IIM Indore vs IIM Kozhikode: Which One Is Better for You in 2026?
- Dec 22, 2025
- 4 min read
Choosing between Indian Institute of Management Indore and Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode is one of the most common dilemmas faced by MBA aspirants targeting top non-ABC IIMs.Both institutes consistently rank among the top 5–7 IIMs in India, offer strong placements, and attract recruiters from consulting, finance, analytics, and general management.
However, they differ significantly in culture, selection philosophy, campus environment, and career alignment.
This blog provides a detailed, side-by-side comparison of IIM Indore vs IIM Kozhikode (2026) covering admission criteria, CAT cutoff, fees, placements, ROI, campus life, academic focus, and who should choose which institute.
Overview: IIM Indore vs IIM Kozhikode
Factor | IIM Indore | IIM Kozhikode |
Year Established | 1996 | 1996 |
Campus Size | ~193 acres | ~112 acres |
Location | Indore, Madhya Pradesh | Kozhikode, Kerala |
Reputation | Academically rigorous | Progressive & diversity-focused |
Typical Rank Range | 6–7 | 5–6 |
Both are well-established second-generation IIMs, but their philosophy and student experience differ.
Admission Process & CAT Cutoff (2026)
Entrance Exam
Both accept CAT only
🔗 Official CAT website: https://iimcat.ac.in
Expected CAT Cutoff (General Category)
Parameter | IIM Indore | IIM Kozhikode |
Overall Percentile | 98.5–99+ | 98–98.5+ |
Sectional Cutoffs | Very High | High but flexible |
Profile Weightage | Moderate | High (diversity-focused) |
Key Difference
IIM Indore places strong emphasis on academic consistency
IIM Kozhikode gives significant weight to diversity (gender & academic background)
Non-engineers and female candidates often have better odds at IIM Kozhikode.
Fees Comparison (MBA 2026)
Institute | Total MBA Fees (Approx.) |
IIM Indore | ₹21–23 lakh |
IIM Kozhikode | ₹21–22 lakh |
Fees are almost identical, including hostel and academic charges.
Academic Environment & Teaching Style
IIM Indore – Academically Intense
Heavy classroom rigor
Strong quantitative & analytical focus
Structured evaluation system
Ideal for students who thrive in competitive academic environments
IIM Kozhikode – Balanced & Progressive
Case-based learning with practical orientation
Focus on ethics, leadership, and decision-making
Encourages discussion and diverse viewpoints
If you prefer traditional academic rigor, choose IIM Indore. If you prefer balanced, modern pedagogy, choose IIM Kozhikode.
Campus Life & Student Experience
IIM Indore Campus
One of the largest IIM campuses in Asia
Fully residential, modern infrastructure
Strong inter-hostel and academic competition
Slightly less exposure to metros
IIM Kozhikode Campus
Scenic hilltop campus overlooking Western Ghats
Calm, immersive academic atmosphere
Close-knit student culture
Limited city exposure but high academic focus
Both campuses are excellent, but Kozhikode is often preferred by students who want a peaceful, distraction-free environment.
Placements Comparison (2025–26 Expected)
Placement Metric | IIM Indore | IIM Kozhikode |
Average Package | ₹27–28 LPA | ₹28–30 LPA |
Median Salary | ₹26+ LPA | ₹27+ LPA |
Highest Package | ₹55+ LPA | ₹60+ LPA |
Placement Rate | ~100% | ~100% |
Top Recruiters (Both)
McKinsey, BCG, Bain
Deloitte, EY, Accenture
Amazon, Microsoft, Flipkart
HUL, ITC, Tata Group
Role Trends
IIM Indore: Consulting, finance, general management
IIM Kozhikode: Consulting, analytics, leadership roles
ROI (Return on Investment) Comparison
ROI = Average Salary ÷ Total Fees
Institute | Approx ROI |
IIM Indore | ~1.25 |
IIM Kozhikode | ~1.35 |
IIM Kozhikode offers slightly better ROI, mainly due to marginally higher average packages.
Batch Diversity & Peer Learning
Aspect | IIM Indore | IIM Kozhikode |
Academic Diversity | Moderate | High |
Gender Diversity | Improving | Strong |
Peer Learning | Competitive | Collaborative |
IIM Kozhikode is widely regarded as one of the most diversity-friendly IIMs.
Who Should Choose IIM Indore?
Choose IIM Indore if you:
Prefer strong academic rigor
Have a consistent academic background
Want a structured, competitive learning environment
Are comfortable with intense evaluation systems
Who Should Choose IIM Kozhikode?
Choose IIM Kozhikode if you:
Value diversity and inclusive classrooms
Are a non-engineer or female candidate
Prefer balanced academics + leadership focus
Want slightly better ROI and average placements
IIM Indore vs IIM Kozhikode – Final Verdict
There is no absolute winner.
IIM Indore is ideal for academically driven, competition-loving students
IIM Kozhikode suits students seeking diversity, balance, and leadership growth
👉 Both are top-tier IIMs, and your profile, learning style, and career goals should guide your choice — not just rankings.
Official Links
IIM Indore
Website: https://www.iimidr.ac.in
MBA Program: https://www.iimidr.ac.in/academic-programmes/pgp
Placements: https://www.iimidr.ac.in/placements
IIM Kozhikode
Website: https://www.iimk.ac.in
MBA Program: https://www.iimk.ac.in/programmes/pgp
Placements: https://www.iimk.ac.in/placements
FAQs – IIM Indore vs IIM Kozhikode (2026)
Q1. Which is better: IIM Indore or IIM Kozhikode?
Both are top-tier IIMs. IIM Indore is known for strong academic rigor, while IIM Kozhikode stands out for diversity, leadership focus, and slightly better ROI.
Q2. Which IIM has better placements – Indore or Kozhikode?
IIM Kozhikode generally reports a slightly higher average package, while both institutes maintain near 100% placement rates.
Q3. Is IIM Kozhikode better for non-engineers?
Yes. IIM Kozhikode gives higher weightage to academic and gender diversity, making it more favorable for non-engineers and female candidates.
Q4. Which campus life is better – IIM Indore or IIM Kozhikode?
IIM Indore offers a large, modern campus with competitive academics, while IIM Kozhikode provides a scenic, calm hilltop campus with a collaborative culture.
Q5. What CAT percentile is required for IIM Indore and IIM Kozhikode?
Both typically require 98–99+ percentile, but IIM Indore has stricter sectional cutoffs, whereas IIM Kozhikode is relatively flexible.
Q6. Which IIM offers better ROI?
IIM Kozhikode generally offers slightly better ROI due to marginally higher average salaries at similar fee levels.
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