Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode : Admission 2026, Cutoffs, Courses, Fees, Placements and Rankings
The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode is among the finest schools of management in India, established by the government in 1996. Being the fifth IIM in the country, it was established to provide management education of the highest quality to the southern region of India. Having a vision of developing creative leaders and having a global perspective, IIM Kozhikode reflects its official motto: Yogaḥ karmasu kauśalam, a Sanskrit saying meaning “Excellence in action is yoga.”
The institute was established as an Institute of National Importance under the IIM Act of 2017. It was located on a temporary campus before it moved to a permanent campus spread across 112.5 acres, located on two hills in Kunnamangalam, Kozhikode, Kerala, in 2003, with a view of the Western Ghats. The reason IIM Kozhikode is an ideal choice is because of its strong academics, experiential learning focus, research excellence, and ethical approach.
According to the NIRF ranking list, IIM Kozhikode stands at number 3 in the NIRF 2025 Management rankings. The reason behind its long-term elite position in the NIRF 2025 rankings is its very successful academic ecosystem, industry relationships, and graduate outcomes.
This institute has three major flagship programmes, which include the two-year Postgraduate Programme in Management (PGP), the Postgraduate Programme in Business Leadership (PGP-BL), which is offered to mid-career professionals, and the full-time Doctoral Programme in Management (DPM), which is offered to research-oriented scholars.
The 2025-26 batch already started its admissions in August 2025 with the CAT registration. The Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) are to be taken after passing national exams like the Common Admission Test (PGP and PGP-BL), GMAT/GRE (PGP-BL), or CAT/GMAT/GRE/GATE/JRF (DPM).
The Postgraduate Programme in Management (PGP) course at IIM Kozhikode has a fee of INR 11.75 lakh per academic year, which will be completed in two years; as a result, the total amount will be INR 23.5 lakh. However, the Postgraduate Programme in Business Leadership (PGP-BL), which is targeted at those professionals who want to improve their leadership qualities, costs INR 22.5 lakh per year. The 2025 batch placement statistics are impressive, with a stunning 100% placement rate, with more than 156 different recruiters in different industries taking part. The maximum salary package that was given to the graduates was a remarkable INR 72.02 LPA, and the median salary package was INR 28.05 LPA, which showed the high demand for Indian Institute Of Management Kozhikode graduates in the employment sector.
This simple admission overview covers everything for those getting ready for Indian Institute Of Management Kozhikode MBA admissions in 2026, including courses, eligibility, entrance exams, 2026 selection criteria, and the full admissions schedule.
Courses You Can Apply For In IIM Kozhikode
IIM Kozhikode provides major management Programmes at various levels of diversified career objectives and goals:
Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP): The PGP is a two-year full-time MBA, the flagship of the institute, which provides the graduates with the basic business skills in consulting, finance, marketing and operations.
DMP (Diploma in Management): DMP is a one-year, practice-orientated diploma programme offered by IIM Kozhikode, which has e-learning with campus-based modules and is suitable for working professionals who want basic management skills in subjects such as strategy and operations.
EPGP (Executive Post Graduate Programme): Indian Institute Of Management Kozhikode EPGP is a 24 months blended learning MBA programme divided into 7 small quarters for mid-career professionals, with online courses and 3 campus immersions for mid-level professionals to acquire practical leadership skills.
MBA for Working Executives (Kochi Campus): This 2-year non-residential executive MBA programme is offered at the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode to working professionals that need to acquire skills to work in leadership positions. This non-residential course includes evening and weekend classes to fit the work schedules. The participants come from diverse industries and positions for this executive programme, which provides a lively and rich learning environment.
PGP-Finance (Post Graduate Programme in Finance): The Post Graduate Programme in Finance is a two-year residential MBA in financial services with Bloomberg labs and simulations and industry projects to pursue a career in banking and investments.
PGP-LSM (Post Graduate Programme in Liberal Studies and Management): PGP-LSM is a management education incorporating liberal arts taking a total of 2 years that guides the future leaders through various disciplinary courses in social sciences, morality, and critical thinking.
Post Graduate Programme in Business Leadership (PGP-BL): This is a one-year course that is designed to suit the needs of mid-career professionals who need to get results faster in terms of leadership training, which includes international immersion and hybrid delivery to get global exposure.
BMS (Bachelor of Management Studies): BMS is a 4-year UG degree that was introduced in 2024 and typically covers management basics coupled with arts, expounding on leadership, analytics and hands-on learning in the form of internships, projects and global experiences.
Doctoral Programme in Management (DPM): Full-time residential PhD, offered to applicants who wish to join the academic or research profession in disciplines like Economics, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Strategy and organisational behaviour.
PhD in Management (Practice Track): The PhD in Management (Practice Track) is a 4 to 5-year residential management doctoral programme offered by IIM Kozhikode and is intended to be applied for by experienced practitioners who want to balance industry practice with scholarly research in their fields of interest, such as Economics, Finance, Marketing, and Strategic Management.
Who is Eligible to Apply in IIM Kozhikode
Candidates who are interested can find out about the programmes offered by IIM Kozhikode and get to know their eligibility requirements. The details below provide the initial requirements for the same.
For PhD in Management (Practice Track)
A postgraduate degree or equivalent in any field (at least 55% aggregate) or a professional qualification such as CA/ICWA/CS with a Bachelor (50% aggregate) or a 4-year Bachelor (65% aggregate) can also be eligible with a relaxation of 5 per cent in the case of SC/ST/PwD/NC-OBC/EWS. Full-time work experience since graduation: minimum of 8 years (15 years in Strategic Management, desiring a leadership position); not considered to be academic.
For MBA for Working Executives (Kochi Campus)
A bachelor's degree (50% aggregate according to UGC norms) and 3 full years of entrepreneurial/managerial or professional experience post UG (not including the internships/articleships) are considered. Plus, candidates in courses like CA/CS/ICWAI will not be counted as experienced professionals for the MBA programme working executive.
For EPGP (Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management)
To secure admission to the IIM Kozhikode Executive MBA programme, applicants must have a bachelor's degree (50% aggregate) or any other degree such as CA/ICWA/CS (50% aggregate) and 3 full years (1095 days) of managerial/professional experience after graduation, in which internships do not count. There are category relaxations: 45% in the case of Women, 40% in SC/ST/PwD. The foreign degrees must have AIU equivalency.
For DMP (Diploma in Management)
The requirements include graduates with 50% aggregate or diploma graduates with 60% and 3+ years of professional work experience. The IIM Kozhikode DMAT (Diploma Aptitude Test) and the interview are involved in selection.
For PGP (Post Graduate Programme in Management)
Applicants must possess a graduation degree with 60% aggregates (3 years post-10+2) or CA/CMA/CS with 50% aggregates. Last-year students can apply provisionally, submitting certificates by December 31, 2025.
For PGP-Finance (Post Graduate Programme in Finance)
Graduates having 60% aggregate (3 years post-10+2) or CA/CMA/CS having 50% aggregate qualify. Class X and Class XII percentages are computed considering all the subjects of the mark sheet.
For PGP-BL (Post Graduate Programme in Business Leadership)
To enrol in the PGP BL programme, candidates must have a minimum of 50 percent in a bachelor’s, master’s or equivalent (e.g., CA/CMA/CS) and, in addition to this, they should have at least 4 years of full-time professional experience after UG, which will guarantee that they have a considerable amount of exposure and professional experience in their respective fields.
For PGP-LSM (Post Graduate Programme in Liberal Studies and Management)
To get admission, one must have 60% aggregate (3 years post-10+2) or CA/CMA/CS with 50% aggregate and a valid CAT/GRE/GMAT score between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Final-year candidates can join provisionally, confirming by December 31, 2025.
For BMS (Bachelor of Management Studies)
Candidates must have completed Class XII or any other diploma after high school in any stream and should provide original mark sheets/certificates by the time of admission.
For Management Development Programmes
Management Development Programmes (MDP) at IIM Kozhikode are essentially aimed at professionals working and gradually uplifting their careers. The MDPs include four categories, namely Open MDPs, eMDPs, Asynchronous eMDPs, and Sponsored MDPs. Every category is designed to be compatible with different learning styles and work schedules so that the participants can select the program that best suits their requirements and familiarity.
Open MDPs
The working executives or professionals who got a graduate degree or equivalent (generally, 1-5 years of relevant work experience depending on the programme focus) are eligible, and these open MDPs are open to all eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.
Asynchronous eMDPs
Graduates (10+2+3) or diploma students whose learning is slow and easy in order to fit the busy schedule; there is no hard deadline, although management experience exposure is desirable.
eMDPs
Bachelor's degree for mid-level executives with a minimum of 3 years of working experience, and the focus should be on interactive online delivery to improve skills in management areas.
Sponsored MDPs
Working individuals have to be nominated or sponsored by their organisation of employment. Essential requirements are a graduate qualification (or the equivalent) and relevant work experience in response to the programme focus domains, which are leadership, strategy or operations. No open application: candidates should contact their respective HR or the Executive Education office of IIMK to be told about this programme of MDP.
A student willing to study at IIM Kozhikode is required to take certain entrance examinations based on the course he wishes to pursue. Those tests check the candidate's competencies and expertise in the field of business management. The institute accepts the scores of the following exams: CAT, GMAT, GRE, GATE, and JRF for different programs. The primary entrance exams for IIM Kozhikode Admissions 2026 are listed as follows.
- PGP and PGP BL students pass through the Common Admission Test (CAT) that measures their verbal, logical, and quantitative skills.
- GMAT and GRE – Accepted in DPM and PGP-BL, and are acceptable to professionals and also to NRIs.
- CAT/GMAT/GRE/GATE/JRF (DPM) - Doctoral admissions are focused on areas of research. In order to be shortlisted for the PGP (MBA) programme, the candidate has to satisfy sectional and overall CAT percentiles, as well as academic requirements. The 2026-27 IIM Kozhikode cut off are listed below:
The Indian Institute Of Management Kozhikode selection criteria for 2026 vary by Programme:
For Post Graduate Programme in Management (MBA)
Shortlisting for WAT/PI: Based on aggregate index score (AIS): 50% CAT, 15% Class X, 20% Class XII, 10% gender diversity (female/transgender) or 5% academic diversity (non-engineering), and 5% work experience.
Final Selection for PGP
Composite Score: 35% CAT, 35% PI, 20% WAT, 10% resume (undergrad institution, professional qualifications, certifications).
For the PGP-BL (Postgraduate Programme in Business Leadership) Programme:
Shortlisting: Test score (CAT/GMAT/GRE), work experience, profile.
Interview Round: Online or offline Personal Interview for the applicants who got selected for further consideration.
Final Selection: Composite Score: 50% test score, 45% PI, 5% diversity.
For DPM (Doctoral Programme in Management)
Selection in stages: Application review, shortlisting by academics/test scores per area, PI evaluating research aptitude and interests, final merit based on PI, alignment with institute focus, and area recommendations.
This straightforward month-by-month schedule for IIM Kozhikode Admissions will help you organise your tests, applications, and interviews if the candidate intends to apply for the early 2026 intake.
The fee structure of IIM Kozhikode courses is extremely complicated and is designed to reflect the different services which the academic programmes provide to the college and the residential status of students. Financial requirement of the two-year Postgraduate Programme (PGP) and its specialised tracks, namely PGP-Finance and PGP-LSM, is INR 23.50 lakhs in the case of domestic Indian students and USD 30,000 in the case of international and NRI students. These are structured in a manner where the fees may be paid in manageable instalments and also come with tuition fees and other miscellaneous fees; however, it is worthwhile to note that the fees do not cover the mess fees, which are charged separately.
The 1-year Postgraduate Programme in Business Leadership (PGP-BL) is provided to Indian students at a total price of INR 22.50 lakhs. This fee includes the tuition fee expenditure, learning materials, hostel services, the opportunity of experiencing the international exchange programmes, and other expenses that contribute to mess services.
Further, where the interested candidates have the Doctoral Programme in Management (DPM), a four-to-five-year programme, the details of the fees can be obtained directly from the admissions office. Amazingly, the students who pursue this doctoral Programme can also be provided with a stipend, therefore continuing their studies during their stay at the institution.
IIM Kozhikode completed the PGP batch of 2024-25 final placements with a perfect score. More than 180+ companies participated in the IIM Kozhikode placement drive, including more than 40 new recruiters, and offered jobs in sales and marketing (10%), finance (26%), general management (14%), IT/analytics (11%), and consulting (33%). The highest domestic offer was INR 72.02 LPA, while the median was INR 26.8 LPA. The IIM Kozhikode average package was INR28.05 LPA. BCG, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, HUL, Amazon, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and JP Morgan ranked among the top recruiters. The relevance of the institute in the industry was exhibited by high demand in the consulting and finance sectors, and every PGP and PGP-BL student was placed.
The Indian Institute Of Management Kozhikode believes that all students have the right to have a good education irrespective of their financial position. The need-based financial assistance (NBFA) programme is offered as a helping hand to the Postgraduate Programme, Postgraduate Programme-Finance, and Postgraduate Programme students in liberal studies and management who are struggling to cover their fees.
The NBFA Committee goes through the applications in two stages:
Application Review: The application review is done on the family income of the candidates (less than 8 lakh gross per year), assets, and documentation (ITRs and salary slips).
Personal Interaction (PI): Shortlisted applicants will face the interview, and the committee will verify the candidates' backgrounds.
The amount of aid varies annually according to budget, assets, and income; students who behave well are given preference. All but one of the scholarships must be refunded.
Who Can Apply
Admitted PGP/PGP-Finance/PGP-LSM students with family income ≤ INR 8 lakh; education loan holders (submit bank details for Year 2); all categories are eligible if criteria are met. No record of indiscipline or misbehaviour.
How to Apply for PGP
The forms should be completed with all the necessary paperwork and signatures of parents and handed over to the PGP Office before the deadline. The committee will conduct an extensive verification process to ensure that nothing is submitted that does not meet the requirements.
The profiles below feature five outstanding alumni of the Postgraduate Programme (PGP), who have followed different career paths in the world of entrepreneurship, consulting, and finance:
The learning environment created by the eco-friendly 112.5-acre campus of IIM Kozhikode ensures the success of students in their studies as well as their social well-being.
Classrooms & Learning Spaces
- Lecture Halls: 20 and above air-conditioned classrooms with all the modern teaching equipment, such as projectors and digital platforms.
- Syndicate Rooms: Distinct rooms where one can have group discussions and collaboration.
- Auditoriums: Two auditoriums of 300 to 500 seats are used in conducting seminars and events.
- Specialised Labs: Dedicated labs for computing and finance.
- Learning Resource Centre (Library): This is a huge resource centre, with 24/7 access, more than 50,000 books, journals, e-databases and collaborative areas.
Faculty & Administrative Support
- Faculty Cabins: 103 cabins are designed with modern teaching and research facilities for the academic staff.
- Administrative Staff: This is a particular group of individuals who provide academic, career and wellness services.
Clubs
- Student-centred: Clubs represent a significant aspect of student life, which allows the development of skills, networking, and discussion of individual interests.
- Diverse Categories: The institute has clubs of academic, professional, cultural, arts, sports, wellness, and special interest clubs.
Hostel & Mess Facilities
- Hostels: There are 20 well-furnished hostels, which serve approximately 1400 students.
- Accommodation: Provides single and sharing rooms, and the use of ACs is optional and on a pay-per-use basis.
- Facilities: The rooms are fitted with beddings, study tables, wardrobes and internet (Wi-Fi and LAN).
- Common Areas: Recreational areas were provided in all the hostel blocks, which had permanent indoor games such as table tennis, carrom and chess.
- Housekeeping: Daily, the cleanliness of the corridors of residential blocks is kept up-to-date.
- Food & Mess: The mess provides healthy veg. And non-vegetarian food and a night canteen and student-based shopping complexes and stores.
Sports, Fitness & Recreation
- Sports Facilities: It has courts for basketball, badminton, tennis and volleyball and small- to large-sized fields for football and cricket.
- Gymnasium: there is a large gym and trainers that can be used by students and faculty.
Health & Safety
- Medical Services: At the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, a special clinic exists, which is to be used in case of emergency and day-to-day health-related issues with the assistance of the ambulance system.
- Safety Measures: There is a 24-hour security check and CCTV on the IIMK campus.
Learning & Support
- Digital Platforms: There will be easy access to academic material, timetables, and announcements through a digital platform and application, which can be accessed easily online and offline.
- Career Services: The placement office offers individual career counselling services, workshops and placement.
- Alumni Network: The energetic alumni portal leverages the mentoring and provides networking features.
- Wellness & Inclusion: Counselling, yoga and balanced student life programmes are found in the wellness centre, such as the wellness programme for good mental health.
Loading reviews...
Frequently Asked Questions
IIM Kozhikode has conducted the CAT exam at least twice-once for CAT 2019 and again for CAT 2025. This shows that it regularly takes part in the rotational system followed by the IIMs to conduct the exam.
IIM Kozhikode has produced several well-known alumni who have made a strong mark in corporate leadership and entrepreneurship. Some notable alumni include Maanvi Ahuja (Class of 2012), who is currently serving as a Principal at CPP Investments; Abhishek Agarwal (Class of 2008), who joined Swiggy as the Head of Investor Relations; and Harmanpreet Singh (Class of 2005), who is the Founder and Managing Partner at Prath Ventures.
The total fees for the two-year MBA (PGP) program at IIM Kozhikode are INR 23.5 lakh, with INR 11.75 lakh charged each year. This includes tuition, IT and library fees, hostel charges, books, student activities, examinations, workshops, and other academic support services.
Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) was established in 1996 by the Government of India. It is the fifth IIM in the country, and its first batch of students began their studies in 1997.
IIM Kozhikode’s NIRF 2024 Management score was 77.90 out of 100, earning it the 3rd rank in India for management institutions that year.