IIM Kozhikode – Detailed MBA Review 2026: Fees, Cutoff, Placements, ROI & Campus Life

Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode or IIM-K) is one of India’s fastest-growing top IIMs, consistently ranked among the top 5–6 management institutes in the country. Known for its focus on diversity, analytics, leadership, and strong placement outcomes, IIM Kozhikode has built a powerful reputation in a relatively short time.

For students targeting MBA admission in 2026, this blog provides a complete review of IIM Kozhikode, covering admission process, CAT cutoff, fees, placements, ROI, academics, campus life, and who should choose IIM-K.

About IIM Kozhikode

• Established: 1996

• Location: Kozhikode, Kerala

• Campus: 112+ acres, fully residential hilltop campus

• Reputation: Among the top new-generation IIMs, often competing closely with IIM Lucknow and IIM Indore

IIM Kozhikode is widely respected for:

• Academic innovation

• Strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion

• Rapid improvement in placements and global recognition

Programs Offered at IIM Kozhikode

Program	Duration
MBA (PGP)	2 Years
MBA (Finance)	2 Years
MBA-LSM (Liberal Studies & Management)	2 Years
Executive MBA	1–2 Years
PhD	Full-time

The MBA (PGP) is the flagship and most competitive program.

IIM Kozhikode Admission Process 2026

Entrance Exam

• CAT (Common Admission Test)

🔗 CAT Official Website: https://iimcat.ac.in

Expected CAT Cutoff (General Category)

Parameter	Expected Requirement
Overall CAT Percentile	98.5+
Sectional Cutoffs	High and balanced

⚠️ IIM Kozhikode gives significant importance to sectional scores and academic consistency.

Shortlisting Criteria

Candidates are shortlisted based on:

• CAT overall + sectional percentiles

• Academic performance (10th, 12th, graduation)

• Work experience

• Gender and academic diversity

IIM Kozhikode is known for giving strong weightage to diversity, especially non-engineers and female candidates.

Final Selection Stages

• Written Ability Test (WAT)

• Personal Interview (PI)

Interviews assess:

• Conceptual clarity

• Communication skills

• Current affairs & business awareness

• Leadership potential

Fees at IIM Kozhikode (MBA 2026)

Component	Amount
Total Program Fees	₹21–22 lakh (approx.)
Hostel & Mess	Included
Scholarships	Need-based & merit-based available

Fees are similar to IIM Lucknow and slightly lower than IIM A/B/C.

Academic Environment & Teaching Style

IIM Kozhikode is known for:

• Balanced academic rigor

• Case-based learning with real-world orientation

• Emphasis on ethics, leadership, and decision-making

Teaching Style

• Case discussions

• Group projects & simulations

• Industry-linked assignments

Ideal for students who want structured learning with progressive thinking, without extreme academic pressure.

Campus Life & Environment

Campus Setting

• Scenic hilltop campus overlooking the Western Ghats

• Calm, distraction-free academic environment

• Fully residential

Student Life

• Active consulting, finance, analytics, marketing clubs

• National management and cultural festivals

• Inter-IIM competitions and global exposure programs

Compared to metro-based IIMs, the environment is academically immersive, which many students prefer.

Placements at IIM Kozhikode (2025–26 Expected)

IIM Kozhikode has shown consistent upward growth in placement outcomes.

Placement Metric	Figures
Average Package	₹28–30 LPA
Median Salary	₹27+ LPA
Highest Package	₹60+ LPA
Placement Rate	~100%

Top Recruiters

• McKinsey, BCG, Bain

• Deloitte, EY, Accenture Strategy

• Amazon, Microsoft, Flipkart

• HUL, ITC, Tata Group

Popular Roles

• Consulting & Strategy

• Analytics & Data-driven roles

• General Management

• Finance & Marketing leadership

ROI (Return on Investment) – Is IIM Kozhikode Worth It?

ROI = Average Package ÷ Total Fees

Metric	Value
Average Salary	₹29 LPA
Fees	₹21.5 L
Approx ROI	~1.35

ROI Insight

• ROI is strong and stable

• Not as high as FMS or DMS IIT Delhi

• Compensated by IIM brand value and long-term growth

IIM Kozhikode vs Other IIMs (Quick Context)

Institute	Known For
IIM Ahmedabad	Leadership & academic rigor
IIM Bangalore	Consulting, tech & startups
IIM Calcutta	Finance & analytics
IIM Lucknow	Balanced general management
IIM Kozhikode	Diversity, analytics & leadership

Who Should Choose IIM Kozhikode?

IIM Kozhikode is ideal for students who:

• Want a top-tier IIM brand

• Prefer a balanced, modern academic culture

• Are non-engineers or value diversity

• Aim for consulting, analytics, or leadership roles

Pros & Cons of IIM Kozhikode

Pros

• Strong and improving placements

• High diversity focus

• Scenic and focused campus environment

• Balanced academics

Cons

• Less city exposure than Bangalore/Mumbai

• High fees for ROI-focused candidates

Official Links – IIM Kozhikode

📥 Official Websitehttps://www.iimk.ac.in

📊 MBA Admission Detailshttps://www.iimk.ac.in/programmes/pgp

📚 Placements & Career Reportshttps://www.iimk.ac.in/placements

Final Verdict

IIM Kozhikode has firmly established itself as one of India’s most reliable and progressive MBA colleges for 2026. With strong placements, emphasis on diversity, and a modern academic approach, it is an excellent option for students seeking quality management education with long-term career growth.

If you want a top IIM with balanced academics, strong placements, and a forward-thinking culture, IIM Kozhikode is a very smart choice.