IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode – Placements, Culture & ROI (2026 MBA Comparison)

Among Old IIMs, IIM Lucknow and IIM Kozhikode are often compared by aspirants who receive calls from both. While both institutes enjoy strong brand value and excellent placements, they differ notably in:

• Campus culture

• Academic flexibility

• Alumni influence

• Career outcomes

This blog presents a clear, practical comparison of IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode for MBA 2026, focusing on placements, culture, and ROI, so you can choose based on fit, not just ranking.

Quick Overview: IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode

Parameter	IIM Lucknow	IIM Kozhikode
Year of Establishment	1984	1996
IIM Category	Old IIM	Old IIM
Flagship Program	PGP	PGP
Campus Location	Lucknow, UP	Kozhikode, Kerala
Reputation	Legacy-driven	Progressive & modern

Academic Structure & Learning Environment

IIM Lucknow

• Strongly case-based pedagogy

• Emphasis on leadership and decision-making

• Structured but flexible electives

• Known for classroom depth and faculty engagement

Best suited for students who:

• Prefer traditional MBA rigor

• Want leadership-oriented development

• Are targeting consulting and finance

IIM Kozhikode

• Known for academic innovation and flexibility

• Strong focus on:

  • Ethics

  • Sustainability

  • Liberal learning

• Encourages independent thinking

Best suited for students who:

• Prefer open learning environments

• Value work-life balance

• Want holistic personality development

Placements Comparison

IIM Lucknow Placements

• Traditionally strong in:

  • Consulting

  • Finance

  • Strategy roles

• Attracts premium recruiters consistently

• Strong presence of alumni in leadership roles

Strength:

• Depth of high-end roles

IIM Kozhikode Placements

• Strong growth in:

  • Consulting

  • Product management

  • Analytics

• Diverse recruiter base

• Slightly more balanced sector spread

Strength:

• Consistency and sector diversity

ROI & Fee Comparison

Aspect	IIM Lucknow	IIM Kozhikode
MBA Fees	High	High
Average CTC	Very Strong	Strong
ROI	Excellent	Very Good

While both have similar fee structures:

• IIM Lucknow offers slightly better top-end ROI

• IIM Kozhikode offers stable returns with lower stress

Batch Size & Peer Learning

Factor	IIM Lucknow	IIM Kozhikode
Batch Size	Moderate	Moderate
Peer Diversity	High	High
Competition Level	High	Competitive but balanced

IIM Kozhikode is often perceived as:

• Slightly less cut-throat

• More collaborative

Campus Life & Culture

IIM Lucknow Culture

• Competitive and performance-driven

• Strong student committees and clubs

• Better city exposure

• Intense academic environment

IIM Kozhikode Culture

• Calm, scenic campus environment

• Strong emphasis on well-being

• Inclusive and progressive culture

• Less city distraction, more campus bonding

Alumni Network & Brand Value

Factor	IIM Lucknow	IIM Kozhikode
Alumni Strength	Very Strong	Strong
Corporate Reach	Extensive	Growing
Global Presence	High	Moderate–High

IIM Lucknow’s older alumni base provides:

• Better corporate reach

• Strong mentorship

Selection Criteria & Profile Fit

Choose IIM Lucknow If You:

• Are targeting consulting or finance

• Value alumni-driven opportunities

• Thrive in competitive environments

• Want strong leadership exposure

Choose IIM Kozhikode If You:

• Want balanced academic and personal growth

• Prefer flexible learning systems

• Value culture and campus life

• Are exploring diverse career paths

CAT Cutoff & Selectivity (Indicative)

Both institutes require:

• Very high overall CAT percentile

• Strong sectional scores

• Consistent academic profile

IIM Lucknow is generally:

• More profile-sensitive

• Slightly tougher at the top end

Final Verdict: Which Is Better?

IIM Lucknow is better if:

• Your goal is consulting or finance

• You want strong alumni leverage

• You prefer a traditional elite MBA environment

IIM Kozhikode is better if:

• You value culture, flexibility, and balance

• You want consistent placements with less stress

• You prefer a progressive, modern campus experience

Both are excellent MBA choices—the right one depends on your personality and career goals.

FAQs – IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode

1. Is IIM Lucknow better than IIM Kozhikode?

   In alumni strength and top-end roles, yes. Overall quality is comparable.

   
   

2. Which IIM has better placements?

   IIM Lucknow has a slight edge in consulting and finance.

   
   

3. Is IIM Kozhikode less competitive?

   The environment is perceived as more balanced, but competition remains strong.

   
   

4. Which is better for freshers?

   IIM Kozhikode suits freshers seeking balanced growth; Lucknow suits leadership-driven profiles.

   
   

5. Does campus location matter?

   Yes. Lucknow offers better city exposure; Kozhikode offers a focused campus experience.