Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow): Courses, Admission, Fees, Placements and Ranking

Introduction

The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) is one of India's leading business schools, known for its quality management education, experienced faculty, research activities and strong corporate connections. Established in 1984 by the Government of India, the institute has developed a reputation for preparing skilled managers, entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, IIM Lucknow offers postgraduate management programmes, executive education and doctoral programmes. Its academic offerings also include specialised courses in agribusiness management and sustainable management. The institute operates from its Lucknow campus and its Noida campus, which hosts selected programmes.

IIM Lucknow is an important choice for students preparing for a career in management, consulting, finance, marketing, operations and other business fields.

IIM Lucknow Highlights

History of IIM Lucknow

IIM Lucknow was established in 1984 as the fourth Indian Institute of Management. The institute was created to strengthen management education and develop professionals capable of contributing to India's growing business and industrial sectors.

Over the years, IIM Lucknow has expanded its academic programmes, research activities, international collaborations and industry partnerships. Its Noida campus further supports executive education and specialised management programmes.

Today, the institute is recognised as one of India's prominent management institutions and attracts students from different academic backgrounds.

Campus and Infrastructure

IIM Lucknow has a large campus at Prabandh Nagar, Lucknow. The campus provides an academic environment supported by modern infrastructure, residential facilities and spaces for extracurricular activities.

Major campus facilities include:

• Academic Blocks: Classrooms and learning spaces for management education.

• Library: A central learning resource with books, journals, research material and digital resources.

• Computer Centre: Computing and internet facilities for academic and research activities.

• Hostels: Residential accommodation for eligible students.

• Sports Facilities: Facilities for cricket, football, basketball, volleyball, tennis and badminton.

• Gymnasium and Recreation: Fitness and recreational facilities for students.

• Medical Centre: Basic healthcare support on campus.

• Student Activities: Clubs, committees, cultural events, conferences and business-related activities.

The institute also provides opportunities for international student exchange, allowing students to gain exposure to different business environments.

Courses Offered at IIM Lucknow

IIM Lucknow offers management programmes at postgraduate, executive and doctoral levels. The programmes are designed for fresh graduates, working professionals and individuals interested in research.

1. Post Graduate Programme in Management (MBA)

The flagship MBA programme is a two-year, full-time residential course. It develops knowledge and skills in areas such as finance, marketing, human resources, operations, strategy and business analytics.

2. MBA in Agribusiness Management (MBA-ABM)

This specialised two-year programme focuses on management in agriculture and allied industries. It is suitable for students interested in agribusiness, food processing, agricultural finance, rural development and supply chain management.

3. MBA in Sustainable Management (MBA-SM)

The MBA-SM programme focuses on sustainability, environmental management and responsible business practices. It is conducted at the institute's Noida campus.

4. International Programme in Management for Executives (IPMX)

IPMX is a one-year, full-time residential MBA programme designed for experienced professionals who want to strengthen their leadership and management capabilities. It is conducted at the Noida campus.

5. Post Graduate Programme for Working Executives (PGPWE)

PGPWE is a two-year MBA programme for working executives, entrepreneurs and professionals. Classes are conducted on alternate weekends at the Noida campus, allowing participants to continue working while pursuing management education.

6. Blended MBA (bMBA)

The blended MBA is designed for working professionals and entrepreneurs. It combines flexible learning with management education and is intended for individuals who want to develop their business and leadership skills while continuing their careers.

7. Doctoral Programmes

IIM Lucknow offers doctoral-level programmes for candidates interested in academic research and advanced management studies. These include the Doctoral Programme in Management (PhD/DPM) and the Executive Fellow Programme in Management (EFPM).

Programme availability and eligibility can vary by admission cycle. Candidates should refer to the latest official programme brochures.

IIM Lucknow Admission Process 2026–28

Admission to IIM Lucknow depends on the programme selected. The flagship MBA, MBA-ABM and MBA-SM programmes use CAT scores as part of their selection process.

For the 2026–28 MBA admission cycle, the institute used CAT 2025 and a multi-stage selection process.

MBA Admission Steps

1. Appear for CAT: Candidates must register for and appear in the Common Admission Test.

2. Meet the Shortlisting Criteria: Applicants are assessed using CAT performance and other specified academic and profile-related criteria.

3. Written Ability Test and Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited for the WAT-PI selection stage.

4. Final Selection: The institute evaluates candidates using the applicable final selection criteria.

5. Admission Offer: Selected candidates receive admission offers and must complete the required formalities and fee payment.

MBA-ABM and MBA-SM have their own selection criteria. MBA-SM also specifies a minimum work-experience requirement in the 2026–28 admission policy.

Minimum CAT Cut-offs for 2026–28 Shortlisting

The following are the published minimum CAT percentile requirements for the WAT-PI shortlist. Meeting these cut-offs does not guarantee an interview or admission.

Sectional cut-offs also apply. Candidates should read the official admission policy for the complete criteria and final selection weights.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements depend on the programme.

MBA and MBA-ABM

• Candidates must hold a recognised bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification.

• Applicants must satisfy the minimum academic requirements specified in the admission policy.

• A valid CAT score is required for the relevant admission cycle.

• Final-year graduation students may apply subject to the institute's conditions.

MBA-SM

• Candidates must meet the prescribed graduation and CAT requirements.

• The 2026–28 admission policy specifies at least 24 months of work experience for MBA-SM applicants.

IPMX

• Designed for experienced working professionals.

• Applicants must meet the prescribed educational and work-experience requirements.

• The applicable admission test and selection requirements must be fulfilled.

PGPWE

• Intended for working executives and professionals.

• Candidates must meet the programme's educational and professional experience criteria.

Always check the latest admission brochure before applying, as eligibility rules can change.

IIM Lucknow Fee Structure 2026–28

The institute has published the fee structure for the PGP-I and PGP-II batches of 2026–28.

MBA / PGP Fee Details

Total scheduled amount for two years: ₹20,75,000.

The total includes the refundable deposits and alumni membership fee shown in the official schedule. Mess charges are payable separately on an actual basis.

Fees for MBA-ABM, MBA-SM, IPMX, PGPWE, bMBA and other programmes may differ. Applicants should download the fee notification for their specific programme before making payments.

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

IIM Lucknow provides financial assistance and scholarship-related support to eligible students. Students may explore institute-based financial assistance and applicable government or external scholarship schemes.

Financial assistance may depend on factors such as family income, financial circumstances, category and the institute's eligibility conditions.

Applicants should contact the institute's financial aid office and check the latest scholarship notification for application dates, documents and eligibility.

IIM Lucknow Placements

IIM Lucknow has a strong corporate network and provides placement support through its placement office. Students from its management programmes pursue opportunities in consulting, finance, marketing, general management, operations, technology and other sectors.

According to the institute's Annual Report 2024–25, the final placement process for the 2025 batch of the PGP and PGP-ABM programmes recorded:

These figures relate to the 2025 graduating batch and should not be treated as guaranteed salaries for future batches.

The institute has also published a final placement report for the 2024–26 batch. Students should refer to that report for the latest detailed placement information.

Major Recruiting Sectors

Recruitment opportunities at IIM Lucknow cover several industries, including:

• Consulting and business strategy

• Banking and financial services

• Investment banking

• Information technology

• E-commerce and technology

• Sales and marketing

• General management

• Operations and supply chain

• Consumer goods and retail

Companies named in the institute's 2024–25 annual report include Amazon, Adobe, American Express, Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, PwC and Walmart.

Recruiter participation and actual offers can vary from one placement cycle to another.

Rankings and Accreditations

IIM Lucknow has earned recognition through national and international rankings and business-school accreditation frameworks.

NIRF Ranking

According to the Ministry of Education's NIRF 2025 rankings, IIM Lucknow secured 5th position in the Management category, with a score of 77.97. It improved from 7th position in 2024.

International Recognition

The institute's official 2025–26 fact sheet also reports international recognition for its management programmes, including its Financial Times and QS rankings.

Accreditations

IIM Lucknow reports accreditation from:

• AACSB

• AMBA

• EFMD

These accreditations reflect external quality assessments of management education and institutional standards.

Documents Required for Admission

Applicants should keep the following documents ready, as applicable to their programme:

1. Class 10 marksheet and certificate

2. Class 12 marksheet and certificate

3. Graduation marksheets and degree certificate

4. CAT scorecard, where required

5. Valid government identity proof

6. Passport-size photographs

7. Category certificate, if applicable

8. Work-experience documents, if applicable

9. Professional qualification certificates, if applicable

10. Any additional documents requested by the admissions office

The exact document list is provided in the relevant admission instructions.

How to Reach IIM Lucknow

IIM Lucknow's main campus is situated at Prabandh Nagar on IIM Road in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

By Air: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport is approximately 26 km from the campus. Taxis and app-based cab services are available.

By Train: Lucknow Railway Station is approximately 21 km from the campus. Visitors can use taxis or other local transport to reach the institute.

By Road: The campus is accessible through Lucknow's road network. Visitors can use local taxis, cabs and other transport services.

The Noida campus is located in Sector 62, Noida, and hosts selected executive and specialised programmes.

IIM Lucknow Contact Details

Main Campus Address:

Indian Institute of Management Lucknow
Prabandh Nagar, IIM Road
Lucknow – 226013, Uttar Pradesh, India

Telephone: +91-522-2734101, 2734111–20, 6696001

Admissions Office: +91-522-6696682

Admissions Email: admission@iiml.ac.in

Official Website: https://www.iiml.ac.in

For programme-specific questions, candidates should use the relevant contact details listed in the institute's official contact directory.

Why Choose IIM Lucknow?

IIM Lucknow is a preferred destination for management aspirants for several reasons:

• Established Institution: Founded in 1984, it has a long history of management education.

• Strong Academic Programmes: Offers MBA, agribusiness, sustainable management, executive and doctoral programmes.

• Industry Exposure: Corporate interactions, projects and placement activities help students understand business requirements.

• Experienced Faculty: Students learn from faculty members engaged in teaching and research.

• International Exposure: Student exchange opportunities support cross-cultural learning.

• Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles across consulting, finance, marketing, technology and other sectors.

• Alumni Network: Its alumni work across industries and organisations in India and abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When was IIM Lucknow established?

IIM Lucknow was established in 1984 by the Government of India.

2. Is IIM Lucknow a government or private institute?

IIM Lucknow is a public management institution established by the Government of India.

3. What is the flagship course at IIM Lucknow?

The two-year MBA, also known as the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), is its flagship programme.

4. What entrance exam is required for IIM Lucknow MBA admission?

CAT is used for admission to the flagship MBA and the relevant specialised MBA programmes. Other programmes may have different admission tests and selection processes.

5. What is the IIM Lucknow MBA fee for 2026–28?

The published scheduled amount for the two-year PGP batch is ₹20.75 lakh, including the listed refundable deposit and alumni membership fee. Mess charges are payable separately.

6. What is IIM Lucknow's NIRF ranking?

IIM Lucknow ranked 5th in the Management category in NIRF 2025.

7. What was the average salary at IIM Lucknow in 2025 placements?

The institute's Annual Report 2024–25 reported a mean salary of ₹32.3 LPA for the 2025 PGP and PGP-ABM graduating batch.

8. Does IIM Lucknow offer executive programmes?

Yes. Its offerings include IPMX, PGPWE, blended MBA and executive education programmes.

9. Does IIM Lucknow have a Noida campus?

Yes. The institute has a Noida campus in Sector 62, where selected programmes, including MBA-SM, IPMX and PGPWE, are conducted.

10. What is the official website of IIM Lucknow?

The official website is https://www.iiml.ac.in.

Conclusion

The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow is a well-established management institution offering postgraduate, specialised, executive and doctoral programmes. Its academic environment, corporate connections, international exposure and strong placement record make it an important option for students and working professionals interested in management education.

Candidates planning to apply should carefully review the latest admission policy, programme eligibility, fee structure and placement reports available on the official website. Choosing the right programme according to career goals and professional experience can help applicants make an informed decision about studying at IIM Lucknow.

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