IIMA vs XLRI
- Goalisb
- Apr 16
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 10
As an MBA admission consultant, I recognize that choosing between IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) and XLRI Xavier School of Management is a critical decision for ambitious applicants. Both institutions are prestigious and offer strong career outcomes, but they differ significantly in terms of rankings, salary potential, career progress, and specialization strengths.
This comprehensive analysis will help you make an informed decision based on Financial Times MBA Rankings 2025, career outcomes, alumni network, diversity, and academic strengths.
IIMA vs XLRI Rankings and Global Positioning
FT Global MBA Ranking 2025
IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA): Ranked 31st (improved from 41st in 2024)
XLRI: Ranked 83rd (improved from 99th in 2024)
Our Insights: IIMA is ranked 52 places higher than XLRI globally. While both have improved, IIMA's stronger global recognition makes it a better choice for those aiming for international opportunities.
IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) vs. XLRI: Key Differences at a Glance
Parameter | IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) | XLRI Xavier School of Management |
FT Global MBA Ranking 2025 | 31st (Improved from 41st in 2024) | 83rd (Improved from 99th in 2024) |
Weighted Salary (USD) | $219,467 | $142,022 |
Salary Percentage Increase | 164% | 249% |
Value for Money Rank | 20th globally | 36th globally |
Career Progress Rank | 1st globally 🏆 | 24th globally |
Careers Service Rank | 43rd | 38th (Better Support System) |
Employment Rate (3 Months) | 96% (100% reporting) | 94% (89% reporting) |
Research Rank (FT Global) | 83rd globally | 97th globally |
Faculty with PhDs | 100% | 95% |
International Students | 2% | 0% |
International Faculty | 3% | 0% |
Female Faculty | 23% | 11% |
Female Students | 26% | 30% |
Alumni Network Rank | 25th globally | 48th globally |
Best for Specialization | General Management, Finance, Consulting | HR, General Management |
Preferred Entrance Exam | CAT | XAT, GMAT/GRE (for some programs) |
Location | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Jamshedpur, Jharkhand |
Program Duration | PGPX: 1 Year PGP: 2 Years | PGDM (GM): 18 Months PGDM: 2 Years |
IIMA vs XLRI Financial Outcomes and Return on Investment
Weighted Salary
IIM Ahmedabad: $219,467
XLRI: $142,022
Salary Percentage Increase
IIMA: 164%
XLRI: 249%
Value for Money Rank
IIMA: 20th globally
XLRI: 36th globally
Key Takeaways:While IIMA graduates earn approximately $77,000 more annually, XLRI showcases a higher percentage salary jump (249%), indicating strong ROI for professionals looking to upskill. IIMA’s Value for Money rank (20th vs. 36th) further reinforces its superior long-term financial benefits.
IIMA vs XLRI Career Advancement and Employment
Careers Service Rank
IIMA: 43rd globally
XLRI: 38th globally (slightly better)
Career Progress Rank
IIMA: 1st globally
XLRI: 24th globally
Employment Rate at Three Months
IIMA: 96% (100% reporting)
XLRI: 94% (89% reporting)
What This Means for You:IIM Ahmedabad has the best career progress ranking globally (ranked number 1), making it an excellent choice for mid-career professionals. XLRI, however, has a strong career services ranking, ensuring good placement support.
IIMA vs XLRI Academic Quality and Research
FT Research Rank
IIMA: 83rd globally
XLRI: 97th globally
Faculty with Doctorates
IIMA: 100%
XLRI: 95%
Implications:IIMA has a slightly stronger research ranking and faculty quality, which can be a deciding factor for applicants interested in thought leadership, academia, or research-based careers.
IIMA vs XLRI International Exposure and Diversity
International Course Experience Rank
IIMA: 82nd globally
XLRI: 82nd globally (same rank)
International Students
IIMA: 2%
XLRI: 0%
International Faculty
IIMA: 3%
XLRI: 0%
Global Perspective: Both institutions lack strong international student representation compared to top global MBAs. However, IIMA edges ahead with slightly better international faculty representation and alumni outreach.
IIMA vs XLRI Diversity Metrics
Female Faculty
IIMA: 23%
XLRI: 11%
Female Students
IIMA: 26%
XLRI: 30%
Diversity Analysis: XLRI has more female students (30%), whereas IIMA has a higher percentage of female faculty (23%), indicating stronger gender representation in academia.
IIMA vs XLRI Student Experience and Alumni Strength
Overall Satisfaction
IIMA: 9.0
XLRI: 8.844
Alumni Network Rank
IIMA: 25th globally
XLRI: 48th globally
🤝 Network Power:IIMA significantly outperforms XLRI in alumni networking, which can be critical for long-term career growth and global networking opportunities.
IIMA vs XLRI Strategic Implications for Different Applicant Profiles
General Management & Finance
Best Choice: IIM Ahmedabad
Stronger in consulting, investment banking, and financial leadership roles
Higher ranking and superior alumni network
Human Resources Specialization
Best Choice: XLRI
XLRI’s flagship PMIR (Personnel Management and Industrial Relations) program is the best HR program in India
Recognized leader in HR placements and corporate leadership roles
Marketing & Operations
Both are strong, but IIMA has a slight edge due to its higher global ranking and salary outcomes.
International Career Aspirations
Best Choice: IIM Ahmedabad
Higher global ranking (31st vs. 83rd)
Stronger alumni network (25th vs. 48th globally)
IIMA vs XLRI Program Duration & Structure
IIMA: One-Year PGPX for experienced professionals, Two-Year PGP for freshers
XLRI: 18-month PGDM (GM) and Two-Year PGDM for freshers
IIMA vs. XLRI – Which MBA Is Right for You?
Choose IIM Ahmedabad if:
You want higher salary prospects and a strong alumni network
You aim for top-tier roles in consulting, finance, or general management
You want a globally recognized MBA for international opportunities
Choose XLRI if:
You want to specialize in HR (the best HR MBA in India)
You prefer a smaller, more personalized experience
You value a higher salary percentage increase post-MBA
Choosing between IIMA and XLRI depends on your career goals, specialization interest, and ROI expectations. While IIMA dominates in rankings, salary, and global recognition, XLRI excels in HR specialization and rapid salary growth post-MBA.
Want personalized MBA guidance? Get expert consulting for IIMA, XLRI, and other top B-schools at GOALisB.
Frequently Asked Questions: XLRI vs IIMA:
1. Is XLRI better than IIM Ahmedabad?
IIM Ahmedabad ranks higher than XLRI in global and national rankings, including NIRF 2024, where IIMA is ranked number 1, while XLRI is ranked number 9. However, XLRI is India's top-ranked business school for HR and offers strong placements in general management.
IIM Ahmedabad is a better choice for finance, consulting, and global career opportunities, while XLRI is ideal for HR specialization and leadership roles in people management.
2. Is XLRI owned by Tata?
No, XLRI is not owned by Tata. It is an independent, Jesuit-run institution established in 1949. While Tata Group has strong partnerships with XLRI for research, scholarships, and industry collaboration, it does not have ownership of the institution.
3. Is XLRI Tier 1 or Tier 2?
XLRI is a Tier 1 business school in India, ranked number 9 in NIRF 2024. It is consistently listed among the top MBA colleges, alongside IIMs, ISB, and FMS.
4. Which is the toughest IIM?
IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta are the toughest IIMs to get into, with IIMA ranking number 1 in NIRF 2024. These institutes have the highest CAT cutoffs and the most competitive admission process.
5. Is IIM Rohtak Tier 1 or 2?
IIM Rohtak is a Tier 2 business school, ranked number 12 in NIRF 2024. Tier 1 IIMs include IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, and ISB.
6. What is the average package for XLRI Delhi?
XLRI Delhi’s official placement data is not yet available, but based on XLRI Jamshedpur’s average package of ₹32.7 LPA, the Delhi campus is expected to offer salaries in the range of ₹20-25 LPA.
7. Is Narsee Monjee Tier 1?
NMIMS is a Tier 2 business school, ranked number 21 in NIRF 2024. It is a top private MBA college but does not belong to the same category as IIMs, ISB, XLRI, or FMS.
8. Does McKinsey hire from XLRI?
Yes, McKinsey & Company, along with BCG, Bain, and Deloitte, recruit from XLRI for consulting, HR leadership, and general management roles.
9. Is XAT easier than CAT?
XAT is generally considered tougher than CAT due to the inclusion of the Decision-Making and General Knowledge sections. However, CAT is more difficult in terms of Quantitative Aptitude.
10. Why is XLRI so famous?
XLRI is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business schools, known for its leadership in HR education, high placement packages, and strong industry reputation. It is particularly known for its flagship PGDM-HRM program, which is the top-ranked HR course in India.
11. Is SP Jain Tier 1?
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) is a Tier 1 business school in India, ranked number 20 in NIRF 2024.
12. Which is best: IIM or NMIMS?
IIMs are better than NMIMS in terms of ranking, global recognition, alumni network, and placement outcomes. NMIMS is a good alternative for marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship but does not match the top IIMs in reputation or salary potential.
13. Is TAPMI a Tier 1 college?
TAPMI is a Tier 2 business school, ranked number 58 in NIRF 2024. Tier 1 institutes include IIMs, ISB, XLRI, SPJIMR, and FMS.
14. Is XLRI better than IIM?
XLRI is better than newer IIMs but does not surpass IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta. It is the best in India for HR specialization, while IIMs lead in consulting, finance, and global rankings.
15. Does XLRI give 100% placement?
Yes, XLRI has a 100% placement record, with students placed in top companies across consulting, finance, HR, and general management roles.
16. Is it worth joining XLRI Delhi?
XLRI Delhi follows the same curriculum, faculty, and placement network as XLRI Jamshedpur. However, since it is a newer campus, initial placement opportunities may not be as strong as the Jamshedpur campus.
17. Which is the hardest IIM to get into?
IIM Ahmedabad is the hardest IIM to get into, followed by IIM Bangalore and IIM Calcutta. This is based on high CAT cutoffs, limited intake, and a rigorous selection process.
18. Does XLRI accept CAT score?
No, XLRI does not accept CAT scores. Admission to XLRI is through the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) or GMAT/GRE for some executive programs.
19. Which is better, FMS or XLRI?
FMS Delhi is better for finance, marketing, and ROI due to its low fees and high salaries. XLRI is better for HR, leadership, and strong consulting placements.
Candidates looking for a cost-effective MBA should choose FMS, while those interested in HR or general management may find XLRI more valuable.
20. Can I get XLRI with 98 percentile?
A 98 percentile in XAT ensures a high chance of getting into XLRI. For Business Management (BM), the cutoff is around 96+ percentile, while for HRM, it is 94-95+.
21. How many seats are in XLRI Delhi?
XLRI Delhi has 120 seats for its PGDM programs.
22. Do 12th marks matter in XLRI?
No, XLRI does not have strict 12th-grade cutoffs. Admissions are based on XAT score, academics, work experience, and interview performance.
For more guidance on MBA admissions, visit GOALisB for expert consulting on XLRI, IIMs, ISB, and other top business schools.