List of All IIMs in India 2026: Fees & Cutoffs
If you are preparing for CAT 2025 or already planning your college list for MBA admission in 2026, the first thing you need is an honest, complete picture of all the IIM colleges in India — not just the top five everyone talks about.
As of 2026, there are 21 IIMs operating across India. The iim colleges list has grown significantly over the last decade. What started with just six institutes in the early 2000s has now expanded to 21 campuses spread across states from Gujarat to Meghalaya, from Uttar Pradesh to Telangana. Each of these campuses carries the IIM brand, but they differ a lot in terms of fees, CAT cutoffs, placement outcomes, and the overall experience they offer.
This guide covers every single IIM on the iim colleges list — with actual numbers on fees, rankings, cutoffs, and placements — so you can build a realistic target list before CAT 2026 results come out.
How Many IIMs Are There in India in 2026?
There are 21 IIMs in India in 2026. IIM Mumbai, formerly known as NITIE, is the most recent addition to this list. All 21 IIMs are autonomous institutions governed under the IIM Act 2017, which gave them the authority to grant degrees rather than diplomas — a significant upgrade from the earlier PGP structure.
The 21 IIMs are broadly grouped into three categories:
Old IIMs (established before 2000): IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Indore, IIM Shillong
New IIMs (established between 2000 and 2015): IIM Rohtak, IIM Raipur, IIM Ranchi, IIM Kashipur, IIM Trichy, IIM Udaipur
Baby IIMs (established after 2015): IIM Amritsar, IIM Bodhgaya, IIM Jammu, IIM Nagpur, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Visakhapatnam, IIM Mumbai
The old IIMs — often referred to as BLACKI (Bangalore, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Kozhikode, Indore) — dominate the top of every ranking and placement chart. The newer ones are catching up, but the gap in placements and brand recognition is still real and aspirants must understand it before finalising their lists.
Quick Overview: All 21 IIM Colleges in India 2026
IIM | Established | Location | NIRF 2025 Rank | Total Fees (Approx.) | CAT Cutoff (General) | Avg. Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IIM Ahmedabad | 1961 | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | 1 | Rs 27.5 L | 99.5+ | 35.22 LPA |
IIM Bangalore | 1973 | Bengaluru, Karnataka | 2 | Rs 26.3 L | 99+ | 34.88 LPA |
IIM Kozhikode | 1996 | Kozhikode, Kerala | 3 | Rs 23.5 L | 98+ | 26-30 LPA |
IIM Lucknow | 1984 | Lucknow, UP | 5 | Rs 20.75 L | 90 (qualifying) | 32.3 LPA |
IIM Mumbai | 1963 | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 6 | Rs 25.5 L | 85+ | 33.84 LPA (top 50%) |
IIM Calcutta | 1961 | Kolkata, WB | 7 | Rs 27 L | 85+ | 34.23 LPA |
IIM Indore | 1996 | Indore, MP | 8 | Rs 23.5 L | 90+ | 26-30 LPA |
IIM Raipur | 2010 | Raipur, CG | 9 | Rs 20 L | 85+ | 18-20 LPA |
IIM Trichy | 2011 | Trichy, TN | 10 | Rs 17.5 L | 90+ | 18-20 LPA |
IIM Ranchi | 2010 | Ranchi, JH | 14 | Rs 19 L | 90+ | 16-18 LPA |
IIM Kashipur | 2011 | Kashipur, UK | 23 | Rs 17.3 L | 80+ | 15.04 LPA |
IIM Shillong | 2008 | Shillong, Meghalaya | - | Rs 26.18 L | 90+ | 26 LPA |
IIM Rohtak | 2010 | Rohtak, Haryana | - | Rs 17.5 L | 80+ | 16-18 LPA |
IIM Udaipur | 2011 | Udaipur, Rajasthan | 21 | Rs 21.33 L | 85+ | 18.77 LPA |
IIM Amritsar | 2015 | Amritsar, Punjab | - | Rs 21.5 L | 80+ | 19.73 LPA (top 25%) |
IIM Nagpur | 2015 | Nagpur, MH | - | Rs 19 L | 80+ | 15-17 LPA |
IIM Visakhapatnam | 2015 | Vizag, AP | 29 | Rs 20.51 L | 80+ | 16.40 LPA |
IIM Sambalpur | 2015 | Sambalpur, Odisha | - | Rs 19 L | 80+ | 14-16 LPA |
IIM Bodhgaya | 2015 | Bodh Gaya, Bihar | - | Rs 17.96 L | 75+ | 13 LPA |
IIM Sirmaur | 2015 | Sirmaur, HP | - | Rs 16-17 L | 75+ | 12-14 LPA |
IIM Jammu | 2016 | Jammu, J&K | 35 | Rs 20.73 L | 75+ | 15.48 LPA |
Detailed Profile: Every IIM on the iim colleges list
Now let's go deep into each IIM — the kind of detail you actually need when building your target list.
- IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA)
Established in 1961, IIM Ahmedabad is the most prestigious name on the iim colleges list and has held the NIRF rank 1 position consistently since 2021. Located in Vastrapur, Ahmedabad, the campus spreads across 120 acres and is globally accredited by EQUIS. Internationally, IIMA is ranked 31st by the Financial Times MBA Rankings 2025.
The flagship programme is the 2-year PGP (MBA), with a total fee of Rs 27.5 lakh. The institute also runs MBA-PGPX (executive), MBA-FABM (agribusiness), and a PhD programme.
Placements 2025: In the most recent placement season, 406 students were eligible and 395 received offers. The highest domestic package stood at Rs 1.10 crore per annum — a number that still makes headlines every year. The average package was Rs 35.22 LPA and the median sat at Rs 34.53 LPA. More than 178 companies participated, offering over 260 job roles. Top recruiters included Boston Consulting Group, Accenture Strategy, Bain & Co., American Express, and Goldman Sachs. Consulting and finance together accounted for the largest share of offers.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: The qualifying CAT cutoff for General/EWS category is 95 percentile. For OBC it is 90 percentile, SC is 85 percentile, and ST is 75 percentile. The actual competitive cutoff for shortlisting is closer to 99.5+ percentile for General candidates. For GMAT applicants, the cutoff is 720 (old format) or 665 (GMAT Focus Edition).
Selection process gives 65% weightage to CAT score, with the rest going to academic performance, work experience, and AWT-PI performance.
Why consider IIMA: If you want the single strongest MBA brand in India with the deepest alumni base in consulting and finance, IIMA is the answer. The ROI on a Rs 27.5 lakh investment is unmatched — an average package of 35.22 LPA means most students recover their fee in under a year.
- IIM Bangalore (IIMB)
IIM Bangalore was established in 1973 and sits at NIRF rank
- Located in Bengaluru's technology hub, the campus spans 100 acres and holds AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA accreditations — a rare triple crown shared by very few B-schools globally. Internationally, IIMB is ranked 53rd in the QS Global MBA rankings.
The PGP (MBA) programme has a total fee of Rs 26.3 lakh. IIMB also offers PGPEM (executive), PGPPM (public policy), and PGPBA (business analytics) in addition to doctoral programmes.
Placements 2025: IIMB achieved 100% placements for both its PGP and PGPBA batches. The batch size was 622 students. The average package came in at Rs 34.88 LPA and the median at Rs 32.61 LPA. Management consulting led the hiring, with firms like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Kearney, and EY all recruiting heavily from campus. Technology companies including Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Flipkart were also major recruiters.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: The qualifying overall cutoff for General category is 85 percentile, with sectional cutoffs at 80 for VARC and DILR and 75 for QA. The actual competitive cutoff is 99+ percentile for General candidates. IIMB gives significant weight to the Personal Interview — 40% weightage in the final selection round.
Selection process: Unlike some other top IIMs, IIMB places heavy emphasis on the PI stage. Academic diversity, work experience, and PI performance together matter a great deal. Engineers dominate the batch, but IIMB actively encourages applications from arts and commerce backgrounds.
Why consider IIMB: It is India's best IIM for technology-facing roles and consulting. The Bengaluru location gives it natural advantages in the tech and startup ecosystem. If you want a career in product management, analytics, or consulting with access to Silicon Valley-style recruiters, IIMB is the top choice on the iim colleges list.
- IIM Calcutta (IIMC)
IIM Calcutta was established in 1961 — the same year as IIMA — making it one of the two oldest management institutes in India. Located in Joka, Kolkata, it is the first national institute for post-graduate studies and research in management. It holds all three major global accreditations: AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. IIMC is ranked 7th by NIRF 2025 and 65th globally by QS World University Rankings 2025 in the MBA category.
Total fees for the 2-year MBA (PGP) programme: Rs 27 lakh. IIMC also offers Executive MBA programmes, PGPEX-VLM (supply chain leadership), and PhD programmes.
Placements 2025: IIM Calcutta recorded 100% final placements for its 60th MBA batch. The highest domestic package reached Rs 1.45 crore per annum — the highest reported highest package across all IIMs. The average package was Rs 34.23 LPA and the median was Rs 34 LPA. Around 37.3% of the batch went into consulting roles. Summer placements saw 175 companies participate with 564 offers made. Top recruiters included Goldman Sachs, Barclays, Kearney, Google, EY, Nestle, ITC, and Aditya Birla Group.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: The qualifying cutoff for General/UR category is 85 percentile overall, with 80 percentile in DILR and VARC and 75 percentile in QA. The actual competitive cutoff for a call is around 98-99+ percentile for General candidates.
Why consider IIMC: IIM Calcutta is India's strongest IIM for finance, investment banking, and strategy consulting. Its alumni network spans the top floors of every major bank and consulting firm in India and abroad. If you are finance-focused and want the best-possible peer group in a rigorous academic environment, IIMC belongs at the top of your iim colleges list.
- IIM Lucknow (IIML)
Established in 1984 on a 185-acre campus in Prabandh Nagar, IIM Lucknow is ranked 5th by NIRF 2025 — moving up from 7th in 2024, which reflects genuine improvement in research and placements. IIML is also a mentor institute for newer IIMs like IIM Jammu and IIM Kashipur.
Total fees for the flagship MBA programme: Rs 20.75 lakh. This is significantly lower than IIM Ahmedabad, Calcutta, and Bangalore, which makes the ROI case very strong. IIML also offers MBA-ABM (agribusiness), MBA-SM (sustainability management), and executive programmes.
Placements 2025: IIML recorded 100% placements for its 39th PGP batch. The highest package offered was Rs 75 LPA and the average package stood at Rs 32.3 LPA. The median package was Rs 31 LPA. Top recruiters included Barclays, BCG, Accenture, Amazon, Deloitte, Jio, KPMG, Capgemini, HDFC Bank, and Uber. Marketing, operations, and consulting were the top functional areas.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: The qualifying CAT cutoff for General category is 90 percentile overall, with 85 percentile required in VARC, DILR, and QA individually — one of the toughest sectional cutoffs on the iim colleges list. The final competitive cutoff is typically 97-99 percentile. Out of 1,78,893 applicants who showed interest in 2025, only 1,268 cleared the CAT cutoff — about 7% — and 579 received final admission offers.
Why consider IIML: The best value-for-money proposition among the BLACKI IIMs. At Rs 20.75 lakh fees with a 32.3 LPA average package and strong marketing/operations placement record, IIML delivers one of the best ROIs on the entire iim colleges list. Its campus culture is vibrant and the leadership focus through programmes like NIILM sets it apart.
- IIM Kozhikode (IIMK)
IIM Kozhikode was established in 1996 as the fifth IIM in India, on a 112.5-acre campus in Kunnamangalam, North Kerala. It is NIRF rank 3 in 2025, which makes it the third-best IIM on the rankings list — ahead of IIM Calcutta, Lucknow, and Indore. It holds the triple accreditation of AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. In 2025, IIMK launched its first four-year undergraduate BMS programme, making it one of the few IIMs offering UG management education.
Total fees for the PGP programme: Rs 23.5 lakh. IIMK also runs PGP-BL (business leadership), PGP-Finance, and an executive MBA.
Placements 2025: The highest package reported was Rs 72 LPA. IIMK has consistently maintained 100% placements. The batch is deliberately diverse — approximately 54% engineers, 26% commerce, and 15% arts. The average package typically ranges between Rs 26-30 LPA. Top recruiters include McKinsey, BCG, EY, Amazon, Hindustan Unilever, ITC, and various consulting and FMCG companies.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: The qualifying overall cutoff is 85 percentile for General category. The competitive shortlisting cutoff is around 98-99+ percentile. IIMK's selection formula gives 45% weightage to academic profile for shortlisting, which means candidates with strong 10th, 12th, and graduation marks stand a better chance even at slightly lower CAT percentiles. Sectional cutoffs are strictly applied — scoring 99 overall but 70 in one section is a disqualifying factor.
Why consider IIMK: IIMK is known for its innovative pedagogy, social impact focus, and the fact that it is one of the few IIMs with liberal arts influence in its curriculum. Its campus in Kerala is considered one of the most scenic in India. The NIRF rank 3 position in 2025 makes it a genuine top-three choice on the iim colleges list for aspirants who do not make it to IIMA or IIMB.
- IIM Indore (IIMI)
Established in 1996, IIM Indore is ranked 8th by NIRF 2025. It was the first IIM to introduce the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) — a 5-year programme for students joining directly after Class 12 through the IPMAT exam. Total fees for the 2-year PGP: Rs 23.5 lakh. The IPM is a separate programme with its own fee structure.
Placements 2025: IIMI maintained 100% placements. The highest package was Rs 70 LPA, offered by companies including EY, Accenture, Deloitte, SBI Securities, Unacademy, and Zycus. Average package typically ranges between Rs 26-30 LPA. IIMI is particularly strong in consulting, analytics, and FMCG placements.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: Qualifying cutoff is 90 percentile for General category. Interestingly, IIM Indore gives only 35% weightage to CAT scores in its final selection formula — which means a strong academic profile and good PI performance can significantly boost your chances even with a moderate CAT score compared to what IIMA or IIMC would require.
Why consider IIMI: The IPM route is unique and allows strong students to bypass the CAT race entirely. For PGP students, IIMI's central India location offers access to a strong corporate ecosystem. The analytics specialisation and consulting placement record make it a top choice on the iim colleges list for those interested in data-driven roles.
- IIM Shillong
Established in 2008 and located in the scenic hills of Meghalaya, IIM Shillong operates on a smaller scale but punches above its weight. It is often grouped with new IIMs despite being an older establishment. Total fees for the PGP programme: Rs 26.18 lakh — making it one of the more expensive IIMs outside the BLACKI group.
Placements 2025: IIM Shillong's highest package was reported at Rs 71.5 LPA, with an average package of approximately Rs 26 LPA. The PGPEx (executive) programme at IIM Shillong is well-regarded for working professionals.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: 90+ percentile for General category.
Why consider IIM Shillong: It offers a unique campus environment unlike any other IIM. If you value a different cultural exposure alongside a quality MBA, IIM Shillong is worth targeting as part of your iim colleges list strategy.
- IIM Rohtak
Established in 2010 in Rohtak, Haryana, IIM Rohtak is one of the new-generation IIMs mentored by IIM Lucknow. Total fees: approximately Rs 17.5 lakh. NIRF ranking places it in the broader management rankings.
Placements 2025: IIM Rohtak achieved 100% placements with the highest package reported at Rs 31+ LPA. Average placements in the range of Rs 16-18 LPA. Companies from consulting, FMCG, and BFSI sectors dominated recruitment.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: 80+ percentile for General category qualifying, with actual competitive shortlisting around 90-93 percentile.
Why consider IIM Rohtak: Proximity to Delhi NCR makes it attractive for students targeting Delhi-based companies and FMCG firms with North India exposure. Relatively lower fees with decent placements offer good ROI.
- IIM Raipur
Established in 2010 in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, IIM Raipur is ranked 9th by NIRF 2025, which is a strong position for a new IIM. Total fees: approximately Rs 20 lakh. IIM Raipur is notable for giving only 25% weightage to CAT scores in its final selection — the lowest on the iim colleges list — meaning work experience, academics, and PI carry far more weight than at older IIMs.
Placements 2025: Average package in the range of Rs 18-20 LPA. Companies from consulting, BFSI, and manufacturing have been regular recruiters.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: Qualifying cutoff around 85 percentile for General category.
Why consider IIM Raipur: If you have a strong academic record and solid work experience but a moderate CAT score, IIM Raipur's selection model works in your favour. Its NIRF rank 9 is higher than some older and more expensive IIMs.
- IIM Trichy (IIM Tiruchirappalli)
Established in 2011 in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, IIM Trichy is NIRF rank 10 in 2025 and part of the IIM CAP process. Total fees: approximately Rs 17.5 lakh — among the most affordable on the iim colleges list. It is mentored by IIM Bangalore.
Placements 2025: Average package in the range of Rs 18-20 LPA. Top sectors include consulting, analytics, manufacturing, and retail. IIM Trichy has an active alumni base in South India's corporate ecosystem.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: 90+ percentile qualifying for General category.
Why consider IIM Trichy: Low fees, a NIRF top-10 position, and solid placement outcomes make IIM Trichy a highly underrated choice on the iim colleges list for students targeting South India-based roles.
- IIM Ranchi
IIM Ranchi was established in 2010 in Ranchi, Jharkhand, and is mentored by IIM Calcutta. It holds NIRF rank
- Total fees: approximately Rs 19 lakh. IIM Ranchi is one of the participating colleges in the IIM CAP process.
Placements 2025: Average package in the range of Rs 16-18 LPA. Top recruiters come from FMCG, consulting, BFSI, and analytics sectors.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: 90+ percentile qualifying for General category.
Why consider IIM Ranchi: The IIM Calcutta mentorship gives IIM Ranchi a certain academic rigour that some newer IIMs lack. Competitive fees and a growing placement record make it a smart addition to any iim colleges list for moderate-to-strong profiles.
- IIM Kashipur
Established in 2011 in Kashipur, Uttarakhand, IIM Kashipur holds NIRF rank
- Total fees: approximately Rs 17.3 lakh. It is also a part of the IIM CAP process. The institute is mentored by IIM Lucknow.
Placements 2025: Average package was Rs 15.04 LPA and the highest package was Rs 29.86 LPA. FMCG, manufacturing, analytics, and e-commerce were key recruiting sectors.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: 80+ percentile qualifying for General category, with competitive cutoff around 88-92 percentile.
Why consider IIM Kashipur: One of the most affordable options on the iim colleges list with an MBA. Good for aspirants targeting operations and supply chain roles, given its location advantage near industrial hubs.
- IIM Udaipur
Established in 2011 in Udaipur, Rajasthan, IIM Udaipur holds NIRF rank 21 and is known for its international exposure focus. Total fees: Rs 21.33 lakh.
Placements 2025: Average package was Rs 18.77 LPA and the highest package was Rs 47.66 LPA — a strong highest package number for a new IIM. Top recruiter sectors included consulting, FMCG, and e-commerce.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: 85+ percentile qualifying for General category.
Why consider IIM Udaipur: The global immersion programmes and focus on sustainability management make IIM Udaipur stand out among the newer IIMs on the iim colleges list. The highest package of 47.66 LPA also signals that top-tier recruiters do visit campus.
- IIM Mumbai
IIM Mumbai is the newest entry on the iim colleges list, formerly known as NITIE (National Institute of Industrial Engineering), established in 1963. It was formally inducted into the IIM system and is now ranked 6th by NIRF 2025 — an impressive position for what is technically the newest IIM. Located in Powai, Mumbai, the campus spans 63 acres near Vihar Lake.
Total fees: Rs 25.5 lakh for the MBA programme (including a Rs 50,000 refundable caution deposit).
Placements 2025: The highest package reported was Rs 54 LPA, with an average package of Rs 33.84 LPA (top 50%). In the Summer Internship Programme (SIP) for the 2024-26 batch, the highest stipend jumped from Rs 4.80 lakh in 2024 to Rs 6.80 lakh in 2025. The batch of 2025 had 505 students from IITs, NITs, BITS, and other top institutes. Major recruiters included Adani, Accenture, PUMA, IBM, EY, Deloitte, Axis Bank, HSBC, and ICICI Bank. Sectors: BFSI, Consulting, FMCG, IT, Logistics, Manufacturing.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: Qualifying overall percentile is 85, with 80 required in DILR and VARC and 75 in QA. Aim for 97+ percentile in CAT if you are a General category candidate targeting IIM Mumbai. Selection gives 60% weightage to CAT score, 20% to academics and work experience, and 20% to the PI round.
Why consider IIM Mumbai: The Mumbai location is arguably the best in the entire iim colleges list for BFSI and fintech placements. A NIRF rank 6 position combined with a 33.84 LPA average package makes IIM Mumbai one of the best value propositions among the higher-fee IIMs.
- IIM Amritsar
Established in 2015 in Amritsar, Punjab, IIM Amritsar is one of the baby IIMs and operates on its permanent campus. Total fees: Rs 21.5 lakh. It is mentored by IIM Lucknow.
Placements 2025: Average package for the top 25% of the batch was Rs 19.73 LPA. The overall batch average and highest package figures reflect a growing placement record. FMCG, analytics, e-commerce, and IT were key sectors.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: 80+ percentile qualifying for General category.
Why consider IIM Amritsar: The permanent campus and relatively established infrastructure for a baby IIM, combined with proximity to North India's industrial and trade corridor, make it a decent pick on the iim colleges list for aspirants comfortable with the baby IIM ecosystem.
- IIM Nagpur
Established in 2015 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, IIM Nagpur is mentored by IIM Bangalore. Total fees: approximately Rs 19 lakh. It participates in the IIM CAP process.
Placements 2025: Average package in the range of Rs 15-17 LPA. Sectors include FMCG, consulting, manufacturing, and IT. Nagpur's central India location brings in recruiters from automotive, manufacturing, and logistics sectors.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: 80+ percentile qualifying for General category.
Why consider IIM Nagpur: IIM Bangalore mentorship means the academic curriculum and standards align with one of India's top B-schools. The manufacturing and supply chain placement record is an advantage for students from engineering backgrounds.
- IIM Visakhapatnam
Established in 2015 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, IIM Visakhapatnam holds NIRF rank
- Total fees: Rs 20.51 lakh. It is mentored by IIM Bangalore.
Placements 2025: Average package was Rs 16.40 LPA and the highest package was Rs 32.50 LPA. Top recruiters included BOSCH, EY, Deloitte, Cognizant, ICICI Bank, Tiger Analytics, and UltraTech Cement.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: 80+ percentile qualifying for General category.
Why consider IIM Visakhapatnam: The Vizag coastal location and IIM Bangalore mentorship make it attractive for students targeting South India's growing industrial and IT corridor. NIRF rank 29 is a respectable position for a baby IIM.
- IIM Sambalpur
Established in 2015 in Sambalpur, Odisha, IIM Sambalpur is a smaller baby IIM participating in the CAP process. Total fees: approximately Rs 19 lakh.
Placements 2025: Average package in the range of Rs 14-16 LPA. Key sectors include manufacturing, e-commerce, IT, and analytics.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: 80+ percentile qualifying for General category.
Why consider IIM Sambalpur: For aspirants targeting Odisha and Eastern India's corporate ecosystem, IIM Sambalpur offers a cost-effective IIM degree with a growing placement record.
- IIM Bodhgaya
Established in 2015 in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, IIM Bodhgaya is known for having one of the most affordable fee structures on the entire iim colleges list. Total fees: approximately Rs 17.96 lakh — the second lowest on the list. It is mentored by IIM Calcutta.
Placements 2025: Average package was approximately Rs 13 LPA and the highest package was Rs 22 LPA. The placement record is still building, as is the case with most baby IIMs.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: 75+ percentile qualifying for General category.
Why consider IIM Bodhgaya: If you want the IIM brand at the lowest possible cost, IIM Bodhgaya is worth considering. IIM Calcutta's mentorship gives it academic credibility. The lower cutoff makes it accessible to aspirants who are strong on profile but slightly lower on CAT percentile.
- IIM Sirmaur
Established in 2015 in Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, IIM Sirmaur has the lowest fee structure on the entire iim colleges list at approximately Rs 16-17 lakh. It participates in the CAP process.
Placements 2025: Average package in the range of Rs 12-14 LPA. The placement base is growing but remains limited compared to more established IIMs.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: 75+ percentile qualifying for General category.
Why consider IIM Sirmaur: The most affordable IIM in India in terms of total fees. For aspirants from economically weaker backgrounds who want the IIM degree without a Rs 25+ lakh investment, IIM Sirmaur is a practical option to keep on the iim colleges list.
- IIM Jammu
Established in 2016 in Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir, IIM Jammu is the newest-established IIM and holds NIRF rank
- Total fees: Rs 20.73 lakh. It is mentored by IIM Lucknow.
Placements 2025: Average package was Rs 15.48 LPA and the highest package was Rs 31.75 LPA. Top sectors include FMCG, IT, and analytics.
CAT Cutoff 2025-26: 75+ percentile qualifying for General category.
Why consider IIM Jammu: Despite being the youngest IIM, it has achieved a NIRF rank 35 — better than several older new IIMs. IIM Lucknow mentorship and a growing corporate connect make it a viable option in the lower tier of the iim colleges list.
IIM CAP Process: What You Need to Know
Eight IIMs participate in the Common Admission Process (CAP): IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Jammu, IIM Kashipur, IIM Nagpur, IIM Ranchi, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Udaipur, and IIM Trichy. Under CAP, these IIMs conduct a centralised PI round, where a single interview result is used by all participating IIMs instead of separate interviews. This significantly reduces the burden on candidates and is generally coordinated by one IIM on a rotational basis.
If you are targeting any of these eight campuses, appearing in the CAP interview counts as a single process for admission to all of them.
IIM Fees Comparison: Cheapest to Most Expensive
Here is a quick summary of fees across the iim colleges list, ranked from lowest to highest:
Most affordable: IIM Sirmaur (Rs 16-17 lakh), IIM Bodhgaya (Rs 17.96 lakh), IIM Kashipur (Rs 17.3 lakh), IIM Trichy (Rs 17.5 lakh), IIM Rohtak (Rs 17.5 lakh)
Mid-range: IIM Ranchi (Rs 19 lakh), IIM Nagpur (Rs 19 lakh), IIM Sambalpur (Rs 19 lakh), IIM Raipur (Rs 20 lakh), IIM Lucknow (Rs 20.75 lakh), IIM Jammu (Rs 20.73 lakh), IIM Visakhapatnam (Rs 20.51 lakh)
Higher range: IIM Udaipur (Rs 21.33 lakh), IIM Amritsar (Rs 21.5 lakh), IIM Kozhikode (Rs 23.5 lakh), IIM Indore (Rs 23.5 lakh)
Most expensive: IIM Mumbai (Rs 25.5 lakh), IIM Shillong (Rs 26.18 lakh), IIM Bangalore (Rs 26.3 lakh), IIM Calcutta (Rs 27 lakh), IIM Ahmedabad (Rs 27.5 lakh)
IIM Placements 2025: A Summary
The top-performing IIMs on the placement front are:
IIM Ahmedabad: Rs 35.22 LPA average, Rs 1.10 crore highest IIM Calcutta: Rs 34.23 LPA average, Rs 1.45 crore highest IIM Bangalore: Rs 34.88 LPA average, 100% placements IIM Mumbai: Rs 33.84 LPA average (top 50%), Rs 54 LPA highest IIM Lucknow: Rs 32.3 LPA average, Rs 75 LPA highest IIM Kozhikode: Rs 26-30 LPA average, Rs 72 LPA highest IIM Shillong: Rs 26 LPA average, Rs 71.5 LPA highest IIM Udaipur: Rs 18.77 LPA average, Rs 47.66 LPA highest IIM Amritsar: Rs 19.73 LPA (top 25%) IIM Raipur: Rs 18-20 LPA average IIM Trichy: Rs 18-20 LPA average IIM Kashipur: Rs 15.04 LPA average IIM Jammu: Rs 15.48 LPA average IIM Visakhapatnam: Rs 16.40 LPA average IIM Bodhgaya: Rs 13 LPA average
For older IIMs, average packages generally range Rs 20-35+ LPA. For newer IIMs, Rs 10-20 LPA is the typical range.
How to Build Your IIM Target List for CAT 2026
Building a smart list from the iim colleges list is not about picking the top five names you know. It is about being realistic about your profile and strategic about where you spend your application energy.
If your expected CAT percentile is 99+, target IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Kozhikode, and IIM Lucknow as your primary targets.
If your expected percentile is 95-99, focus on IIM Lucknow, IIM Indore, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Mumbai, and IIM Shillong.
If your expected percentile is 90-95, the realistic targets from the iim colleges list are IIM Raipur, IIM Trichy, IIM Ranchi, IIM Udaipur, and IIM Amritsar.
If your expected percentile is 80-90, the CAP IIMs are your best bet — IIM Kashipur, IIM Nagpur, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Visakhapatnam, and IIM Rohtak.
If your expected percentile is 75-85, look at IIM Bodhgaya, IIM Sirmaur, and IIM Jammu as realistic targets.
Also keep in mind that many IIMs weigh non-CAT factors heavily. IIM Raipur gives only 25% weightage to CAT. IIM Indore gives 35%. If you have strong academics, work experience, or gender diversity, those factors can significantly move the needle in your favour at these campuses.
Education Loans for IIM Admission
No aspirant should let fees be the final barrier. Major banks offer up to Rs 40 lakh without collateral for IIM-admitted students. SBI Scholar Loan, HDFC Credila, Avanse, and Axis Bank are the most common sources. The key is to approach these banks immediately after receiving your offer letter from any IIM on the iim colleges list. Processing typically takes 2-3 weeks, and banks are familiar with the IIM fee structure.
Most IIMs also offer need-based scholarships for students with family income below Rs 4-15 lakh per year, depending on the institute. Merit-based scholarships from companies like Aditya Birla, Bharti, and Ericsson are also available at select campuses.
Final Thoughts
The iim colleges list in 2026 gives you 21 options — from the Rs 27.5 lakh, NIRF rank 1 programme at IIM Ahmedabad to the Rs 17 lakh programme at IIM Sirmaur. The common thread is the IIM brand, the CAT-based admission process, and a curriculum built on rigorous academic standards.
What separates a great application from an average one is knowing which IIMs actually match your profile, your finances, and your career goals — and then going after those specific campuses with a plan. Use this detailed iim colleges list as your starting point. Cross-reference the cutoffs with your expected CAT percentile, check the placement sectors against the career you want, and run the ROI math before deciding which fee bracket makes sense for you.
The IIM journey is long — CAT prep, applications, WAT, PI — but the 21 iim colleges listed above cover a wide enough range that almost any serious aspirant has a realistic shot at one of them if the preparation is solid and the strategy is honest.
Data sources: NIRF Rankings 2025, official IIM placement reports 2025, published CAT cutoff criteria for the 2026-28 batch. Fees and packages are approximate and subject to revision by respective institutes.
Related Resources
- TAPMI Manipal
- Delhi School of Business Delhi
- IIM Sirmaur
- IIM Sambalpur
- IIM Udaipur
- Best MBA Colleges in Bangalore 2026: Placements, Fees & ROI Guide
- CAT DILR Strategy 2026: Tips to Solve Tough LRDI Sets for 99 Percentile
- Top Free Resources for CAT Preparation 2026: YouTube, Apps & Mocks
- Best Books for CAT Preparation 2026: Subject-wise List for VARC, DILR & QA
- CAT 2026 Exam: Strategy, Syllabus & Prep Guide | B School Buzz
- AI Profile Analyzer
- College Shortlister
Key Highlights
- Overview: List of All IIMs in India 2026: Rankings, Fees & CAT Cutoffs — comprehensive details for MBA aspirants.
- Eligibility & Process: Standard MBA admission requirements and steps.
- Fees & Placements: Latest fee structure and placement insights.
- Why it matters: Trusted, up-to-date guidance from MBA Compass.
- Next step: Explore related colleges, exams and coaching options.