July 1, 2025
Overview: NMIMS vs SIBM Pune, which is best for pursuing an MBA? Read on to know a detailed comparison of fees, placements, rankings, admission process, and average packages.
Choosing the right B-school is one of the most important decisions for an MBA aspirant. When it comes to top private business schools in India, two names that consistently pop up are Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai and Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune.
However, this often raises the big question: NMIMS vs. SIBM, which is better?
Don't worry; to make it easier, we have provided a detailed comparison of NMIMS vs SIBM regarding fees, placements, admission process, syllabus, and more!
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Feature |
NMIMS, Mumbai |
SIBM, Pune |
Full Name |
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies |
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management |
Established |
1981 |
1978 |
Location |
Mumbai, Maharashtra |
Pune, Maharashtra |
Primary Entrance Exam |
NMAT by GMAC |
SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) |
Flagship Program |
MBA |
MBA |
Batch Size |
~600 |
~180 |
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Rankings are a good starting point to gauge a college's reputation. Both NMIMS and SIBM consistently feature in the top B-school lists in India.
When we look at the SIBM vs NMIMS ranking, both have their strengths. NMIMS, being in the financial capital, often gets a slight edge in industry perception, while SIBM holds a strong legacy as the crown jewel of Symbiosis International University.
Comparison Table: Rankings (As per NIRF 2023 Management)
Ranking Body |
NMIMS Mumbai |
SIBM Pune |
NIRF 2023 |
21 |
17 |
For most students, placements are the ultimate deciding factor. This is where the return on your investment in fees and two years of hard work pays off. Both schools have a stellar track record.
The SIBM vs NMIMS placements comparison shows a neck-and-neck competition. NMIMS, with its larger batch size, demonstrates its wide industry reach, while SIBM's smaller batch size often leads to more personalized placement support and impressive statistics.
Let's look at the numbers.
Placement Metric |
NMIMS Mumbai |
SIBM Pune |
Highest CTC |
~67.80 Lakhs Per Annum (LPA) |
~35.05 Lakhs Per Annum (LPA) |
Average CTC |
~26.63 LPA |
~28.16 LPA |
Median CTC |
~26.50 LPA |
~28.00 LPA |
Top 100 Average |
~32.53 LPA |
~31.52 LPA |
Key Recruiters |
Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Deloitte, HUL, ITC, Asian Paints, Amazon |
Accenture, IBM, Deloitte, P&G, Aditya Birla Group, Bain & Company, Google |
TheSIBM vs NMIMS average package is very competitive. SIBM Pune has a slightly higher average package, while NMIMS boasts a higher top package, showcasing its ability to attract high-paying niche roles, especially in finance.
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An MBA from a top B-school is a significant investment. The NMIMS vs SIBM fees comparison is crucial for financial planning.
Institute |
Approx. MBA Program Fees (for 2 years) |
NMIMS Mumbai |
~24.00 Lakhs |
SIBM Pune |
~24.50 Lakhs |
Verdict: The fees for both institutions are almost identical. Therefore, your decision should not be based on fees alone but on the Return on Investment (ROI), which is the average package you can expect against the fees paid. Both offer excellent ROI.
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This is where the two institutions differ significantly. The SIBM vs NMIMS admission process follows separate paths right from the entrance exam.
Let's break down the NMIMS vs SIBM entrance exam pattern.
Feature |
NMAT by GMAC (for NMIMS) |
SNAP (for SIBM) |
Attempts Allowed |
3 attempts within a testing window |
3 attempts (best score considered) |
Negative Marking |
No |
Yes (-0.25 marks per wrong answer) |
Total Questions |
108 |
60 |
Total Time |
120 minutes |
60 minutes |
Sections |
Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, Logical Reasoning |
General English, Analytical & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency |
Difficulty Level |
Easy to Moderate |
Easy to Moderate (Speed-based test) |
After you clear the exam cut-offs, the next stages are:
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The core SIBM vs NMIMS syllabus for the first year of the MBA program is largely similar, as is the case with most top B-schools. You will build a strong foundation in all areas of management.
Common First-Year Subjects:
The real difference comes in the second year when you choose your specialization. Both colleges offer a wide range of specializations.
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For a detailed NMIMS vs SIBM subjects list for your preferred specialization, it's best to check the latest curriculum on their official websites.
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So, we come back to our original question. The truth is, there is no single "better" school. The right choice depends entirely on YOU—your career goals, your personality, and your exam strategy.
Here’s a final summary to help you decide:
Choose NMIMS Mumbai if:
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Choose SIBM Pune if:
Both NMIMS and SIBM are incredible institutions that can launch your management career. Analyze these points, reflect on your priorities, and make the choice that feels right for you. Good luck!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better placements, NMIMS or SIBM?
Is NMAT easier than SNAP?
What is the NMIMS vs SIBM average package?
Is SIBM Pune worth the fees?
Which is better for Marketing, NMIMS or SIBM?