Top Non-IIM MBA Colleges in India 2025: Full List & Key Highlights

2 minute read

Sanhita Kundu

Update on 20 Sep, 2025, 08:06 PM IST

While IIMs dominate the MBA conversation in India, several non-IIM MBA colleges offer programs that rival globally ranked institutes. These colleges combine rigorous academics, strong industry connections, and excellent placements. If you’re preparing for CAT 2025, XAT, NMAT, or SNAP, these non-IIM MBA colleges should be on your radar. This guide provides updated admission details, flagship programs, placement stats, and key highlights for the top 20 non-IIM MBA colleges in India in 2025.

 

Table of Contents

  1. Top Non-IIM MBA Colleges in India 2025 – College-wise Overview
  2. Top Non-IIM MBA Colleges in India 2025: Admission Updates for MBA 2025
  3. Wrapping Up

 

Top Non-IIM MBA Colleges in India 2025 – College-wise Overview

Here’s a snapshot of the top non-IIM MBA colleges with their flagship programs, accepted exams, and placement highlights:

Rank

College Name & Location

Flagship Program

Exams Accepted

Average Salary (INR)

Highlight

1

XLRI Jamshedpur

PGDM (BM & HRM)

XAT

₹29.89 LPA

Best HR program in Asia; International offers up to ₹1.10 Cr

2

MDI Gurgaon

PGDM

CAT, GMAT

₹27 LPA

Strong placements in consulting & finance

3

SPJIMR Mumbai

PGDM

CAT, GMAT

₹32 LPA

Global Fast Track program for international exposure

4

IIFT Delhi & Kolkata

MBA in International Business

IIFT Exam (NTA)

₹29 LPA

Leader in trade & economics

5

IMT Ghaziabad

PGDM

CAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT

₹17.5 LPA

Marketing & finance focus; entrepreneurial edge

6

NMIMS Mumbai

MBA

NMAT

₹23 LPA

Strong Mumbai corporate connections

7

TAPMI Manipal

PGDM

CAT, XAT, GMAT

₹14 LPA

AACSB accredited; finance specialization

8

Great Lakes Institute of Management

PGPM, PGDM

CAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT

₹15 LPA

1-year PGPM for professionals

9

SIBM Pune

MBA

SNAP

₹22 LPA

Strong placements in consulting & FMCG

10

XIMB Bhubaneswar

MBA-BM, MBA-HRM, MBA-RM

XAT, CAT, GMAT

₹18.8 LPA

Diverse electives; Jesuit education heritage

11

FORE School of Management, Delhi

PGDM

CAT, XAT, GMAT

₹14 LPA

Industry-focused curriculum

12

Goa Institute of Management (GIM)

PGDM

CAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT

₹15.6 LPA

Healthcare management specialization

13

LIBA Chennai

PGDM

CAT, XAT

₹12.5 LPA

Ethics-driven Jesuit B-school

14

KJ Somaiya Institute of Management

MBA

CAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT, GMAT

₹13.5 LPA

Flexible electives & curriculum

15

BITS Pilani – Department of Management

MBA

CAT, XAT, GMAT

₹11 LPA

Technology-focused management programs

16

Nirma University, Ahmedabad

MBA

CAT, GMAT

₹12.5 LPA

Industry-aligned curriculum & alumni network

17

IRMA Anand

PGDM (Rural Management)

CAT, XAT

₹15 LPA

Global leader in rural & development management

18

Welingkar Institute (WeSchool)

PGDM

CAT, XAT, ATMA, CMAT, GMAT, MH-CET

₹12.5 LPA

Innovation & design thinking pedagogy

19

ISB Hyderabad & Mohali

PGP in Management

GMAT, GRE

₹34 LPA

Globally ranked 1-year MBA with strong alumni network

20

IFMR GSB (Krea University), Sri City

MBA

CAT, XAT, NMAT, GMAT, GRE, CMAT

₹13.5 LPA

Emerging leader in finance & analytics

 

Top Non-IIM MBA Colleges in India 2025: Admission Updates for MBA 2025 

The admission landscape for MBA 2025 is competitive, with various entrance exams forming the gateway to top non-IIM MBA colleges in India. Each exam has its own schedule, eligibility criteria, and number of attempts allowed, so staying updated is crucial for aspirants. Timely registration and understanding exam patterns can significantly improve your chances of securing admission in your preferred college. The table below summarizes the key dates and updates for the major MBA entrance exams accepted by these top institutes.

Exam

Key Dates / Updates

CAT 2025

Accepted by most top non-IIM MBA colleges

XAT 2026

XLRI registrations open till mid-December 2025

NMAT 2025

Multiple attempts allowed till January 2026 for NMIMS

SNAP 2025

Symbiosis registrations close in November 2025

IIFT 2025

Conducted by NTA in December 2025

 

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right MBA college is about aligning your career goals with the institute’s strengths rather than relying solely on brand names. The top non-IIM MBA colleges in India 2025—such as XLRI, SPJIMR, MDI, IIFT, and ISB—offer excellent placements, global exposure, and specialized programs that rival many IIMs. These institutes provide niche opportunities in areas like HR, International Business, Rural Management, and Healthcare, ensuring that your investment translates into strong ROI and accelerated career growth. Preparing for entrance exams like CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, or the IIFT exam opens doors to these opportunities.

 

Ultimately, an MBA from a top non-IIM college can be a transformative experience, equipping you with the skills, network, and global perspective needed to thrive in today’s competitive business environment. Aspirants should focus on finding the program that best fits their aspirations, industry preferences, and long-term career objectives.

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