FMS vs IIMs (Top 6): ROI Showdown: Overview

2 minute read

Update on 16 Nov, 2025, 02:30 AM IST

Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) are well-known colleges of India; each has its own attributes and strengths. IIM has 22 campuses across the country and offers MBA and PGP programs. Faculty of Management Studies (FMS)Delhi offers full-time MBA and executive MBA programs. Admission to both colleges, FMS Delhi and the IIMs, is based on CAT exam scores. This article will provide you with information about the difference in the Return on Investment of FMS Delhi and IIMs.

 

Table of Contents

  1. Which one to choose, FMS Delhi or IIMs?
  2. IIM and FMS Eligibility Criteria
  3. IIMs vs FMS Delhi: Admission Process
  4. FMS Delhi vs Top 6 IIMs: ROI
  5. Conclusion

 

Which one to choose, FMS Delhi or IIMs?

The first IIM to be established in 1961 was IIM Calcutta. It is renowned for its good academic programs, research facilities, vast alumni networks, and impeccable placement reports. IIMs are known for their rigorous admission process and admit students who rank in the top percentile of the CAT exam.

 

On the other hand Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi was established in 1954. It was established to promote regional diversity and to provide quality management education. It also emphasises an inclusive approach and practical skills.

 

Both IIMs and FMS Delhi have excellence in management education, each of them offers a unique environment that caters for the diverse aspirants and preferences of students.

 

Read More: CAT Exam Pattern

 

IIM and FMS Eligibility Criteria

Mentioned below are the MBA/PGP eligibility criteria for the aspirants who are planning to join IIMs and FMS Delhi. Candidates must check the eligibility criteria before appearing for the entrance exam to get admission into higher education.

Institute

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria for FMS Delhi

  • A Bachelor's degree with 50% aggregate marks (In case of SC or ST candidates, only pass marks are required). For OBC/PwD and CW categories, 45% marks are required to apply.
  • Candidates pursuing their final year of a bachelor's degree or waiting for results are also eligible.
  • And the candidate must appear in the CAT exam and score required percentile.

Eligibility Criteria for IIMs

  • A Bachelor's degree with aggregate 50% marks overall (45% for SC, ST, and PWD/DA category candidates).
  • Candidates pursuing their final year of a bachelor's degree or waiting for results are also eligible.
  • The candidates must clear the CAT exam and meet the IIM eligibility cutoff to be called for an IIM interview/ WAT.

Read More: FMS Delhi Selection Criteria 2026

 

IIMs vs FMS Delhi: Admission Process

Below are the guidelines for the candidates who are planning to get admission into IIMs or FMS Delhi for the management courses.

 

Admission Process for IIMs:

 

To get into IIMs, aspirants must first register for the CAT exam.

  • Based on CAT scores, candidates are shortlisted.
  • Screening of candidates for WAT/ GD-PI.
  • Calculation of overall scores and final selection.

Admission Process for FMS Delhi:

 

The admission process is based on personal interview, group discussion, and the CAT scores.

  • Shortlisted candidates will be called for group discussions and a personal interview round.
  • Overall performance of candidates in the CAT exam, group discussion and personal interview.

Read More: CAT 2025: Scores Required to Get Admission Into IIM BLACKI

 

FMS Delhi vs Top 6 IIMs: ROI

Both FMS Delhi and IIMs have great facilities, high CAT exam cutoffs, high academic fees and impeccable placement records. Given below is a comparison of return on investment between FMS Delhi and the top 6 IIMs.

Institutes

CAT exam general expected cutoff

 

(in percentile)

Fees Structure

Salary

FMS Delhi

99

INR 2 L

Highest: INR 1.23Cr

 

Average: INR 34.1 LPA (2021-23)

IIM Ahmedabad

95

INR 27.5 L

Highest: INR 1.1 Cr

 

Average: INR 35.22 LPA

IIM Bangalore

85

INR 20L-26.3L

Median: INR 32.16 LPA

 

Mean: INR 34.88 LPA

IIM Kozhikhode

85

INR 22.5L-23.5L

Highest: INR 81 LPA

 

Average: INR 28.18 LPA

IIT Delhi (DMS)

80-98 (2024)

INR 12.2 L

Highest: INR 40.5 LPA

 

Average: INR 23.4 LPA

IIM Lucknow

97.5-98.5

INR 14.9 L

Highest: INR 75 LPA

 

Average: INR 32.3 LPA

IIM Mumbai

85-90

INR 18L-19 L

Highest: INR 54 LPA

 

Average: INR 29.44 LPA

 

(2022-24)

 

Conclusion

FMS Delhi or IIMs ROI depends on what you value the most.

  • If financial cost is not your primary concern, and you want the full, immersive, all-inclusive campus experience, then choose a top IIM.
  • If you are making a rational, data-driven financial decision, you value independence and a self-driven culture, then choose FMS Delhi.

Regardless of your college choice, work hard, focus more, and prepare yourself for your upcoming exams. Go for it, make it possible.

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