Planning to pursue MBA/PGDM in Lucknow? With 12 MBA/PGDM colleges offering MBA, MBA in Retail Management, MBA in Aviation Management, and M.H.R.D. in Human Resource Management, choosing the right college depends on key factors such as rankings, fees, placements, and entrance exams accepted.
Lucknow's MBA/PGDM landscape includes top government institutes, along with leading private universities such as Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing, IICT Business School Lucknow, and SMS. Admissions are conducted through exams like CAT, XAT, ATMA, depending on the course and institution.
This page provides a complete list of MBA/PGDM colleges in Lucknow 2026, helping you compare colleges based on fees, placements, courses, and admission criteria to shortlist the best options.
Overview of MBA/PGDM Colleges in Lucknow
Lucknow has a diverse mix of mba/pgdm colleges across government, private, and deemed categories, offering programs in core and emerging fields. These colleges vary in terms of fee structure, admission process, and placement outcomes, making comparison essential for informed decision-making.
Admissions to most top colleges are based on national-level exams like CAT, XAT, ATMA, while state and private colleges accept CETs and institute-level entrance exams.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Data |
| Total MBA/PGDM Colleges in Lucknow | 12 |
| Government Colleges | 4 |
| Private Colleges | 7 |
| Popular Courses | bachelor-of-business-administration-bba, Master of Business Administration (MBA), MBA in Finance, MBA in Marketing Management |
| Top Exams Accepted | CAT, XAT, ATMA, CMAT |
| Average Fees | ₹13 K - ₹6.9 L |
| Average Placement (sample) | ₹2.6 L - ₹8.6 L |
| Top Recruiters | TCS, Accenture, CapGemini, IBM |
Top MBA/PGDM Colleges in Lucknow 2026 (Rankings)
MBA/PGDM college rankings are based on parameters such as academic reputation, faculty quality, research output, placements, and infrastructure. Rankings from sources like NIRF, India Today, and The Week are widely used by students to shortlist top colleges.
Government vs Private MBA/PGDM Colleges in Lucknow
MBA/PGDM colleges in Lucknow are broadly divided into government and private institutions, with key differences in fees, placements, admission process, and ROI. Government colleges are generally more competitive with lower fees, while private colleges offer higher seat availability and modern infrastructure.
Top Private MBA/PGDM Colleges
Top private colleges offer higher seat intake, industry-focused curriculum, and strong infrastructure.
| College | Fees | Total Courses | Popular Course |
| Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing | — | 35 | MBA Product Management |
| IICT Business School Lucknow | ₹13 K - ₹59.1 K | 79 | MBA |
| SMS | ₹2.8 L | 19 | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
| IILM Lucknow | ₹6.9 L | 7 | PGDM in Finance & Accounting |
Fee Comparison (Govt vs Private)
| Private Colleges | |
| MBA/PGDM | ₹13 K - ₹6.9 L |
Government colleges are significantly more affordable compared to private institutions.
ROI Analysis
ROI is a key factor for most candidates, calculated based on fees vs placement outcomes.
| College | Fees | Popular Course |
| Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing | — | MBA Product Management |
| IICT Business School Lucknow | ₹13 K - ₹59.1 K | MBA |
| SMS | ₹2.8 L | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
| IILM Lucknow | ₹6.9 L | PGDM in Finance & Accounting |
Government colleges offer higher ROI due to lower fees and strong placements, while private colleges provide better infrastructure, flexibility, and more seat availability.
From a decision-making perspective, candidates targeting top ranks and ROI should prioritise government colleges, while those looking for backup options and infrastructure can consider top private mba/pgdm institutes.
Govt and Private
| College | Fees | Popular Course |
| Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing | — | MBA Product Management |
| IICT Business School Lucknow | ₹13 K - ₹59.1 K | MBA |
| SMS | ₹2.8 L | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
| IILM Lucknow | ₹6.9 L | PGDM in Finance & Accounting |
Top MBA/PGDM Colleges in Lucknow by Fees
Fees is a key parameter while shortlisting mba/pgdm colleges, as it directly impacts the overall cost of education and return on investment (ROI). In Lucknow, mba/pgdm college fees vary significantly based on the type of institution—government colleges are more affordable, while private universities have higher fee structures due to infrastructure and facilities.
Low Fee MBA/PGDM Colleges (Below ₹1 L)
Low-fee mba/pgdm colleges are primarily state government institutions and central universities, offering MBA programs at subsidised costs. Admissions are usually based on state-level entrance exams together with CAT, XAT, and ATMA (where applicable).
| College Type | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| Private | ₹13 K - ₹59.1 K | MBA | ~3 avg courses (1 colleges) |
These colleges are suitable for candidates looking for affordable mba/pgdm education with reasonable placement opportunities, especially in core sectors and government roles.
Mid-Range MBA/PGDM Colleges (₹1 L - ₹10 L)
Mid-range colleges include SMS and IILM Lucknow, offering a balance between fees, academic quality, and placement outcomes.
| College Type | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| Private | ₹2.8 L - ₹6.9 L | MBA | ~2 avg courses (2 colleges) |
These institutes provide strong ROI, with moderate fees and competitive placement packages, making them a preferred choice for many aspirants.
Best ROI MBA/PGDM Colleges in Lucknow
Return on Investment (ROI) is a key factor while selecting mba/pgdm colleges, as it compares the total cost of education with placement outcomes. Colleges with lower fees and higher salary packages offer better long-term value.
ROI Comparison Across Top Colleges
| College | Average Fees |
| IICT Business School Lucknow | ₹13 K - ₹59.1 K |
| SMS | ₹2.8 L |
| IILM Lucknow | ₹6.9 L |
Government institutes consistently offer high ROI due to subsidised fees and strong placement records.
MBA/PGDM Colleges in Lucknow with Best Placements
Placements are a critical parameter in evaluating mba/pgdm colleges, as they reflect career opportunities, industry exposure, and earning potential. Top colleges in India maintain strong placement records across technology, consulting, and core sectors.
Top Recruiters Hiring MBA/PGDM Professionals
Leading companies regularly recruit from top mba/pgdm colleges in India across domains such as software, consulting, analytics, and core mba/pgdm:
- Amrutanjan
- AstraZeneca
- Cadila Pharmaceuticals
- Cipla Life Care
- Citadel
Popular MBA/PGDM Courses in Lucknow
MBA/PGDM colleges in Lucknow offer a wide range of specialisations, with demand driven by placement trends, industry requirements, and long-term career growth. Among these, certain branches consistently attract higher enrolment due to better salary outcomes and job opportunities.
MBA in Marketing
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹1.1 L - ₹21.6 L
- Top Recruiters: HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Wipro, Deloitte
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| MBA in Marketing | 2 Years | ₹20 K - ₹21.5 L | 85+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
MBA in Human Resource Management
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹1.1 L - ₹19 L
- Top Recruiters: HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Infosys, ICICI Bank
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| MBA in Human Resource Management | 2 Years | ₹12 K - ₹25.3 L | 78+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
MBA in Business Analytics
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹2.7 L - ₹34.1 L
- Top Recruiters: HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Wipro, Infosys
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| MBA in Business Analytics | 2 Years | ₹4 K - ₹28.1 L | 75+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
MBA/PGDM Admission Process in Lucknow 2026
Admission to mba/pgdm colleges in Lucknow follows a structured process based on entrance exams, result evaluation, and centralised or institute-level counselling. Candidates can apply through national, state, or college-level exams, depending on their target institutions and courses.
National Level Entrance Exams
National-level exams are the primary gateway to top government mba/pgdm colleges such as SMS and IILM Lucknow. These exams have high competition and wider acceptance across India.
Key National MBA/PGDM Exams
| Exam | Full Form | Conducting Body | Duration (Minutes) | Application Mode | Exam Mode | Level | Colleges Participating |
| CAT | Common Admission Test | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) | 120 | online | Online | PG | 1+ College |
| XAT | Xavier Aptitude Test | Xavier Labour Relations Institute | 210 | Online | Online | PG | 2+ Colleges |
| CMAT | Common Management Admission Test | National Testing Agency (NTA) | 180 | Online | Online | PG | 2+ Colleges |
| ATMA | AIMS Test for Management Admissions | Association of Indian Management Schools | 180 | online | Online/Offline | PG | 1+ College |
These exams are widely accepted by top-ranked mba/pgdm colleges and require strong preparation due to their competitive nature.
Counselling Process
After qualifying entrance exams, candidates must participate in counselling for seat allocation based on rank, preferences, and availability.
Counselling Overview
| Counselling Type | Conducting Authority | Colleges Covered | Basis |
| National Counselling | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and Xavier Labour Relations Institute | All-India mba/pgdm colleges | National exam rank / score |
The counselling process includes choice filling, seat allotment, document verification, and final admission confirmation.
Entrance Exams for MBA/PGDM Colleges in Lucknow
MBA/PGDM admissions in Lucknow are conducted through a mix of national and state-level entrance exams, each varying in terms of acceptance, difficulty, and participating colleges. A structured comparison helps candidates choose the right exams based on their target colleges and preparation level.
National Level MBA/PGDM Entrance Exams (UG & PG)
| Exam | Level | Conducting Body | Mode | Duration | Colleges Accepting | Courses | Difficulty |
| CAT | PG | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) | Online | 120 mins | 1+ College | Post Graduate Programme in Management | Very High |
| XAT | PG | Xavier Labour Relations Institute | Online | 210 mins | 2+ Colleges | MBA/PGDM | High |
| CMAT | PG | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Online | 180 mins | 2+ Colleges | MBA/PGDM | Medium–High |
| ATMA | PG | Association of Indian Management Schools | Online/Offline | 180 mins | 1+ College | MBA/PGDM | Medium–High |
These exams are the primary pathway to top government mba/pgdm colleges and postgraduate programs in Lucknow.
State Level MBA/PGDM Entrance Exams
State-level exams provide access to government and private colleges within specific states, often with domicile-based advantages.
Upcoming MBA/PGDM Exams in Lucknow
Staying updated with mba/pgdm entrance exam dates is essential for planning applications, preparation timelines, and revision strategy. In Lucknow, most UG exams are scheduled across the upcoming cycle, while major PG exams like XAT are scheduled around January 2027.
Tracking upcoming exams helps candidates avoid missing deadlines, manage multiple exams, and align preparation effectively.
Upcoming MBA/PGDM Exams 2026
| Exam | Level | Exam Date | Status |
| XAT | PG | 03 Jan 2027 | Upcoming |
Month-wise MBA/PGDM Exam Timeline 2026
January 2027 Exams
| Date | Exam | Description |
| 03 Jan 2027 | XAT | XAT 2027 Exam Date |
From a planning perspective, candidates should track at least 3–4 upcoming exams and align their preparation schedule based on exam sequence, difficulty level, and application deadlines to maximise admission opportunities.
State-wise MBA/PGDM Colleges in India
India has 12 mba/pgdm colleges distributed across states like Uttar Pradesh, with a mix of government and private institutions. Top government colleges include top government colleges, while leading private colleges include Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing and IICT Business School Lucknow.
State-wise distribution helps candidates shortlist colleges based on location preference, fees, and admission through state-level exams like state-level exams.
MBA/PGDM Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| IICT Business School Lucknow | ₹13 K - ₹61.1 K | 79 Courses |
| IILM Lucknow | ₹6.9 L | 7 Courses |
| Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing | ₹12.4 K | 35 Courses |
| SMS | ₹2.8 L | 19 Courses |
City-wise MBA/PGDM Colleges in India
Top cities like Lucknow host a large number of mba/pgdm colleges, including both government and private institutions. Leading colleges include top government colleges, along with private institutes like Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing, IICT Business School Lucknow, and SMS.
City-wise selection helps candidates choose colleges based on placement opportunities, industry exposure, and proximity to tech hubs.
MBA/PGDM Colleges in Lucknow
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| IICT Business School Lucknow | ₹13 K - ₹61.1 K | 79 Courses |
| IILM Lucknow | ₹6.9 L | 7 Courses |
| Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing | ₹12.4 K | 35 Courses |
| SMS | ₹2.8 L | 19 Courses |
Top MBA/PGDM Colleges Accepting Different Exams
Top mba/pgdm colleges in India accept scores from exams like XAT, CMAT, CAT, and ATMA, depending on the course and college type. Government institutes such as top government institutes accept national and state-level exam scores, while private colleges like Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing, IICT Business School Lucknow, and SMS may conduct their own entrance exams.
Understanding exam-wise college acceptance helps candidates shortlist colleges based on their exam performance and admission pathway.
Colleges Accepting XAT
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| SMS | ₹2.8 L | 19 Courses |
| IILM Lucknow | ₹6.9 L | 7 Courses |
Colleges Accepting CMAT
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| SMS | ₹2.8 L | 19 Courses |
| IILM Lucknow | ₹6.9 L | 7 Courses |
Colleges Accepting CAT
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| SMS | ₹2.8 L | 19 Courses |
Colleges Accepting ATMA
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| IILM Lucknow | ₹6.9 L | 7 Courses |
Course wise MBA/PGDM Colleges in India
MBA/PGDM colleges in India offer admissions across popular branches and emerging fields. top institutes lead in core and tech branches, while private colleges like Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing, IICT Business School Lucknow, and SMS offer a wide range of specialisations.
Course-wise selection helps candidates choose colleges based on branch preference, placement trends, and career opportunities.
Advance Diploma in Finance Management Colleges in Lucknow
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing | ₹12.4 K | 35 Courses |
| IICT Business School Lucknow | ₹13 K - ₹61.1 K | 79 Courses |
Advance Diploma in Hospital Management (ADHM) Colleges in Lucknow
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing | ₹12.4 K | 35 Courses |
| IICT Business School Lucknow | ₹13 K - ₹61.1 K | 79 Courses |
Advance Diploma in Management (ADBA) Colleges in Lucknow
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing | ₹12.4 K | 35 Courses |
| IICT Business School Lucknow | ₹13 K - ₹61.1 K | 79 Courses |
Advance Diploma in Marketing and Sales (ADMS) Colleges in Lucknow
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing | ₹12.4 K | 35 Courses |
| IICT Business School Lucknow | ₹13 K - ₹61.1 K | 79 Courses |
Advance Diploma in Pharmaceutical Marketing (ADPM) Colleges in Lucknow
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing | ₹12.4 K | 35 Courses |
| IICT Business School Lucknow | ₹13 K - ₹61.1 K | 79 Courses |
MBA/PGDM Colleges in India with Cutoff
Cutoffs play a key role in mba/pgdm admissions, as they indicate the minimum rank or score required to secure a seat in a college. Top institutes like top government institutes have highly competitive cutoffs based on exams like CAT, XAT, and ATMA, while state colleges follow CET-based cutoffs.
Analysing cutoff trends helps candidates estimate their admission chances, target colleges, and safe options during counselling.
XAT Cutoff 2024 Percentile
| College | Cutoff |
| IILM Lucknow | 50–50 |
Previous Year Trends
| Year | Cutoff |
| 2024 | 50–50 |
| 2023 | 50–50 |
| 2022 | 50–50 |
Comparison of Top MBA/PGDM Colleges
Comparing top mba/pgdm colleges helps candidates evaluate options based on fees, placements, rankings, infrastructure, and ROI. Government colleges like IITs, NITs, and IIITs offer lower fees and higher ROI, while private colleges such as BITS, VIT, and SRM provide better infrastructure and higher seat availability.
A structured comparison allows candidates to shortlist colleges based on their budget, rank, preferred course, and career goals, ensuring better decision-making during admission.
Private vs Government Comparison
| Private | Government | |
| Total Colleges | 7 | 4 |
| Top Colleges | Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing, IICT Business School Lucknow, and SMS | — |
| College distribution % | 64% | 36% |
| Top Courses | MBA/PGDM and Master of Business Administration | MBA/PGDM and Master of Business Administration |
| Fees Range | ₹13 K - ₹6.9 L | — |
Top Colleges Comparison Table
| College | Type | Fees |
| Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing | Private | — |
| IICT Business School Lucknow | Private | ₹13 K - ₹59.1 K |
| SMS | Private | ₹2.8 L |
| IILM Lucknow | Private | ₹6.9 L |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many mba/pgdm colleges are there in Lucknow?
There are over 12 mba/pgdm colleges in Lucknow, including government, private, and deemed universities offering UG, PG, and doctoral programs.
Which are the top mba/pgdm colleges in Lucknow?
Top mba/pgdm colleges in Lucknow include Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing, IICT Business School Lucknow, SMS, and IILM Lucknow, based on rankings, placements, and academic reputation.
What exams are required for admission to mba/pgdm colleges in Lucknow?
Admission is mainly through exams like CAT, XAT, ATMA, CMAT, and SNAP, along with other institute-specific and state-level entrance tests depending on the course and college.
What is the average fee for mba/pgdm colleges in Lucknow?
The fee range for mba/pgdm colleges in Lucknow is ₹13 K - ₹6.9 L.
Which mba/pgdm colleges have the best placements?
Colleges with strong industry connections, high placement rates, and better salary outcomes typically include top-ranked institutes and leading private universities in Lucknow.
Which is better: government or private mba/pgdm colleges?
Government colleges often offer lower fees and higher ROI, while private colleges may provide better infrastructure and more seat availability. The best choice depends on budget, location, and goals.
What is the admission process for mba/pgdm colleges in Lucknow?
The process generally includes application → entrance exam → result → counselling/selection → seat allotment → admission, depending on the exam and college.
How to choose the best mba/pgdm college in Lucknow?
Compare colleges by rankings, fees, placements, available courses, location, and the exams they accept to shortlist options that match your goals.
