India has more than 120 top MBA colleges in 2026. These include leading IIMs, IITs, central universities, and private B-schools. Students can choose colleges based on NIRF 2025 rankings, Outlook-iCARE 2025 rankings, fees, placements, entrance exams, and specialisations.
The most popular MBA entrance exams are CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, and ATMA.
Top MBA Colleges in India: Highlights 2026
Here is a quick overview:
- Total Top MBA Colleges: 120+
- Number of IIMs in India: 21
- Top Exams Accepted: CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, ATMA
- Top Specialisations: Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations, IT & Systems
Top Colleges (NIRF 2025 & Outlook 2025)
- Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
- Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
- Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode
- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (DMS)
- Management Development Institute
- XLRI Xavier School of Management
- Faculty of Management Studies Delhi
Most non-IIM top colleges are located in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and other major cities.
Top MBA Colleges in India: NIRF Ranking 2025 (Management)
According to NIRF 2025 (Management Category), the top 10 MBA colleges in India are:
- Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
- Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
- Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode
- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (DMS)
- Indian Institute of Management Lucknow
- Indian Institute of Management Mumbai
- Indian Institute of Management Calcutta
- Indian Institute of Management Indore
- Management Development Institute
- XLRI Xavier School of Management
These rankings are based on teaching quality, placements, research, and industry connection.
Top 5 MBA Colleges: Outlook-iCARE 2025
As per Outlook 2025:
- Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
- Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
- Indian Institute of Management Calcutta
- Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies
- Puducherry University
MBA Admission 2026: Basic Eligibility
To get admission in top MBA colleges:
- You must complete graduation in any stream.
- Minimum 45–50% marks are required.
- You must clear an entrance exam (CAT is most common).
MBA Entrance Exams 2026
Top exams for MBA admission:
- CAT (Common Admission Test) – Accepted by IIMs and many top colleges
- XAT – Accepted by XLRI and other institutes
- CMAT – Accepted by AICTE-approved colleges
- MAT – Conducted multiple times a year
- ATMA – Accepted by many private colleges
Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Scores
Many top colleges accept CAT score:
- Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad – Fees: ~INR 25 Lakh
- Indian Institute of Management Bangalore – Fees: ~INR 25 Lakh
- Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode – Fees: ~INR 21 Lakh
- Indian Institute of Management Lucknow – Fees: ~INR 13 Lakh
- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (DMS) – Fees: ~INR 11 Lakh
Top Private MBA Colleges in India (2026)
Below is a list of some of the top private MBA colleges in India for 2026, along with their approximate fees and eligibility criteria.
1. Bennett University
Total MBA Fees: INR 12,45,000
Eligibility Criteria:
- Candidate must have passed Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university.
- Minimum 50% marks in graduation.
- English should be the medium of instruction.
- Valid score in CAT / XAT / MAT / NMAT / CMAT / GMAT (as per university norms).
2. XLRI Xavier School of Management
Total MBA Fees: ~INR 28.60 Lakh
Eligibility Criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree of minimum 3 years duration in any discipline.
- Recognised by a university or equivalent institution.
- Final-year students can also apply.
- Valid XAT score is mandatory for admission.
3. Management Development Institute
Total MBA Fees: ~INR 26 Lakh
Eligibility Criteria:
- Minimum 3-year bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- At least 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA.
- Final-year students may apply.
- Valid CAT score required for admission.
4. Symbiosis Institute of Business Management Pune
Total MBA Fees: ~INR 24.20 Lakh
Eligibility Criteria:
- Graduate from a recognised university with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved category).
- Final-year students can apply.
- Valid SNAP score required for admission.
5. S P Jain Institute of Management and Research
Total MBA Fees: ~INR 24 Lakh
Eligibility Criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks from a recognised university.
- Final-year students are eligible to apply.
- Valid CAT / GMAT score required.
- Selection process includes profile-based shortlisting, group interview, and personal interview.
Top Government MBA Colleges in India
- Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
- Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
- Indian Institute of Management Calcutta
- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (DMS)
- Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode
Top Distance MBA Colleges
- XLRI Xavier School of Management – ~INR 14 Lakh
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology – ~INR 60,000
- National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management – ~INR 15,000
- Indian Institute of Finance – ~INR 2 Lakh
- Indira Gandhi National Open University – ~INR 62,000
MBA Fees vs Average Salary (ROI)
Here is a simple comparison:
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
- Fees: ~INR 25 Lakh
- Average Salary: ~INR 31–32 LPA
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore- Fees: ~INR 24.50 Lakh
- Average Salary: ~INR 32 LPA
Indian Institute of Management Calcutta- Fees: ~INR 25 Lakh
- Average Salary: ~INR 31 LPA
S P Jain Institute of Management and Research- Fees: ~INR 24 Lakh
- Average Salary: ~INR 30 LPA
XLRI Xavier School of Management- Fees: ~INR 28.60 Lakh
- Average Salary: ~INR 28 LPA
Affordable MBA Colleges in India
If you want low fees MBA options:
- Jamia Millia Islamia – ~INR 47,000
- Banaras Hindu University – ~INR 99,000
- Panjab University – ~INR 88,000
- Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee – ~INR 20,000
- Tezpur University – ~INR 63,000
Top MBA Specialisations
Most popular MBA specialisations:
- Sales & Marketing
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Operations
- Business Analytics
- IT & Systems
- International Business
- Supply Chain
Marketing and Finance are offered by the highest number of top colleges.
India has many excellent MBA colleges in 2026. While IIMs are the most famous, many other government and private colleges also offer strong placements, good ROI, and quality education.
Before choosing a college, check:
- Ranking (NIRF, Outlook)
- Fees
- Average placement salary
- Entrance exam accepted
- Location
- Specialisation offered
Choose wisely based on your budget, career goals, and exam score.