Ask GOALisB: Your Complete IIM Bangalore 2027 Intake FAQ Guide
- Jun 26
- 19 min read
IIM Bangalore EPGP ranks among India’s top management institutes, known for its top tier placements, global accreditations, and leadership-focused programs.
What is the IIM Bangalore one year MBA?
The IIM Bangalore one year MBA is the Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management, known as IIMB EPGP, a full-time residential programme on the IIM Bangalore campus that leads to an MBA degree in twelve months. Ranked #1 in India by QS Global MBA Rankings 2025 and #1 in India for international curriculum by the Financial Times 2024, the IIMB EPGP holds EQUIS accreditation, one of three globally recognised business school accreditations alongside AACSB and AMBA, held by fewer than 200 institutions worldwide. It is also part of the Global Network for Advanced Management, a consortium of leading global business schools enabling cross-institutional academic exchange. The programme is designed for professionals who already have a career and want to change its trajectory, not start one.
IIMB EPGP — Consolidated Data Reference
IIMB EPGP Batch Overview
Metric | 2025 Batch | 2026 |
Batch size | 73 | 74 |
Women | 27% (20) | 28% (21) |
Men | 73% (53) | 72% (53) |
Average work experience | 7 years | 5 years |
Maximum work experience | — | 13 years |
Average age | 30 years | — |
International work experience | 26% | 12% |
IIMB EPGP GMAT Profile
Metric | Score |
High | 770 |
Average | 704 |
Low | 650 |
IIMB EPGP Academic / Undergraduate Background
Discipline | Candidates | % of Batch |
Engineering | 56 | 76% |
Commerce | 12 | 16% |
Science & Arts | 3 | 4% |
Others | 3 | 4% |
Total | 74 | 100% |
Note: 30% of 2025 batch held IIT/NIT/BITS/CA/CFA credentials specifically.
IIMB EPGP Incoming Industry
Industry | Candidates (2026 data) | Candidates (2025) |
Consulting | — | 10 |
Oil & Gas / Energy / Petroleum | 8 | 9 |
BFSI / Banks & Finance | 8 | 8 |
Automotive / Aviation | — | 8 |
IT Products / Software | 10 | 7 |
IT Services | 8 | — |
Government / Public Sector | — | 6 |
Retail / FMCG / E-Commerce | 4 | 5 |
Manufacturing | 13 | 4 |
Audit / Risk | — | 4 |
Energy / Sustainability | — | 4 |
Social Sector / NGO | — | 3 |
Shipping & Logistics | — | 1 |
Others | 23 | 3 |
Total | 74 | 73 |
IIMB EPGP Functional Expertise (2025 Batch)
Function | Candidates |
Program / Project Management | 13 |
Operations / Supply Chain | 12 |
Finance / Risk Management | 11 |
Consulting | 7 |
Data Science / AI-ML | 7 |
General Management | 6 |
Sales & Marketing | 5 |
Product Management | 5 |
Regulatory / Policy Advisory | ~4 |
Others | ~3 |
IIMB EPGP Programme Credentials
IIMB EPGP Application Rounds & Fees
Parameter | Round 1 | Round 2 |
Window opens | June 15, 2026 | August 19, 2026 |
Window closes | August 17, 2026 | November 25, 2026 |
Application fee | ₹5,000 | ₹7,000 |
Interview dates | September 5–6, 2026 | December 12–13, 2026 |
Offers released | September 21, 2026 | December 24, 2026 |
Offer acceptance deadline | October 1, 2026 | January 4, 2027 |
Withdrawal deadline | October 10, 2026 | January 14, 2027 |
Placement Timeline (2025 Batch)
Phase | Dates |
Pre-placement talks | August – October 2025 |
Placement week | November 13–19, 2025 |
Is IIMB EPGP a real MBA or just a certificate?
The IIMB EPGP is a full Master of Business Administration degree from IIM Bangalore, not a certificate, diploma, or executive education credential. EQUIS accredited, ranked #1 in India by QS Global MBA 2025, and ranked #1 in India for international curriculum by the Financial Times 2024, the IIMB EPGP carries the same institutional credibility as programmes at IIMA PGPX, ISB PGP Wharton, INSEAD, and LBS that hold the same accreditation. Anyone describing it as a diploma programme is confusing it with a different product entirely.
How is IIM Bangalore EPGP different from a two-year MBA?
The IIM Bangalore EPGP is built for professionals who already understand how organisations work, while the two-year MBA is largely designed to teach that from the ground up. There is no summer internship, no entry-level recruiting, and no foundational coursework covering territory the cohort has already lived through. The batch size is 73 to 74 students. The average age is 30. The average work experience in the 2025 batch was 7 years, going up to a maximum of 13. Twenty-six percent had international work experience. The classroom dynamic is categorically different when every person in the room has managed a team, owned a budget, or led a project that did not go as planned. With 100+ electives, described as India's widest career-aligned elective portfolio, the IIMB EPGP also allows genuine specialisation rather than a general management refresh.
What does EQUIS accreditation mean for IIM Bangalore EPGP?
EQUIS accreditation for IIMB EPGP means the institution as a whole, not just one programme, has met the standards set by the European Foundation for Management Development, one of three globally recognised accreditation bodies alongside AACSB and AMBA. Fewer than 200 schools worldwide hold EQUIS, and most Indian business schools do not. For an IIMB EPGP graduate being evaluated by a global employer or applying to an international role, EQUIS is the credential that signals institutional standing beyond a domestic ranking.
Who can apply to IIM Bangalore EPGP?
Candidates eligible for IIM Bangalore EPGP must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA, have at least 5 years of full-time work experience as of March 31, 2027 after completing the Bachelor's degree, and hold a valid GMAT or GRE score at the time of application submission. SC, ST, and PwD candidates require a minimum of 45% marks. Professionals who completed CA, ICWA, or CS directly after Class XII without a Bachelor's degree are also eligible under the same percentage criteria. The programme also welcomes sponsored candidates: employers considering sponsoring a candidate can write to marketing[at]iimb[dot]ac[dot]in.
What is the minimum work experience for IIM Bangalore EPGP?
The minimum work experience required for IIM Bangalore EPGP is 5 years of full-time work as of March 31, 2027, after completing a Bachelor's degree. The 2025 batch averaged 7 years and went up to a maximum of 13. The programme explicitly states a preference for candidates with less than 12 years, which is worth reading carefully: 12+ years is not a disqualifier, but it raises a question the admissions committee will want answered. If you are at director level with a decade behind you, why a full-time residential MBA now rather than an executive education programme or a targeted certification? The more senior you are, the sharper that answer needs to be.
Can a CA apply to IIM Bangalore EPGP without a Bachelor's degree?
Candidates who completed CA, ICWA, or CS directly after Class XII are explicitly eligible for IIM Bangalore EPGP without a Bachelor's degree, subject to the same 50% minimum percentage requirement. This is a specific provision in the admissions criteria, not an exception or workaround. Thirty percent of the 2025 IIMB EPGP batch came from IIT, NIT, or BITS, or held CA or CFA credentials. A CA with substantive deal advisory, audit, or CFO-track experience is not an outsider in this cohort: they are among the more valued profiles in a room that otherwise skews heavily towards engineers.
What GMAT score do I need for IIM Bangalore EPGP?
The GMAT score range for the IIM Bangalore EPGP 2026 batch was 650 to 770, with an average of 704, making a GMAT classic score in the 690 to 720 range or its equivalent in the GMAT focus edition, competitive for IIMB EPGP admission. Below 680, the work experience narrative and statement of purpose carry considerably more weight in the composite evaluation. A critical constraint for the 2027 cycle: online GMAT scores from at-home sittings are explicitly not accepted. A test-centre score is mandatory. The GMAT institutional code for IIMB is Q9H-KK-84. Sending scores through this code is not optional: the official score report from GMAC is used for verification and must match what is submitted in the application.
Does IIM Bangalore EPGP accept GRE scores?
Yes, IIM Bangalore EPGP accepts GRE as a full alternative to GMAT, not a second-choice option. The GRE institutional code for IIMB is 1675, and scores must be sent through this code directly from ETS for verification. The same restriction applies as for GMAT: GRE scores from at-home online sittings are not accepted for the 2027 cycle. Only test-centre scores are valid. The official scorecard, or the test-taker copy if the official scorecard has not yet arrived, must be submitted with the application.
What is the IIM Bangalore EPGP application process?
The IIM Bangalore EPGP admission process has two stages, and Stage 1 is where the first and most consequential shortlisting happens: only applications that are complete in all respects and meet the academic and experience criteria are considered for the interview stage. Incomplete submissions do not proceed.
Stage 1 requires submitting the online application at iimb.ac.in/programmes/epgp with the following documents: SSC, HSC, and Bachelor's degree transcripts; Bachelor's degree certificate; GMAT or GRE official scorecard; statement of purpose covering achievements and future goals; work experience letters or first and last payslips showing date of joining; category certificates if applicable; and two online reference letters submitted directly by referees before the application deadline. The application cannot be submitted until both references are in place. No extensions are granted for this. The application fee is non-refundable: Rs. 5,000 for Round 1 and Rs. 7,000 for Round 2.
Stage 2 is the interview. Shortlisted candidates are called to Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata. Round 1 interviews are on September 5 and 6, 2026. Round 2 interviews are on December 12 and 13, 2026. Candidates outside India are offered online interviews on the same dates. On interview day, candidates also sit a writing ability test. After the interview, each applicant receives a composite score covering academic track record, GMAT or GRE performance, quality of work experience, writing ability test performance, and the personal interview. Offers are made in composite score order, subject to seat availability and any minimum per-factor thresholds the admissions committee sets.
Should I apply in Round 1 or Round 2 for IIMB EPGP?
Candidates ready with a test-centre GMAT or GRE score, complete documents, and a finalised statement of purpose should apply in Round 1 for IIMB EPGP, which closes August 17, 2026 at 5pm IST, carries a lower application fee of Rs. 5,000, and delivers offers by September 21, 2026, giving more time to plan a full-time residential commitment.
IIMB EPGP Round 2 closes November 25, 2026 at 5pm IST, carries a fee of Rs. 7,000, and releases offers by December 24, 2026. Apply in Round 2 only if something material is genuinely not ready: a pending test score, an incomplete reference, or a statement of purpose that does not yet reflect a story you believe. One rule applies to both rounds without exception: applying in more than one round results in disqualification.
How does IIM Bangalore EPGP select candidates?
IIM Bangalore EPGP selection uses a two-stage process where Stage 1 shortlists on the strength of the complete application, and Stage 2 generates a composite score that determines final offers. The composite score factors in academic track record, GMAT or GRE performance, quality of work experience, a writing ability test conducted on interview day, and the personal interview. There is no single published minimum cut-off: the admissions committee sets minimum thresholds per factor as it sees fit, and offers are made down the composite ranking until seats are filled. This means a strong GMAT score does not guarantee an interview, and a borderline GMAT score does not preclude one, if the overall composite picture is compelling.
What kind of people get into IIM Bangalore EPGP?
The IIM Bangalore EPGP 2025 batch of 73 students had an average age of 30, average work experience of 7 years, and a maximum work experience of 13 years. Twenty-seven percent were women, 26% had international work experience, and 30% came from IIT, NIT, or BITS, or held CA or CFA credentials. The incoming industry mix included Consulting, Oil and Gas, BFSI, Automotive and Aviation, IT Products and Software, Government and Public Sector, Retail, FMCG, Manufacturing, Audit and Risk, and Energy and Sustainability.
Functional backgrounds ranged from Program and Project Management (13 candidates) and Operations and Supply Chain (12) to Finance and Risk (11), Data Science and AI-ML (7), Consulting (7), General Management (6), and Product Management (5). The batch included engineers alongside government officers, Deep Tech founders alongside Merchant Navy officers, Stanford alumni alongside CAs and diplomats. IIMB is building a room where friction between different professional worldviews produces better thinking.
Which companies recruit from IIM Bangalore EPGP?
Past recruiters for IIM Bangalore EPGP include McKinsey, Bain and Company, EY Consulting, PwC, KPMG, Infosys Consulting, Takshashila Consulting, Accenture across five distinct practices (ATCI, I&I, Data and AI, Operations, S&C, and Tech Consulting), Amazon, Microsoft, Flipkart, Mahindra, TVS Motors, Hero Motocorp, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, ICICI Bank, Wells Fargo, Wipro, Zomato, Quantiphi, Merilytics, Grid Dynamics, Hilti, Samsung India, Tata Communications, and 50+ more organisations across consulting, technology, BFSI, manufacturing, FMCG, and energy sectors.
What roles do IIM Bangalore EPGP graduates get?
Past roles offered to IIM Bangalore EPGP graduates include Vice President, General Manager, Director, COO, Head of Business Strategy, Head of Product Management, Management Consultant, Senior Consultant, Engagement Manager, Associate Engagement Manager, Product Manager, Product Owner, Program Manager, Project Manager, Business Developer, Business Consultant, Supply Chain Manager, Senior Advisor, and Co-founder. The IIMB EPGP is a lateral-to-leadership programme: the role outcomes reflect that. Pre-placement talks for the 2025 batch ran August through October 2025, with formal Placement Week on November 13 to 19, 2025, meaning placements concluded within 7 to 8 months of programme start.
Is IIM Bangalore EPGP worth the one-year career break?
Whether IIM Bangalore EPGP is worth the career break depends entirely on what you are trying to change. If the goal is a salary increment, the financial math is difficult: a year of lost income combined with programme fees is a real cost that a modest salary bump does not quickly recover. If the goal is trajectory change, moving from technical execution to general management, from a domestic career to a globally credible one, from functional depth to cross-functional leadership, the IIMB EPGP is structurally designed for exactly that intervention. Recruiters including McKinsey, Bain, Amazon, and Mahindra returning to campus year after year is evidence that the market recognises this. The question is not whether IIMB EPGP is worth it in the abstract. It is whether the specific change you are trying to make requires this kind of commitment to unlock.
What should my IIM Bangalore EPGP statement of purpose say?
The IIM Bangalore EPGP statement of purpose must answer what a CV structurally cannot: why a full-time residential MBA at this exact point in your career is the right move, and why IIM Bangalore specifically. The admissions committee already has your resume. Restating it in prose form is a missed opportunity. The statement of purpose is where the quality of work experience referenced in the composite score gets interpreted, contextualised, and made legible. Candidates who write it well have already answered the underlying question honestly for themselves. Candidates who struggle with it are usually still working out what they are actually trying to change, and that uncertainty surfaces on the page and in the interview.
Does international work experience help the IIMB EPGP application?
International work experience strengthens an IIM Bangalore EPGP application when it is substantive and specifically articulated. Only 12% of the 2026 admissions cycle batch had international work experience, but 26% of the 2025 batch did, suggesting it is weighted when present. Cross-border project leadership, global client mandates, offshore deployments, or multi-geography roles belong in the application not as a bullet point on a resume but as context for what that exposure taught you that a purely domestic role would not have. If you have it, make it earn its place.
When it comes to management education in India, IIM Bangalore consistently tops the list of dream B-schools- and for good reason. Ranked among the top 3 IIMs in India and globally recognized by the Financial Times and QS Rankings, IIM Bangalore is synonymous with academic excellence, leadership development, and 100% placements. From consulting giants like McKinsey and BCG to global recruiters like Amazon and Goldman Sachs, its graduates are in demand worldwide.
This Ask GOALisB FAQ covers everything - rankings, fees, admissions, and placement highlights for 2025 - to help MBA aspirants make informed choices and plan a strong IIM Bangalore application. At GOALisB, we help applicants make informed decisions through expert-led insights and practical MBA guidance.
Why is IIM Bangalore considered one of the best B-schools in India?
IIM Bangalore stands out for its top global rankings, 100% placement record, consulting leadership, world-class faculty, and strong alumni network. Its lush campus and vibrant startup ecosystem add to its appeal.
IIM Bangalore is famous for its leadership in consulting and management education, consistently ranking among the top 3 IIMs in India, with world-class faculty, strong alumni, and 100% placements averaging ₹34.88 lakh per annum.
Refer IIM Bangalore Admission Guide to stay up to date of IIMB application excellence.
IIM Bangalore (IIMB), established in 1973, is one of India’s premier B-schools with a global reputation.
Key Reasons Why IIM Bangalore Is Famous
Top National & Global Rankings
Ranked 2nd in NIRF Management Rankings 2025.
Consistently features in FT Global MBA Rankings and QS Global Rankings.
Placement Excellence
Known for consulting and leadership roles, with top recruiters like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and Accenture Strategy.
Average Salary (2025 PGP)- ₹34.88 LPA.
Strong Pedagogy & Faculty
Emphasis on case studies, experiential learning, and leadership development.
Faculty with international exposure and research expertise.
Executive Education & EPGP
Its EPGP (1-year MBA for executives) is among the best in Asia, attracting global professionals.
Campus & Ecosystem
Known for its lush green 100-acre campus in Bangalore, India’s tech hub.
Proximity to corporate HQs boosts industry connect.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
NSRCEL (Nadathur S. Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning) is one of India’s top startup incubators.
Diversity & International Exposure
High number of women students and non-engineers compared to other IIMs.
Multiple international exchange programs with top global B-schools.
Also, explore IIM Bangalore executive programs for making strategic choice:
Was 3 Idiots shot in IIM Bangalore?
Yes, several scenes from 3 Idiots were filmed at IIM Bangalore, which portrayed the fictional Imperial College of Engineering due to its modern architecture and green surroundings.
The blockbuster Bollywood movie 3 Idiots (2009), directed by Rajkumar Hirani and starring Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi, showcased the struggles of engineering students in India.
Shooting Location Facts
The IIM Bangalore campus was used for several classroom and outdoor scenes, representing the fictional ICE (Imperial College of Engineering).
Its lush green 100-acre campus and modern architecture provided the perfect setting.
Some scenes were also shot at Chandigarh, Bangalore Palace, and Ladakh.
Why IIM Bangalore?
The production team chose IIM Bangalore because of its beautiful stone architecture, greenery, and academic atmosphere, which matched the movie’s vision of a prestigious engineering college.
Plan to apply to IIM Bangalore or other top B-schools? Talk to a GOALisB expert today for personalized application guidance and essay strategy.
Was Mukesh Ambani chairman of IIM Bangalore?
Yes. Mukesh Ambani was chairman of IIM Bangalore’s Board of Governors from 2001 to 2004, succeeded by Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. His tenure strengthened corporate and executive education ties.
The Board of Governors (BoG) is the top decision-making body at IIMs, and its chairperson is usually a leading figure from industry or academia.
Mukesh Ambani at IIM Bangalore
Tenure: 2001–2004
Role: Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Bangalore
During his tenure, IIMB strengthened its corporate connect and expanded its executive education programs.
Successors
After Ambani, Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Founder & Chairperson, Biocon) took over as chairperson.
Currently (2025), the chairperson of IIM Bangalore’s BoG is Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairman of Narayana Health.
What makes IIM so special?
IIM institutes are special because they are India’s premier management institutes, offering world-class faculty, global accreditations, 100% placements, strong alumni networks, and industry-oriented learning, making them the top choice for MBA aspirants.
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) stand out as the most prestigious B-schools in India, often compared with global management schools.
Key Factors That Make IIMs Special
Prestige & Brand Value
IIMs (especially Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta) are synonymous with elite management education in India.
Globally recognized in FT, QS, and Economist MBA rankings.
World-Class Faculty & Pedagogy
Faculty with international PhDs, industry expertise, and cutting-edge research.
Case study method (IIM Ahmedabad), experiential learning, and leadership-focused pedagogy.
Placements & Salaries
Consistently 100% placement record.
Average salaries at top IIMs (A, B, C) in 2025: ₹26–36 LPA, with highest package crossing ₹1 crore.
Strong Alumni Network
Alumni include CEOs, entrepreneurs, and policymakers (e.g., Raghuram Rajan, Indra Nooyi, Arvind Subramanian).
Global network helps in career opportunities and mentorship.
Global Exposure
International student exchange programs with Wharton, INSEAD, London Business School, etc.
Accredited by AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS (global “triple crown”).
Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
Startup incubators like CIIE at IIM Ahmedabad and NSRCEL at IIM Bangalore.
Many successful Indian startups trace roots back to IIM campuses.
Government Recognition & Autonomy
Established by Acts of Parliament, governed under the IIM Act 2017.
Autonomous in academics, ensuring global competitiveness.
Also, read IIM vs. International Schools for competitive analysis for informed decisions:
Who is the richest IIM alumni?
Notable Wealthy IIM Alumni
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (IIM Ahmedabad) — Founder of Biocon, one of India’s most prominent biotech companies.
Falguni Nayar (IIM Ahmedabad) — Founder of Nykaa, a major direct-to-consumer beauty & lifestyle brand; frequently cited as among the richest IIM women alumni.
Sanjeev Bikhchandani (IIM Ahmedabad) — Founder of Info Edge (which owns Naukri.com), with significant net worth in billions.
Supam Maheshwari (IIM Ahmedabad) — Co-founder & CEO of FirstCry-com; estimated worth ~$190 million from media reports.
Is IIM Bangalore tier 1?
Yes, IIM Bangalore is a Tier 1 B-school, consistently ranked among the top 3 IIMs in India and featured in global MBA rankings like FT and QS, making it one of the most prestigious management institutes.
In India, B-schools are informally classified into tiers based on academic quality, placements, alumni network, and brand value.
Why IIM Bangalore Is Tier 1
Top National Ranking
Ranked 2nd in NIRF Management Rankings 2025 (just after IIM Ahmedabad).
Global Recognition
Featured in FT Global MBA Rankings and QS Global MBA Rankings.
Holds international accreditations like EQUIS and AACSB.
Placements
100% placement record.
Average salary (2025 PGP)- ₹34.88 LPA.
Top recruiters: McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Accenture Strategy, Amazon, Goldman Sachs.
Alumni Network
Alumni include CEOs, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in India and abroad.
Special Recognition
Famous for consulting, strategy, and leadership roles.
NSRCEL (incubator) is a hub for startups and innovation.
Tier Classification
Tier 1 IIMs: Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta (ABC).
Tier 1.5: Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore.
Tier 2 & below: Newer IIMs like Jammu, Bodh Gaya, Sirmaur
What is the highest package in IIM Bangalore?
IIM Bangalore Compensation Details PGP + PGPBA 2023-25
Summary of Compensation | (in lakhs) per annum |
Median Salary | 32.61 |
Mean Salary | 34.88 |
IIM Bangalore Compensation Details EPGP 2024-25
Summary of Compensation | (in lakhs) per annum |
Median Salary | 33.1 |
Mean Salary | 35.5 |
For Financial and professional return analysis, you may also explore:
Which IIM has the highest salary?
In 2025, IIM Calcutta recorded the highest salary among all IIMs, with an international package of ₹1.45 crore per annum, making it the top-paying IIM.
Different IIMs report placement salaries every year, and the highest package usually comes from IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta.
Highest Salary Packages (2025)
IIM Calcutta: Highest package – ₹1.45 crore; average ~₹34.23 LPA.
IIM Ahmedabad: Highest package – ₹70,00,000 (2023); average- ₹26,37,985 PA (2023).
IIM Bangalore: Average- ₹34.88 LPA.
Other IIMs (L, K, I): Highest packages range between ₹40 lakh – ₹75 lakh.
Why IIM Calcutta Leads in Highest Salary
Strong reputation in finance, consulting, and global placements.
Long-standing connections with Wall Street banks and global consulting firms.
Large alumni network in international corporate hubs.
Does IIM have 100% placement?
Yes, the top IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore) consistently achieve 100% placement for their flagship MBA programs, though newer IIMs may take longer to place all students.
Placements are a major strength of the Indian Institutes of Management
Top IIMs (ABC + LKI)
IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta: 100% placement in 2025 within a few days of recruitment.
IIM Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore: Also record 100% placement every year, though average packages are slightly lower than ABC.
Newer IIMs (Jammu, Bodh Gaya, Sirmaur, etc.)
Achieve 90–100% placements, but sometimes take longer to conclude the process.
Average packages are lower (~₹13 LPA).
Placement Support
All IIMs have a Placement Committee that manages company tie-ups.
Even in economic slowdowns, older IIMs manage 100% placement due to strong corporate networks.
Important Note
100% placement refers to students who choose campus placements. Some students opt out to pursue startups, family business, or higher studies, so the placement percentage is reported among eligible participants.
What is the lowest package in IIM?
The lowest placement package at IIMs varies by campus—at IIM Ahmedabad PGPX 2025, it was ₹20,70,000 LPA, while at newer IIMs, the lowest reported packages can be as low as ₹6–10 LPA.
The lowest salary at IIMs depends heavily on the institute (older vs. newer IIMs).
Older IIMs (A, B, C, L, K, I)
These premier campuses maintain strong recruiter demand.
IIM Ahmedabad PGPX (2025): Lowest salary was ₹20,70,000 LPA.
For 2-year MBA (PGP) students, even the lowest salaries at A, B, C are generally ₹18–25 LPA.
Newer IIMs (Udaipur, Trichy, Ranchi, Jammu, Bodh Gaya, etc.)
Average salaries are lower, in the ₹12–18 LPA range.
The lowest packages may dip to ₹6–10 LPA, depending on student background and job role.
Factors Influencing Lowest Placements
Brand value – Older IIMs get higher floor salaries.
Market conditions – Economic slowdowns may reduce entry-level salaries at newer campuses.
Which is the most expensive IIM?
As of 2025, IIM Ahmedabad is the most expensive IIM, with the 2-year MBA (PGP) fee at ₹27.5 lakh, followed closely by IIM Bangalore and IIM Calcutta.
The fee structure of IIMs varies depending on the programme (PGP, EPGP, PGPX, etc.) and the campus.
Most Expensive IIMs (PGP Fees – 2 Year MBA, 2025)
IIM Ahmedabad- ₹27.5 lakh
IIM Bangalore- ₹26.5 lakh
Newer IIMs (Cost lesser)
IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Jammu, IIM Sirmaur: ₹17-20.74 lakh for the 2-year MBA, making them the least expensive.
Is it hard to get in IIM Bangalore?
Yes, getting into IIM Bangalore is very hard, as it requires a 99+ percentile in CAT (for PGP) or a high GMAT/GRE score with strong work experience (for EPGP), along with excellent academics, work profile, and interview performance.
Admission to IIM Bangalore is highly competitive, making it one of the toughest B-schools to crack in India.
For PGP (2-Year MBA)
CAT Cutoff (2024–25): Around 99–99.5 percentile (general category).
Shortlisting Criteria: Beyond CAT, they evaluate 10th & 12th marks, graduation performance, work experience, and diversity factors.
Final Selection: Based on WAT (Written Ability Test), PI (Personal Interview), and composite score.
For EPGP (1-Year Executive MBA)
Requires 5 years of work experience.
GMAT/GRE score: Usually 700+ (GMAT) or 325+ (GRE) to be competitive.
Shortlisting: Based on leadership potential, career progress, essays, and recommendation letters.
Acceptance Rate
Estimated acceptance rate: <0.5% for PGP and ~2–3% for EPGP, making it one of the most selective institutes in Asia.
Why It’s Difficult
Huge number of applicants (~2–2.5 lakh for CAT every year).
Limited seats (~500 for PGP, ~75 for EPGP).
Rigorous multi-stage selection process.
Strengthen your IIM Bangalore application! From GMAT prep to essay review-GOALisB helps you stand out. Schedule a call today.
Is 7.5 CGPA good for IIM?
A 7.5 CGPA is acceptable for IIM admission, but top IIMs (A, B, C) give preference to higher academic scores (8.5+ CGPA); with 7.5, you’ll need an exceptionally high CAT percentile (99+), strong work experience, and interview performance to offset it.
IIMs use a composite score system that includes academics, CAT, work experience, and diversity.
How CGPA Affects IIM Admission
IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta: Heavily weight Class 10, Class 12, and graduation marks. A 7.5 CGPA is on the lower side compared to typical admits (~8.5–9+).
IIM Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore: More balanced approach; a strong CAT score can offset a lower CGPA.
Newer IIMs: More flexibility; 7.5 CGPA is usually sufficient with a good CAT score.
What You’ll Need with 7.5 CGPA
CAT Percentile: 99–99.5+ (General category) for old IIMs.
Work Experience: Quality work experience (2–4 years) strengthens profile.
Interview: Strong performance in WAT-PI can balance out weaker academics.
Category Impact
For reserved categories (OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwD), a 7.5 CGPA is much less of a barrier, since cutoffs are lower.
Was 2 States shot in IIM?
Yes, parts of the Bollywood movie 2 States were shot at IIM Ahmedabad, which is also the setting of Chetan Bhagat’s novel 2 States.
The film 2 States (2014), based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel, follows the story of two IIM Ahmedabad students from different cultural backgrounds who fall in love.
Filming Details
The story is set in IIM Ahmedabad, where the protagonists (Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt) meet.
Several scenes, including campus life, classrooms, and hostels, were filmed at the actual IIM Ahmedabad campus.
IIM Ahmedabad’s iconic red-brick Louis Kahn architecture can be seen throughout the movie.
Why IIM Ahmedabad?
Chetan Bhagat himself studied at IIM Ahmedabad, and his novel draws heavily from his real experiences.
Shooting on campus added authenticity to the film.
Is it difficult to get into IIM Bangalore?
Yes, it is very difficult to get into IIM Bangalore, as the acceptance rate is below 1%, requiring a 99+ CAT percentile (for PGP) or a 700+ GMAT/GRE score with strong work experience (for EPGP), along with excellent academics and interview performance.
IIM Bangalore is among the top 3 IIMs (ABC) and one of the toughest B-schools to enter in India.
Why It’s Difficult
High Competition
Over 2–2.5 lakh students take CAT each year.
Only a few hundred (~500 seats for PGP) make it into IIM Bangalore.
CAT Cutoff (PGP)
General Category: 99–99.5 percentile.
OBC/EWS: ~95–97 percentile.
SC/ST/PwD: ~90 percentile.
Academic Profile
Strong 10th, 12th, and graduation marks are critical.
Averages: 90%+ in school and 7.5–8.5 CGPA in graduation.
Work Experience (Preferred but not mandatory)
Adds weight to the profile, especially leadership/impactful roles.
Interview Process
Shortlisted candidates go through WAT (Written Ability Test) and PI (Personal Interview).
Selection is holistic, not just exam scores.
For EPGP (1-Year MBA)
Requires 5 years of work experience.
GMAT 700+ or GRE 325+ is competitive.
Recommendations and leadership record are evaluated.
IIM Bangalore Acceptance Rate
PGP: <1%
EPGP: ~2–3%
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