Overview: This blog walks you through everything you need to know about the IIM Kozhikode BMS 2026 Exam, including eligibility criteria, fee structure, exam pattern, and sample papers.
Planning to start your management journey at one of India’s top institutes? The IIM Kozhikode BMS 2026 Exam is the gateway to the BMS programme at IIM Kozhikode.
With the right clarity on eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, and selection stages, you can build a strong preparation strategy early.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the IIM Kozhikode BMS 2026 exam—from application steps to preparation tips.
Launched in 2025, IIM Kozhikode’s Bachelor of Management Studies (Honours with Research) is a four-year, full-time undergraduate programme at its Kochi Campus.
It’s built to shape responsible, globally minded, innovation-driven leaders through a Major in Management, stackable Minors (like Economics & Public Policy, AI/ML, Psychology, Finance & Big Data, Liberal Studies), and hands-on learning through internships, research opportunities, and exchange options, preparing students for diverse careers and real-world impact.
Number Systems, Algebra, Geometry (Basics/Coordinate/Trigonometry), Mensuration, Statistics & Probability
Note: Each section is timed for 60 minutes and contains 100 MCQs; candidates earn 3 marks for correct answers and lose 1 mark for incorrect ones, testing both knowledge and decision-making skills.
IIM Kozhikode BMS Admission Process 2026
Here is the complete admission process for the IIM Kozhikode BMS program:
For admission, meeting the eligibility criteria is the very first thing.
Step/Stage
What happens
Who it applies to
What is considered/evaluated
Key details
Eligibility (Pre-check)
Verify basic eligibility before admission processing
All candidates
Class 12 pass OR Diploma (after 10 years of schooling) from a recognised board
Original certificates must be submitted by Aug 1, 2026
Stage 1
IIMK BMS Aptitude Test (IIMK BMS AT) 2026
All candidates, unless exempted
Entrance test score (IIMK BMS AT or valid standardised test score)
Exemptions (if a valid score is available): JEE (Main), SAT, ACT
Stage 2
Shortlisting for Personal Interview (PI)
Candidates shortlisted category-wise
Aggregate Index Score (AIS) based on: (1) Entrance test score (IIMK BMS AT / JEE / SAT / ACT), (2) Class XII / Diploma marks, (3) Class X marks
Shortlist prepared category-wise
Stage 2 (PI)
Personal Interview (PI)
Shortlisted candidates
Academic dedication & promise; General awareness & societal perspective; Attitude & personality; Communication skills; Global fit for BMS
PI cities: Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Mumbai, New Delhi. Duration: ~half-day process; interview ~15 minutes
Stage 3
Final Choice / Selection
Candidates who appear for the PI
Composite score based on: (1) PI performance, (2) Standardised test score (IIMK BMS AT / JEE / SAT / ACT), (3) Class X + Class XII/Diploma academics
Merit lists created for each category
Offers
Admission offers issued
As per the merit list
Merit + reservation rules
Offers follow the Government of India reservation policy
Class XII completed OR diploma after 10 years of schooling (any stream) from a Govt.-recognised board
Entrance Test
Must take the IIMK BMS Aptitude Test (AT) with Verbal + Quantitative sections
Shortlisting for Personal Interview (AIS)
Component (AIS for CFI shortlist)
Weightage
Qualifying Exam Percentile Score (IIMK BMS AT)
40%
Class XII Percentage Score
30%
Class X Percentage Score
30%
Special cases (Covid-19 no-marks):
Situation
How weightage is adjusted
No Class X marks due to Covid-19
Class X 30% split proportionately between AT percentile and Class XII
No Class XII marks / Diploma marks due to Covid-19
Class XII 30% split proportionately between AT percentile and Class X
Note (Marks calculation):
Rule
Details
Class X & XII %
Calculated on aggregate marks of all subjects in marks/grade sheet (even if board uses a different method)
Class XII marks awaited (2026)
Given a time window after the test to upload marks on the portal
Personal Interview (PI)
Item
Details
PI Cities
Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Mumbai, New Delhi
Duration
Half-day (morning/afternoon)
Evaluation Areas
Academic efforts & disposition; general awareness & social disposition; attitude; personality; communication; overall fit
Final Score Computation
Component
Weightage
Personal Interview (PI) Score
25%
Qualifying Exam Percentile Score
70%
Gender Diversity Score
5%
Merit List & Offers
Step
Details
Merit List
Common + category-wise merit lists prepared using final scores
Admission Offers
Made based on the merit list as per the Government of India reservation norms
After taking the IIMK BMS Aptitude Test (IIMK BMS AT) 2026, applicants will have a designated time window to upload their final marks on the application portal.
IIM Kozhikode BMS 2026 Exam Syllabus
Major Areas of Study
The Bachelor of Management Studies course at IIM Kozhikode enables students to specialise in Management Studies.
The course contains a wide variety of courses, such as:
Marketing Management
Accounting and Finance
Organizational Behaviour
Human Resource Management
Retail Management
Digital Business
Service Operations
Leadership
Strategic Management
Sustainability
Design Thinking
Entrepreneurship
International Business
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Minor Areas of Study
Students pursue a Major in Management with the flexibility to choose stackable Minors, such as:
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Psychology & Behavioural Sciences
Finance & Big Data
Economics & Public Policy
Liberal Studies and more
This flexible design enables students to customise their educational experience according to their career and interests.
Credit-Based System
The curriculum is credit-based, with each credit representing the workload of a course.
The credit system is as follows:
1 Credit = 1 hour of classroom instruction per week for a semester
A 4-credit course requires at least 4 hours of classroom interaction per week for the semester.
For every in-class hour of instruction, 2 hours of preparation are anticipated on the part of students (prior to and after class)
This model provides a balanced combination of in-class learning and independent study, supporting in-depth scholarly engagement.
Summer Vacation and Opportunities
The summer recess, which spans from May to August, is designed to offer students opportunities for experiential learning and skill development.
Students can opt to:
Take up internships in business, government, or non-profit sectors.
Work on research projects with IIM Kozhikode professors.
Take summer term courses, which typically have a 2-credit value, to earn more academic credits and explore new areas of interest.
This IIM Kozhikode BMS Program promotes practical exposure, scholarly exploration, and all-around development outside the classroom.
The Foundation Courses are designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge and basic skills in major disciplines that serve as a foundation for further studies in management.
The courses develop analytical reasoning, communication, and general understanding of the social, economic, and technological environments within which management functions.
Subject areas addressed in the foundation curriculum include:
Economics
Quantitative Methods
English and Communication
Accounting
Computer Science
Psychology
Sociology
Law
These courses provide the foundation for further involvement in the core and elective aspects of the IIM Kozhikode BMS program.
Part 2
Core Courses
The Core Courses form the core of the BMS program and concentrate on the subject of study, Management Studies.
Students need to complete the equivalent of 80 credits (about 20-24 courses) in this segment.
These courses are intended to give a holistic view of basic and advanced concepts of management, covering topics such as:
Finance and Accounting
Organizational Behaviour
Marketing Management
Human Resource Management
Strategic Management
Operations Management
Supply Chain Management
The core curriculum is demanding and beyond the typical undergraduate level, with depth comparable to the first year of a typical two-year MBA program.
After completing the core coursework, students will be well-prepared to fill entry-level positions in a wide range of business and management functions.
Part 3
Elective Courses
The Elective Courses offer students the opportunity to specialise in fields related to their interests and career goals.
These electives are linked directly to the Minor areas selected by the students.
Each student must choose at least one minor, and each minor requires a minimum of 40 credits, which is approximately 10-12 courses.
Elective courses cover a wide range of interdisciplinary and emerging fields.
Some of the minor disciplines are:
Economics and Public Policy
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Psychology and Behavioural Sciences
Finance and Big Data
Marketing, Sales, and Digital Promotion
Liberal Studies in Management
Electives shall be taken during the third and fourth years of the IIM Kozhikode BMS Program.
The institute shall release a menu of electives at the beginning of each semester.
Students will then bid on courses of interest and preference to them.
Note: The availability of a particular minor or elective course will be based on minimum enrollment levels, ensuring effective resource allocation and academic quality.
Year-wise Course Breakdown
Year
Odd (Fall) Semester<br>(September to December)
Even (Spring) Semester<br>(January to April)
Courses & Activities
1
Semester 1 20 credits (5-6 Courses)
Semester 2 20 credits (5-6 Courses)
- Foundation Courses - Core Courses (Major) Summer Term: Optional Extra Credits / CIS / Projects / Internships / Vacation
2
Semester 3 20 credits (5-6 Courses)
Semester 4 20 credits (5-6 Courses)
- Foundation Courses - Core Courses (Major) Summer Term: Optional Extra Credits / CIS / Projects / Internships / Vacation
3
Semester 5 20 credits (5-6 Courses)
Semester 6 20 credits (5-6 Courses)
- Core Courses (Major) - Elective Courses (Minor) Summer Term: Mandatory Internship between 6th and 7th Semesters
The goal of the IIM Kozhikode Aptitude Test (IIMK AT) is to check a candidate’s math, word processing, and reasoning abilities. Since the IIM Kozhikode BMS exam pattern is still developing, candidates need to be most attentive to get the best grades possible.
1. Understand the Exam Format
Look at the sample paper that is available on the official website of IIM Kozhikode. It makes it clear what kinds of questions appear, how many sections there are, and the level of difficulty. Rather than working it out on your own, you benefit from the mentors’ skilled explanations in the sample paper.
2. Practice Mocks Smartly
With no previous year papers available, mock tests become your best simulation tool. Attempt each mock in two rounds:
First Round: Solve the easy and familiar questions quickly to gain momentum.
Second Round: Tackle moderate to tough questions with better time management.
This two-pass approach builds confidence and ensures you don’t get stuck early in the paper.
3. Strengthen Your Foundation
Learn key Quantitative Aptitude concepts (such as arithmetic, algebra, and data analysis) and keep solving Logical Reasoning questions. If you’re learning English, make sure to study grammar, increase your vocabulary, and practice reading passages that require you to work under pressure.
4. Analyze and Improve
Be sure to take enough time to review your wrong answers after reaching the end of every mock test. Uncover your problem areas and work carefully to improve them. Regularly improving conditions enables companies to stay one step ahead.
5. Stay Updated and Consistent
Take note of any developments about the IIM Kozhikode BMS syllabus or plan for the exam that is published by IIM Kozhikode. Be faithful to your studying routine and avoid waiting till the last minute to review everything. Reviewing your subjects regularly and doing mock exams helps a lot.
7-Day Preparation Plan for IIMK Aptitude Test 2026
The batch strength for the first cohort will be 120 for this BMS program.
IIM Kozhikode BMS Program follows the Government of India reservation norms for Central Educational Institutions (CEIs).
Reservation is provided to the following categories:
Other Backward Classes - Non-Creamy Layer (NC-OBC)
Scheduled Caste (SC)
Scheduled Tribe (ST)
Persons with Disability (PwD)
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
Candidates must choose the correct category when applying and upload valid supporting documents to be eligible for reservation benefits.
IIM Kozhikode BMS 2026 Fees Structure
Sr.No
Fee Component
Amount (INR)
1
Annual Programme Fee
7,00,000 per year
2
Student Welfare Fund
2,000 per year
3
Admission Fee (one-time)
10,000
4
Caution Deposit (one-time refundable)
25,000
5
Alumni Fee (one-time, at graduation)
10,000
6
Total (sum of above)
7,47,000
Note:
Other expenses for study tours, projects, industry visits, internships, and international exchange programs are not covered and must be paid separately.
Hostel and mess charges are additional and apply only to students who take accommodation on campus. Students can also opt to self-furnish their own accommodation.
IIM Kozhikode BMS Career Opportunities in Placements
IIM Kozhikode is dedicated to placing students in both final placements and required industry internships.
Career assistance will be organised through the Corporate Access Readiness and Engagement (CARE) program, a special initiative that equips students for fast-paced roles across various industries.
The CARE program offers a variety of developmental interventions to enhance students' industry readiness.
This includes professional skills training, industry engagement, and recruitment-readiness training.
Through the program, students will have access to various corporate recruitment openings.
Placement results, however, depend on an individual's efforts and performance and are not guaranteed job placements by the institute.
BMS graduates can seek opportunities across a wide range of industries and domains, including:
Sales and Marketing
E-Commerce
Finance
Banking and FinTech
Human Resource Management
Retail, Services, and Infrastructure
Product, Project & Program Management
Information Technology (IT) and IT-enabled Services (ITES)
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Besides corporate careers, students may also opt for alternative career options like:
Academic Research (PhD) in India or overseas
Entrepreneurship
Civil Services
Consulting and Analyst Positions
The wide-ranging four-year program, combined with required internships and projects, will prepare students with the education and expertise necessary to effectively seek entry-level employment in business organizations or venture into varied professional careers.
Placements Figures (MBA Data)
Parameter
2024
2023
2022
Highest CTC
72.02 LPA (7.46% Increased)
67.02 LPA (8.97% Increased)
61.5 LPA
Median CTC
27 LPA (No Change)
27 LPA (1.89% Increased)
26.5 LPA
Mean CTC
28.05 LPA (9.57% Decreased)
31.02 LPA (5.15% Increased)
29.5 LPA
Disclaimer: These are MBA placement figures. BMS placements will be different as it's a UG course. The institute has not released distinct BMS placement numbers yet.
Domain-wise Placements (2024)
Domain
Percentage
Consulting
33%
Finance
28%
IT & Analytics
15%
Sales & Marketing
10%
General Management
8%
Operations
6%
IIM Kozhikode (IIM K) Recap
Founded in 1996 as the fifth Indian Institute of Management after Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, and Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode sits on two picturesque hillocks in Kundamangalam, Calicut (Kerala), covering a 112.5-acre campus.
The institute offers a wide range of programs, including the Post Graduate Programme (PGP), Executive PGP, and specialised programs in Liberal Arts and Business Leadership.
IIM Kozhikode holds the esteemed AMBA and EQUIS accreditations, thereby earning it the highly sought-after Double Crown status in international management education.
Campus Life at Kozhikode (Main Campus)
The main campus at Kozhikode is a fully residential campus with 19 architecturally beautiful hostels accommodating about 1,400 students. It offers advanced facilities such as gyms, canteens, ATMs, auditoriums, and student-run clubs offering diverse activities, all amidst a peaceful, scenic setting conducive to deep learning.
The IIM Kozhikode BMS program is an innovative undergraduate program meant to create globally conscious, mission-driven leaders.
Through its cutting-edge curriculum, it enables students to drive positive national and international impact.
Key Takeaways
IIM Kozhikode BMS Program 2026 is the institute's very first full-time undergraduate program, starting operations on its Kochi campus.
The four-year programme is engineered to develop internationally minded, innovation-driven, and ethical leaders.
Major in Management Studies with flexibility to take minors in various interdisciplinary domains such as AI, Public Policy, and Finance.
Both classroom instruction and self-directed learning are the foci of the credit-based course structure, backed up by summer experiences.
Admissions are merit-based, including an aptitude test or genuine standardised scores (JEE/SAT/ACT), and a personal interview.
Annual program charges are INR 7,00,000, along with other one-time and ongoing expenses.
Hostel residence is optional. Career guidance is offered by the CARE program, which provides support for professional growth and placement in various sectors.
What is the total annual fee for the IIMK BMS program?
Does IIM Kozhikode guarantee placements after the BMS program?
What is the duration of the IIM Kozhikode BMS Program?
Where is the IIM Kozhikode BMS Program conducted?
What are the key features of the IIM Kozhikode BMS curriculum?
How can I get admission into the IIM Kozhikode BMS Program?
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