
| IIT Kharagpur-Vinod Gupta School of Management | MBA | INR 9.30 lakh |
| BITS-Pilani | MBA | INR 9.26 Lakh |
| IIT Roorkee | MBA | INR 6.23 lakh |
| IIT Delhi – Department of Management Studies | MBA | INR 8.80 lakh |
Admission process of the abovementioned institutes is same as other MBA colleges, i.e. selection through entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, GMAT, Group Discussion and Personal Interview.
MBA fees less than INR 5 lakh
MBA colleges in this fee range include popular institutes like Symbiosis International University (Deemed), Prin. L N Welingkar, Christ University, Chandigarh University and Amity University. These universities offer a number of MBA programmes for fees which will not burn a whole in your pocket. Take a look at colleges with MBA fees less than INR 5 lakh:
| *B-school | MBA/PGP Course Name | **Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research-Mumbai | PGP Media and Entertainment Management | INR 3.00 lakh |
| Christ University, Bangalore | MBA Leadership and Management | INR 3.80 lakh |
| International School of Management and Research-ISMR | MBA | INR 3.20 lakh |
| CU – Chandigarh University | MBA Tourism and Hospitality Management | INR 4.00 lakh |
| Indira Institute of Management – IIMP | MBA | INRs 4.00 lakh |
| ASM’s Institute of Business Management and Research-IBMR | MBA | INR 3.20 lakh |
| Pune Institute of Business Management | PGDM | INR 4.05 lakh |
| Amity University | MBA Agriculture and Food Business | INR 4.47 lakh |
| AIMS Institute of Management Studies | MBA | INR 3.69 lakh |
| MIT Pune-MIT World Peace University | MBA | INR 3.50 lakh |
| DBS-Doon Business School | MBA International Business | INR 4.52 lakh |
| Gems B School, Bangalore | Corporate MBA | INR 4.20 lakh |
| Galgotias University-GU | MBA Healthcare and Hospital Management | INR 4.47 lakh |
| IES Management College and Research Centre (IES MCRC) | MMS | INR 4.20 lakh |
| DTU-Delhi Technological University (DCE) | MBA Business Analytics | INR 3.56 lakh |
| SRCC-Shri Ram College of Commerce | PGDM Global Business Operations | INR 3.20 lakh |
Students shortlisting their preferred MBA institutes must keep in mind colleges mentioned in the above table as they offer various upcoming specialisations in MBA for low fees.
Top MBA Colleges in India With Fees less than Rs 1 lakh
MBA colleges with fees less than INR 1 lakh are mostly department of management studies of central or state level universities. Even though their fees is low, these institutes are recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Take a look at some of the popular MBA colleges with fees less than INR 1 lakh.
| *B-school | Course Name | **Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Jamia Millia Islamia-JMI | MBA in International Business | INR 33,170 |
| WE School-Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research | PGP Foreign Trade Management | INR 94,400 |
| BK School of Business Management | MBA in Maritime Management | INR 80,000 |
| Amity University | PGD in Health and Wellness Management | INR 54,000 |
| Department of Financial Studies, University of Delhi | MBA in Financial Management | INR 26,000 |
| Institute of Management Studies, Banaras Hindu University | MBA in International Business | INR 98,888 |
| Maharshi Dayanand University-MDU | Master of Hotel Management and Catering Technology | INR 84,468 |
| Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai | PG Diploma in Community Media | INR 40,600 |
| University Business School, Chandigarh-Panjab University | MBA HRM | INR 60,000 |
| Vishwa Vishwani School of Business | MBA | INR 54,000 |
| Garware Institute of Career Education and Development, University of Mumbai | PGD Retail Management | INR 65,420 |
| YMCA-New Delhi | PGD Aviation & Tourism Management | INR 61,256 |
| Utkal University | PGD Banking & Insurance Management | INR 40,600 |
| Maharshi Dayanand University Center, Dwarka | MBA | INR 48,000 |
| Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management-IISWBM | PGD Supply Chain and Logistics Management | INR 70,000 |
| Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology | MBA | INR 86,000 |
| Andhra University, Visakhapatnam | MHRM | INR 24,440 |
| Babu Banarasi Das University | PGD Sports Management | INR 80,000 |
| Gujarat University | PGD Export-Import & International Finance | INR 6,000 |
| AMU – Aligarh Muslim University | PGD Public Relations | INR 3,500 |
| Patna University | PGD HRD | INR 9,500 |
| University College of Commerce and Business Management, Osmania University | MBA Technology Management Programme | INR 20,000 |
| Gauhati University-GU | Master of Business Economics | INR 14,090 |
| Department of Management Studies, Anna University | MBA | INR 56,550 |
| GD Goenka University-GDGU | PGD Supply Chain Management | INR 90,000 |
| Doon University | PGD Security Management | INR 40,000 |
| CUSAT-Cochin University of Science and Technology | MBA | INR 42,000 |
*These institutes are listed according to their popularity on Gateway International based on maximum visits by the readers.
**The fees data mentioned against each institute is according to the latest figures available. They may change in the upcoming academic session.
Aspirants who plan to pursue an MBA course from institutes mentioned in the table above must check for their past placement data before taking a decision. This is so, because the goal of pursuing an MBA degree to get a good start in career. So, even if the MBA course fees is low at a university, but placements are not good, you should look out for other options. However, if a fee of an institute is high, but the campus placements are great, try to take admission in that institute.
Conclusion
Pursuing an MBA from the top MBA colleges in India opens doors to excellent career opportunities and industry recognition. With institutions like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and XLRI leading the list, these colleges are renowned for their world-class education, strong alumni networks, and lucrative placements. Admission to these MBA colleges in India requires dedication and preparation for exams like CAT, GMAT, and XAT. The best MBA colleges in India not only provide academic excellence but also nurture leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Choose wisely and aim high to secure your place in the finest MBA colleges for a bright future. Keep visiting Gateway International for useful resources, admission updates, as well as other informational needs during your preparation and admissions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is India’s no. 1 MBA colleges?
Ans- As per NIRF rankings, IIM Ahmedabad is the no. 1 college for MBA. Other colleges for MBA are IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Kozhikode and others.
2. Which MBA colleges is best with low fees?
Ans- Some of the top colleges offering MBA courses with lower fees are Delhi School of Economics, MSU baroda, IGNOU Delhi and other government universities in different states.
