Best MBA Colleges in Kerala: Ranking, Fees, Admissions 2025, Courses, Placements
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Choosing the right MBA college is one of the choices you will make on your academic and professional journey. When considering Kerala, you will be pleasantly surprised that this southern state is not just about high literacy rates; it is also home to some of India’s best management institutions.
Kerala has been gradually developing a reputation for its business schools, which offer quality MBA programs that blend solid academic foundations with active, industry-relevant exposure. Kerala has made its mark with IIM Kozhikode, which stands and ranks among the best IIMs in India; state Universities, and a considerable number of private institutions.
With updated 2025 admission details, competitive fee structures, and placement opportunities that rival major metros’ top business schools, Kerala is officially on the MBA map of people wanting a quality MBA education. This guide will take you on a journey with respect to the best MBA colleges in Kerala, their rankings, fee structure, admission process, courses and placement research.
Why Study MBA in Kerala?
As mentioned above, Kerala is rapidly growing into one of the best destinations for management studies in India, with a healthy mixture of quality education and a holistic learning environment. Here are some compelling reasons why choosing MBA colleges in Kerala can make sense:
Quality Education
Kerala has some of the most reputable institutions in the country, such as IIM Kozhikode, SCMS Cochin, and Rajagiri Centre for Business Studies. Colleges have an established academic quality control in place, have an industry-driven curriculum, and have innovative teaching methodologies.
Experienced Faculty
Most MBA colleges in Kerala have faculty members with a sound academic background and several years of industry-related experience. Students tend to acquire real business skills along with theoretical knowledge, thereby making their learning practical and real.
Multiple Specialisation
An MBA from the most reputed MBA colleges in Kerala covers most major domains such as Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, and International Business. There are various ranges of specialisations such as Business Analytics, Supply Chain Management, and Entrepreneurship, just to name a few.
Excellent Placement Opportunities
The top MBA colleges in Kerala draw recruiters from IT, consulting, banking, FMCG, and manufacturing industries. Recruiters like Deloitte, EY, Federal Bank, Asian Paints, and Infosys periodically recruit MBA graduates from Kerala. There are many placement packages, and the opportunities in the national and international markets are increasing.
Affordable Education
Many MBA colleges in Kerala charge much lower fees than comparable institutions in metro cities for MBA programs, while also maintaining high standards. Students get a world-class education in affordable fee structures.
Cultural and Personal Development
Kerala provides students with a serene and rich cultural environment for study. The diversity of the state and the inclusive nature of the state’s atmosphere help students go beyond their own perspectives and cultivate different leadership skills.
Top MBA colleges in Kerala
1. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode
*iimk.ac.in
IIM Kozhikode is one of the best MBA colleges in Kerala and a premier IIM in India, known for academic excellence, world-class infrastructure, and strong global alumni networks. It consistently attracts top recruiters across industries.
Fees: The fees are approximately ₹18 lakhs for a two-year program.
Admissions: Admissions are based on CAT scores and a personal interview.
Courses: The college offers a full-time MBA, Executive MBA, and short-term courses.
Placement: IIM Kozhikode, as the best government MBA college in Kerala, offers an excellent placement record, as recognised by top companies like Deloitte, Amazon, and Infosys, who recruit regularly through campus recruitment.
2. Rajagiri Centre For Business Studies (RCBS, Kochi)
*rcbs.rajagiri.edu
RCBS is a highly reputed and accredited private institution in Kochi, mainly known for its state-of-the-art campus and international Collaboration.
Fees: The estimated fees are around ₹6-7lakhs.
Admissions: The graduation admissions process relies on CAT/MAT/CMAT/KEAM entrance exams + GD/PI.
Courses: RCBS has an MBA with specialisations in finance, marketing, Finance and human resources.
Placements: The college has a significant placement rate of more than 85% and has companies like KPMG, EY, Infosys and HDFC Bank that are on the radar for the recruits.
3. Amity Global Business School, Kochi
*kochi.agbs.in
Amity Kochi is a leading private MBA college in Kerala offering a modern business curriculum. With global exposure and corporate-driven programs, it prepares students for entrepreneurial and managerial roles.
Fees: The fees are approximately range from ₹4.69 Lakhs to ₹6.69 Lakhs
Admissions: Admissions are based on the Amity Joint Entrance Exam (AJEE) or CAT/MAT scores.
Courses Offered: The MBA degree offers specialisations in entrepreneurship and international business.
Placements: Amity Kochi boasts a well-functioning placement cell that guarantees students opportunities in reputable firms.
4. Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship (XIME), Kochi
*ximekochi.org
XIME Kochi is known for its practical learning environment, global linkages, and strong placement support. It attracts recruiters like Deloitte, EY, and Infosys, making it a preferred choice for management aspirants.
Fees: INR 11–12 Lakhs.
Placements 2025: Average package around INR 7–8 LPA, with recruiters like Infosys, EY, and Deloitte.
5. University of Kerala – Department of Management Studies
*imk.keralauniversity.ac.in
One of the most affordable govt MBA colleges in Kerala, it combines academic heritage with value-based education. The MBA program offers multiple specialisations and maintains a steady placement record.
Fees: The fees are quite low at approximately ₹ 2.12 Lakhs.
Admission: Admission is through the university entrance exam.
Courses: The university runs an MBA program with many specialisations.
Placement: The placement cell tries to connect students with employers, and they have always had a decent placement rate.
Admission Process for MBA in Kerala
Entrance Exams
Most MBA colleges in Kerala accept only scores from national-level entrance exams like CAT, MAT, CMAT, and KMAT. Below is a brief overview:
- CAT: Conducted by IIMs, it is one of the most popular entrance exams across India and can take you to very good colleges like IIM Kozhikode with a good score.
- MAT: This exam is conducted four times a year (February, May, September, and December) and is accepted by lots of colleges, including Amity and KIM.
- CMAT: The Common Management Admission Test is also widely accepted across Kerala MBA Colleges.
- KMAT: The KMAT test is for Kerala and is accepted primarily at the very local institutes.
Application Process
- Research: Start by researching the colleges that align with your career goals.
- Entrance Exam: Register and prepare for the required entrance exams.
- Application Form: Fill out the application forms for the colleges you’re interested in.
- Personal Interview: Some colleges may require a personal interview, so prepare for it.
- Admission Offer: If selected, you’ll receive an admission offer, which you can accept by paying the initial fee.
Best MBA colleges in Kerala: Rankings & Accreditation
College Name | Ranking / Recognition | Accreditation / Type |
---|---|---|
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode | Ranked among the Top 10 MBA colleges in India (NIRF) | Govt MBA College in Kerala |
Rajagiri Centre For Business Studies | Emerging as one of the best MBA colleges in Kerala | A private, self-financing management institute. |
Amity Global Business School, Kochi | Part of the renowned Amity Group | Private Institute |
Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship (XIME), Kochi | Popular among the top MBA colleges in Kerala | Private Institute (XIME Group) |
University of Kerala – Dept. of Management Studies | The Oldest University in Kerala offering MBA | Part of a public, state-run university |
Course Structure
MBA programs are typically 2 years long and divided across 4 semesters. The first year is focused on core courses such as:
- Marketing Management
- Financial Management
- Human Resource Management
- Operations Management
Business Ethics
In the second year, students may have a choice of specialisations that are available, and these choices will determine their planned career path. Common specialisations would be:
- Finance at investment analysis, corporate finance and financial markets.
- Marketing looks at consumer behaviour, digital marketing and brand management.
- Human Resource Management concentrates on organisational behaviour and talent management.
- Operations Management deals with supply chain and production planning.
- Many MBA colleges in Kerala have included internships and/or live projects in the curriculum, so students are able to gain experience and appreciate the challenges encountered in practice.
Placement Opportunities After MBA
When looking for MBA colleges in Kerala, the placement statistics can be one of the largest factors to consider. Here are some things to consider:
- Recruitment Drives: Most colleges conduct placement drives where companies come to recruit students. Regular recruitment partners include a range of national and international firms across a range of industries.
- Alumni Network: A well-thought-out alumni network can be useful for mentorship and job placements. Colleges like IIM Kozhikode have abundant connections.
- Internships: A number of colleges have relationships with industries and facilitate internships, which may turn into job offers after graduation.
Thinking about an Online MBA: A Flexible Option
Although the MBA colleges in Kerala provide great experiences in the classroom, life in today’s world moves fast and requires flexibility. This is where the online MBA comes into play. For working professionals, entrepreneurs, and even new, fresh graduates, an online MBA is an academic venture that requires acceptance of drawbacks, but allows responsibility toward a job, family, and education to be fulfilled simultaneously without having to relocate.
The first major benefit of this online MBA option is accessibility. Now you can enrol in reputable programs from all across India, while still living in your own city. Institutions such as:
- Online MBA Degree Program – Parul University
- Online MBA Degree Programme – Symbiosis School For Online And Digital Learning (SSODL)
- Online Master of Business Administration – Chandigarh University
- Online MBA – Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth
- MBA Degree Programme By Bharati-Vidyapeeth
These are all noted and highly recommended online MBA degrees offered in collaboration with Jaro Education. When you register for any of the above mentioned courses, you can access the Jaro Advantage, where you can get academic support from experts. We also help learners with:
- Unparalleled career counselling
- Network Building opportunities
- 24*7 doubt resolution sessions
- Lifelong learning experiences
- Access to alumni events and other benefits
Conclusion
Pursuing an MBA in Kerala can be a rewarding experience, offering a blend of quality education, industry exposure, and diverse career opportunities. With numerous colleges to choose from, it’s essential to research and find the one that aligns with your career goals. Whether you aim to climb the corporate ladder, start your own business, or shift your career trajectory, an MBA can be a significant stepping stone. As you start this journey, remember to focus not only on academics but also on networking and gaining practical experience.
We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the best MBA colleges in Kerala for 2025. Good luck with your MBA journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top MBA colleges in Kerala?
Some of the top MBA colleges in Kerala include IIM Kozhikode, Kerala Institute of Management, Amity Global Business School, National Institute of Management, and the University of Kerala.
What is the average fee for an MBA program in Kerala?
The average fee for MBA programs in Kerala varies, typically ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹18 lakhs, depending on the college and course structure.
What entrance exams are accepted for MBA admissions in Kerala?
Common entrance exams for MBA colleges in Kerala include CAT, MAT, CMAT, and KMAT. Each college may have specific requirements, so it’s essential to check its admission criteria.
How can an online MBA benefit me?
Pursuing an online MBA offers flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace while balancing work and life. You can enrol in programs from esteemed universities like Symbiosis, Manipal, and IIM Nagpur through Jaro Education and enhance your qualifications without geographical constraints.