Ask GOALisB: Your Complete IIM Bangalore 2025 FAQ Guide
- Goalisb
- Oct 28
- 10 min read
Updated: Nov 1
IIM Bangalore ranks among India’s top management institutes, known for its 100% placements, global accreditations, and leadership-focused programs.
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.
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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%
For tactical guidance for IIM admission success, you may also explore:
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