Planning to pursue PGDM in Ahmedabad? With 6 PGDM colleges offering Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), PGDM in Marketing, PGDM in Finance, and PGDM in Business Analytics, choosing the right college depends on key factors such as rankings, fees, placements, and entrance exams accepted.
Ahmedabad's PGDM landscape includes top government institutes like MICA, along with leading private universities such as Narayana Business School, Shanti Business School, and St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies. Admissions are conducted through exams like CAT, XAT, GMAT, depending on the course and institution.
This page provides a complete list of PGDM colleges in Ahmedabad 2026, helping you compare colleges based on fees, placements, courses, and admission criteria to shortlist the best options.
Overview of PGDM Colleges in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad has a diverse mix of 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, GMAT, while state and private colleges accept CETs and institute-level entrance exams.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Data |
| Total PGDM Colleges in Ahmedabad | 6 |
| Government Colleges | 2 |
| Private Colleges | 7 |
| Popular Courses | bachelor-of-business-administration-bba, Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), PGDM in Business Analytics, Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) (Dual Specialization) |
| Top Exams Accepted | CAT, XAT, GMAT, ATMA |
| Average Fees | ₹56 K - ₹28 L |
| Average Placement (sample) | ₹4 L - ₹20.5 L |
| Top Recruiters | Zomato, Accenture, Aditya Birla Group, Asian Paints |
Top PGDM Colleges in Ahmedabad 2026 (Rankings)
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.
Top PGDM Colleges in Ahmedabad (NIRF Rankings)
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is the most credible ranking system in India, based on parameters like teaching, learning resources, graduation outcomes, and research.
| College | 2025 | 2024 |
| MICA | #33 | #32 |
MICA are among the leading names in these rankings, typically combining strong academics, placements, and research or professional outcomes.
Government vs Private PGDM Colleges in Ahmedabad
PGDM colleges in Ahmedabad 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 Government PGDM Colleges
Government institutes such as MICA are known for high ROI, strong placements, and national-level competition.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Popular Course | Latest Ranking |
| MICA | ₹28 L | ₹20.5 L | 18 | Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) | #33 NIRF 2025 |
Top Private PGDM Colleges
Top private colleges offer higher seat intake, industry-focused curriculum, and strong infrastructure.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Popular Course |
| Narayana Business School | ₹9.8 L | ₹8.4 L | 4 | MBA + PGPCE |
| Shanti Business School | ₹7.8 L | ₹8.7 L | 6 | Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | ₹6.3 L | ₹4 L | 7 | PGDM in Finance |
| AIDTM | ₹10.5 L | ₹8 L | 3 | PGDM in Business Analytics |
Fee Comparison (Govt vs Private)
| Govt Colleges | Private Colleges | |
| PGDM | ₹28 L | ₹6.3 L - ₹10.5 L |
Government colleges are significantly more affordable compared to private institutions.
Placement Comparison
| Govt Colleges | Private Colleges | |
| Highest Package | ₹45.7 L | ₹20 L |
| Average Package | ₹20.5 L | ₹8.7 L |
| Median Package | ₹20.5 L | ₹8.7 L |
Government colleges generally have stronger placement outcomes, especially in MICA.
ROI Analysis
ROI is a key factor for most candidates, calculated based on fees vs placement outcomes.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Popular Course | ROI Insight |
| MICA | ₹28 L | ₹20.5 L | Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) | Moderate ROI |
| Narayana Business School | ₹9.8 L | ₹8.4 L | MBA + PGPCE | Moderate ROI |
| Shanti Business School | ₹7.8 L | ₹8.7 L | Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) | Medium ROI |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | ₹6.3 L | ₹4 L | PGDM in Finance | Moderate ROI |
| AIDTM | ₹10.5 L | ₹8 L | PGDM in Business Analytics | Moderate ROI |
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 pgdm institutes.
Govt and Private
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Popular Course | ROI |
| MICA | ₹28 L | ₹20.5 L | Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) | 73% |
| Narayana Business School | ₹9.8 L | ₹8.4 L | MBA + PGPCE | 85% |
| Shanti Business School | ₹7.8 L | ₹8.7 L | Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) | 111% |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | ₹6.3 L | ₹4 L | PGDM in Finance | 64% |
| AIDTM | ₹10.5 L | ₹8 L | PGDM in Business Analytics | 76% |
Top PGDM Colleges in Ahmedabad by Fees
Fees is a key parameter while shortlisting pgdm colleges, as it directly impacts the overall cost of education and return on investment (ROI). In Ahmedabad, 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.
Mid-Range PGDM Colleges (₹1 L - ₹10 L)
Mid-range colleges include Narayana Business School, Shanti Business School, and St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies, offering a balance between fees, academic quality, and placement outcomes.
| College Type | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| Private | ₹6.3 L - ₹9.8 L | MBA | ~4 avg courses (3 colleges) |
These institutes provide strong ROI, with moderate fees and competitive placement packages, making them a preferred choice for many aspirants.
High Fee PGDM Colleges (Above ₹10 L)
High-fee pgdm colleges are mainly private universities, offering modern infrastructure, higher seat intake, and flexible admission options through institute-level exams.
| College | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| MICA | ₹28 L | Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) | 10 |
| AIDTM | ₹10.5 L | MBA | 3 |
These colleges are suitable for candidates seeking private pgdm colleges with better infrastructure, diverse course offerings, and higher seat availability.
Best ROI PGDM Colleges in Ahmedabad
Return on Investment (ROI) is a key factor while selecting 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 | Average Salary |
| Shanti Business School | ₹7.8 L | ₹8.7 L |
| Narayana Business School | ₹9.8 L | ₹8.4 L |
| AIDTM | ₹10.5 L | ₹8 L |
| MICA | ₹28 L | ₹20.5 L |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | ₹6.3 L | ₹4 L |
Government institutes such as MICA consistently offer high ROI due to subsidised fees and strong placement records.
PGDM Colleges in Ahmedabad with Best Placements
Placements are a critical parameter in evaluating 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.
Colleges with Highest Placement Packages
Top pgdm institutes, especially MICA, AIDTM, and Narayana Business School, report some of the highest placement packages in India.
| College | Highest Package |
| MICA | ₹45.7 L |
| AIDTM | ₹20 L |
| Narayana Business School | ₹19.5 L |
| Shanti Business School | ₹16.1 L |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | ₹13.5 L |
These offers are typically made by international recruiters and top product-based companies.
Colleges with Best Average Salary
Average salary provides a more realistic view of placement outcomes across the student cohort.
| College | Average Salary |
| MICA | ₹20.5 L |
| Shanti Business School | ₹8.7 L |
| Narayana Business School | ₹8.4 L |
| AIDTM | ₹8 L |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | ₹4 L |
Colleges with higher average salaries generally indicate strong industry connections, better training, and higher-quality recruiters.
Top Recruiters Hiring PGDM Professionals
Leading companies regularly recruit from top pgdm colleges in India across domains such as software, consulting, analytics, and core pgdm:
- Accenture
- HSBC
- IBM
- L'Oréal
Popular PGDM Courses in Ahmedabad
PGDM colleges in Ahmedabad 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.
Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM)
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹1.5 L - ₹32.1 L
- Top Recruiters: HDFC Bank, Deloitte, KPMG, Axis Bank
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) | 1–2 Years | ₹6 K - ₹28 L | 162+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
PGDM in Marketing
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹5.2 L - ₹16.3 L
- Top Recruiters: Deloitte, HDFC Bank, KPMG, Wipro
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| PGDM in Marketing | 2 Years | ₹78 K - ₹23 L | 60+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
PGDM in Finance
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹5.2 L - ₹12 L
- Top Recruiters: Deloitte, KPMG, Wipro, HDFC Bank
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| PGDM in Finance | 2 Years | ₹1.2 L - ₹18.9 L | 57+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
PGDM Admission Process in Ahmedabad 2026
Admission to pgdm colleges in Ahmedabad 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 pgdm colleges such as MICA, Shanti Business School, and St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies. These exams have high competition and wider acceptance across India.
Key National 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 | 4+ Colleges |
| XAT | Xavier Aptitude Test | Xavier Labour Relations Institute | 210 | Online | Online | PG | 5+ Colleges |
| CMAT | Common Management Admission Test | National Testing Agency (NTA) | 180 | Online | Online | PG | 4+ Colleges |
| ATMA | AIMS Test for Management Admissions | Association of Indian Management Schools | 180 | online | Online/Offline | PG | 3+ Colleges |
| MICAT | MICA Admission Test | MICA, Ahmedabad | 135 | online | online | PG | 1+ College |
These exams are widely accepted by top-ranked 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 pgdm colleges | National exam rank / score |
The counselling process includes choice filling, seat allotment, document verification, and final admission confirmation.
Entrance Exams for PGDM Colleges in Ahmedabad
PGDM admissions in Ahmedabad 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 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 | 4+ Colleges | Post Graduate Programme in Management | Very High |
| XAT | PG | Xavier Labour Relations Institute | Online | 210 mins | 5+ Colleges | MBA/PGDM | High |
| CMAT | PG | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Online | 180 mins | 4+ Colleges | MBA/PGDM | Medium–High |
| ATMA | PG | Association of Indian Management Schools | Online/Offline | 180 mins | 3+ Colleges | PGDM | Medium–High |
| MICAT | PG | MICA, Ahmedabad | online | 135 mins | 1+ College | PGDM | Very High |
These exams are the primary pathway to top government pgdm colleges and postgraduate programs in Ahmedabad.
State Level PGDM Entrance Exams
State-level exams provide access to government and private colleges within specific states, often with domicile-based advantages.
Upcoming PGDM Exams in Ahmedabad
Staying updated with pgdm entrance exam dates is essential for planning applications, preparation timelines, and revision strategy. In Ahmedabad, 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 PGDM Exams 2026
| Exam | Level | Exam Date | Status |
| XAT | PG | 03 Jan 2027 | Upcoming |
Month-wise 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 PGDM Colleges in India
India has 6 pgdm colleges distributed across states like Gujarat, with a mix of government and private institutions. Top government colleges include MICA, while leading private colleges include Narayana Business School and Shanti Business School.
State-wise distribution helps candidates shortlist colleges based on location preference, fees, and admission through state-level exams like state-level exams.
PGDM Colleges in Gujarat
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | ₹6.3 L - ₹8.5 L | ₹4 L | 7 Courses |
City-wise PGDM Colleges in India
Top cities like Ahmedabad host a large number of pgdm colleges, including both government and private institutions. Leading colleges include MICA, along with private institutes like Narayana Business School, Shanti Business School, and St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies.
City-wise selection helps candidates choose colleges based on placement opportunities, industry exposure, and proximity to tech hubs.
PGDM Colleges in Ahmedabad
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | ₹6.3 L - ₹8.5 L | ₹4 L | 7 Courses |
Top PGDM Colleges Accepting Different Exams
Top pgdm colleges in India accept scores from exams like CAT, XAT, GMAT, ATMA, and CMAT, depending on the course and college type. Government institutes such as MICA accept national and state-level exam scores, while private colleges like Narayana Business School, Shanti Business School, and St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies 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 CAT
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | ₹6.3 L - ₹8.5 L | ₹4 L | 7 Courses |
Colleges Accepting XAT
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | ₹6.3 L - ₹8.5 L | ₹4 L | 7 Courses |
Colleges Accepting GMAT
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | ₹6.3 L - ₹8.5 L | ₹4 L | 7 Courses |
Colleges Accepting ATMA
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | ₹6.3 L - ₹8.5 L | ₹4 L | 7 Courses |
Colleges Accepting CMAT
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | ₹6.3 L - ₹8.5 L | ₹4 L | 7 Courses |
Course wise PGDM Colleges in India
PGDM colleges in India offer admissions across popular branches and emerging fields. MICA lead in core and tech branches, while private colleges like Narayana Business School, Shanti Business School, and St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies offer a wide range of specialisations.
Course-wise selection helps candidates choose colleges based on branch preference, placement trends, and career opportunities.
PGDM in Applied Finance Colleges in Ahmedabad
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | ₹6.3 L - ₹8.5 L | ₹4 L | 7 Courses |
PGDM in Business Analytics Colleges in Ahmedabad
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | ₹6.3 L - ₹8.5 L | ₹4 L | 7 Courses |
PGDM in Finance Colleges in Ahmedabad
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | ₹6.3 L - ₹8.5 L | ₹4 L | 7 Courses |
PGDM in Human Resource Colleges in Ahmedabad
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | ₹6.3 L - ₹8.5 L | ₹4 L | 7 Courses |
PGDM in International Business Colleges in Ahmedabad
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | ₹6.3 L - ₹8.5 L | ₹4 L | 7 Courses |
Comparison of Top PGDM Colleges
Comparing top 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 | 2 |
| Top Colleges | Narayana Business School, Shanti Business School, and St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | MICA |
| College distribution % | 78% | 22% |
| Top Courses | PGDM and BBA | PGDM and BBA |
| Fees Range | ₹6.3 L - ₹10.5 L | ₹28 L |
| Highest Salary | ₹1.4 L - ₹20 L | ₹45.7 L |
| Median Salary | ₹4 L - ₹8.7 L | ₹20.5 L |
| Average Salary | ₹4 L - ₹8.7 L | ₹20.5 L |
Top Colleges Comparison Table
| College | Type | Fees | Average Salary | Median Salary | Highest Salary | Ranking |
| MICA | Government | ₹28 L | ₹20.5 L | ₹20.5 L | ₹45.7 L | #33 NIRF 2025 |
| Narayana Business School | Private | ₹9.8 L | ₹8.4 L | ₹8.4 L | ₹19.5 L | — |
| Shanti Business School | Private | ₹7.8 L | ₹8.7 L | ₹8.7 L | ₹16.1 L | — |
| St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies | Private | ₹6.3 L | ₹4 L | ₹4 L | ₹1.4 L - ₹13.5 L | — |
| AIDTM | Private | ₹10.5 L | ₹8 L | ₹8 L | ₹20 L | — |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many pgdm colleges are there in Ahmedabad?
There are over 6 pgdm colleges in Ahmedabad, including government, private, and deemed universities offering UG, PG, and doctoral programs.
Which are the top pgdm colleges in Ahmedabad?
Top pgdm colleges in Ahmedabad include MICA, Narayana Business School, Shanti Business School, St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies, and AIDTM, based on rankings, placements, and academic reputation.
What exams are required for admission to pgdm colleges in Ahmedabad?
Admission is mainly through exams like CAT, XAT, GMAT, ATMA, and CMAT, along with other institute-specific and state-level entrance tests depending on the course and college.
What is the average fee for pgdm colleges in Ahmedabad?
The fee range for pgdm colleges in Ahmedabad is ₹56 K - ₹28 L.
Which 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 Ahmedabad.
Which is better: government or private 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 pgdm colleges in Ahmedabad?
The process generally includes application → entrance exam → result → counselling/selection → seat allotment → admission, depending on the exam and college.
How to choose the best pgdm college in Ahmedabad?
Compare colleges by rankings, fees, placements, available courses, location, and the exams they accept to shortlist options that match your goals.





