Top 20 Non IIMs in India to Target in 2026

Quick Answer: The demand for MBA seats in India continues to grow, and while IIMs remain the most talked-about brands, non-IIM MBA colleges are rapidly gaining ground by offering excellent placement outcomes, strong industry connections, specialised programs and, in many cases, better ROI. 

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Top 20 Non-IIM MBA Colleges in India (2026)

Below is a comprehensive list of top B-schools outside the IIM ecosystem that aspirants commonly target. These colleges are known for their placements, reputation, curriculum quality and industry network.

Rank	College	Entrance Exams	Approx. 2-Yr Fees	Avg. Package (2026 batch)
1	FMS, Delhi University	CAT	₹2–3 L	₹34+ LPA
2	SPJIMR, Mumbai	CAT/GMAT	₹22–26 L	₹32+ LPA
3	XLRI, Jamshedpur	XAT/GMAT	₹27–31 L	₹29–31 LPA
4	MDI, Gurgaon	CAT/GMAT	₹25–26 L	₹25–27 LPA
5	ISB, Hyderabad	GMAT	₹33–38 L	₹34+ LPA
6	IIFT, Delhi & Kolkata	IIFT exam/CAT	₹21–22 L	₹27+ LPA
7	JBIMS, Mumbai	MAH-MBA/CAT	₹8–10 L	₹26+ LPA
8	XIMB, Bhubaneswar	CAT/XAT/GMAT	₹22–24 L	₹19+ LPA
9	NMIMS Mumbai	NMAT	₹25–28 L	₹25+ LPA
10	TISS, Mumbai	CUET/TISSNET	₹1.8–2.5 L	₹28+ LPA HRM
11	IMT Ghaziabad	CAT/CMAT	₹20–22 L	₹16–17 LPA
12	SIBM, Pune	SNAP/CAT	₹26–28 L	₹28+ LPA
13	TAPMI, Manipal	CAT/XAT/NMAT	₹18–20 L	₹14–15 LPA
14	Great Lakes, Chennai/Gurgaon	CAT/XAT/GMAT	₹18–21 L	₹15–18 LPA
15	IFMR GSB	CAT/NMAT	₹15–18 L	₹13–14 LPA
16	BIMTECH, Greater Noida	CAT/XAT/CMAT	₹14–16 L	₹12–14 LPA
17	KJ Somaiya, Mumbai	CAT/MAH-CET	₹12–14 L	₹12–15 LPA
18	GIM, Goa	CAT/XAT/GMAT	₹18–20 L	₹15–20 LPA
19	BHU, Varanasi	CAT	₹2–4 L	₹10–14 LPA
20	IMI, Delhi	CAT/XAT/GMAT	₹20–23 L	₹16–18 LPA

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Top 20 Non IIMs of India 2026: Complete College List

Below is the updated and detailed list of the Top 20 Non IIMs of India, widely preferred by MBA aspirants.

1. Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi

FMS consistently ranks among the Top 20 Non IIMs of India due to its outstanding ROI and strong placement records.

2. SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai

SPJIMR is one of the most reputed names in the Top 20 Non IIMs of India list, known for industry-oriented learning.

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3. XLRI Jamshedpur

XLRI is among the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the Top 20 Non IIMs of India, especially famous for HR and Business Management.

4. Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon

MDI Gurgaon holds a strong position in the Top 20 Non IIMs of India for its corporate partnerships and academic excellence.

5. Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad

ISB is globally recognised and remains one of the premium institutes among the Top 20 Non IIMs of India.

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6. Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Delhi & Kolkata

IIFT is widely regarded as a specialised trade and business institute in the Top 20 Non IIMs of India.

7. JBIMS Mumbai

JBIMS is popularly known as the "CEO Factory" and remains one of the most prestigious colleges in the Top 20 Non IIMs of India.

8. XIMB Bhubaneswar

XIMB has steadily climbed rankings and is now a reliable choice among the Top 20 Non IIMs of India.

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9. NMIMS Mumbai

NMIMS continues to maintain its place in the Top 20 Non IIMs of India due to its industry-aligned curriculum.

10. TISS Mumbai

TISS is considered one of the most unique entries in the Top 20 Non IIMs of India, especially for HR management.

11. IMT Ghaziabad

IMT remains a consistent performer among the Top 20 Non IIMs of India for marketing and sales careers.

12. SIBM Pune

SIBM Pune is one of the most preferred private colleges in the Top 20 Non IIMs of India.

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13. TAPMI Manipal

TAPMI is gaining popularity among aspirants targeting the Top 20 Non IIMs of India for its academic structure and placements.

14. Great Lakes Institute of Management

Great Lakes is recognised among the Top 20 Non IIMs of India for analytics and fast-track MBA programmes.

15. IFMR Graduate School of Business

IFMR GSB is an emerging institute in the Top 20 Non IIMs of India with strong finance specialisation.

16. BIMTECH Greater Noida

BIMTECH is known for specialised MBA programmes and remains in the Top 20 Non IIMs of India for consistent placements.

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17. KJ Somaiya Institute of Management

KJ Somaiya is a fast-growing institute among the Top 20 Non IIMs of India due to improved placements and infrastructure.

18. Goa Institute of Management (GIM)

GIM is gaining strong recognition among the Top 20 Non IIMs of India for analytics and healthcare MBA programmes.

19. BHU – Institute of Management Studies

IMS BHU provides excellent value education and remains among the most affordable colleges in the Top 20 Non IIMs of India.

20. International Management Institute (IMI), Delhi

IMI Delhi completes the list of the Top 20 Non IIMs of India with strong corporate exposure and global collaborations.

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What to Focus On: Cutoffs, Fees & ROI

Here’s a quick way to think about your college list:

1. ROI (Return on Investment)

Some schools like FMS Delhi and TISS Mumbai offer phenomenal ROI low fees + high placements. 

2. Placement Strength

Institutes like SPJIMR, XLRI, ISB, and IIFT rival top IIMs with consistent packages over ₹30 LPA. 

3. Cutoff Expectations

Top non-IIMs often expect high CAT percentiles (e.g., FMS ~99%, SPJIMR/MDI ~95–96%). 

Conclusion

The 2026 MBA admission season is highly competitive, but expanding your college list to include top non-IIM MBA colleges can significantly improve your chances of securing a good offer and ensuring a return on your MBA investment.

Whether you prioritise high ROI, top placements, or specialised programs, there’s a non-IIM MBA college that fits your career goals.

Crack well, prepare smart, and aim for the seats that align with your goals. Success in MBA admissions comes from a balanced combination of strong test scores, effective interview skills, and the right strategic choices.