IIM Bangalore – Indian Institute of Management Overview

IIM Bangalore Admission 2026 Latest Updates and News

CAT 2025 Exam Schedule

The CAT 2025 exam for MBA and PGDM admissions will take place on November 30, 2025 (Sunday). Aspirants can download their admit cards from November 5, 2025, by visiting the official website — iimcat.ac.in.

Updates for IIM Bangalore Admission 2026

The admission process for the upcoming academic session is now underway.

• PGP-BA 2026–28: Applications are currently open, and candidates can apply online through the IIM Bangalore portal.

• EPGPM 2026–27:

  • Round 2: Applications close on October 9, 2025; interviews will be held on October 25 & 26, 2025.

  • Round 3: Applications will be accepted from October 11 to December 1, 2025, followed by interviews on December 13 & 14, 2025.

Moreover, the IIMB Test 2025–26 (for PGPEM & PhD admissions) is scheduled in two rounds:

• Round 1: October 12, 2025 | Last Date to Apply – October 8, 2025

• Round 2: February 1, 2026 | Last Date to Apply – January 23, 2026

For complete details, candidates can check the official website.

Highlights from Summer Placements 2026

IIM Bangalore recently completed its Summer Placements 2026 for the PGP and PGP-BA (2025–27 batch), achieving an outstanding 100% placement rate.

Notably:

• 46% of all offers were made in Consulting, up from 38% last year.

• There was a 70% increase in Healthcare roles, alongside significant growth in Finance and E-commerce.

• Impressively, 30% of recruiters were new participants, underscoring the institute’s expanding corporate reach.

Global Rankings and Recognitions

In 2025–26, IIM Bangalore further strengthened its global and national standing:

• Financial Times EMBA Rankings 2025: Ranked 72nd globally among the top 100 business schools.

• QS Global MBA Rankings 2026: Secured the 52nd position worldwide out of 301 institutions.

• NIRF Rankings 2025: Announced on September 4, 2025, placing IIM Bangalore at #2 in India under the Management category.

Together, these achievements reflect the institute’s consistent pursuit of excellence and international credibility.

Important Dates 2026

IIM Bangalore Admission 2026 process for MBA, PGPEM, and EPGP programs will be held in multiple phases. Below are the updated schedules:

IIM Bangalore MBA Admission (via CAT 2025)

PGPEM Admission 2026

👉 Note: Candidates applying through CAT in Round 1 will automatically be considered in Round 2. The application fee is ₹1,500 per round.

EPGP Admission 2026

👉 Note: Application fee is ₹5,000 for Round 1 & Round 2, and ₹7,000 for Round 3.

IIM Bangalore Courses and Fees 2026

IIM Bangalore offers a wide range of programs apart from its flagship MBA/PGP, including MBA in Business Analytics, Executive MBA, PGPEM, PGPPM, and Doctoral (PhD) programs. The detailed eligibility, selection process, and fee structure are as follows:

IIM Bangalore MOOCs

MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) are online learning programs designed for a global audience. IIM Bangalore introduced MOOCs in 2014 as part of its digital learning initiative in collaboration with edX. Currently, the institute offers these courses on its own platform, IIMBx, as well as through SWAYAM and edX. These courses cover diverse topics in management, entrepreneurship, and business.

Some of the popular MOOCs offered by IIM Bangalore include:

• AI for Managers – 16 months
• Accounting and Finance – 9 weeks
• Customer Relationship Management – 6 weeks
• Strategic Management – 5 weeks
• Predictive Analytics – 7 weeks
• Innovation and IT Management – 6 weeks
• New Product Development – 5 weeks
• Faculty Development Program
• Hospital Management Program
• Academic Partnership Programs

IIM Bangalore Admission 2026

Step-by-Step - IIM Bangalore Admission 2026 Process

1. Application Form Submission

Candidates must fill out the CAT 2025 application form and choose IIM Bangalore as one of their preferences. The form should be submitted before the official deadline.

2. Appear for CAT 2025

The CAT exam is mandatory for MBA/PGP admission at IIM Bangalore. Performance in CAT plays a major role in the first round of shortlisting.

3. Shortlisting for WAT & PI

Candidates are shortlisted based on a mix of factors such as CAT percentile, academic consistency, and work experience. Only those who qualify are invited for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI).

4. Final Selection

The final admission decision is based on a composite score, which considers CAT, WAT, PI performance, academic history, and professional background. Shortlisted candidates receive an official admission offer from IIM Bangalore.

IIM Bangalore Cutoff 2025 (Expected)

Admission to IIM Bangalore’s flagship PGP and PGP-BA programs is primarily based on CAT 2025 scores, academic performance, work experience, and personal interview rounds.
The following are the expected CAT 2025 cutoffs for different categories:

While the CAT score is the key factor, the final selection also depends on WAT (Written Ability Test), Personal Interview (PI), academic consistency, and diversity factors.

Placements 2025

IIMB has an exceptional placement record, with 100% placement across all its programs. The institute’s Career Development Services (CDS) actively engages with global recruiters, ensuring excellent opportunities for students in Consulting, Finance, IT, and emerging domains.

PGP & PGP-BA Final Placements 2025 Highlights

• Placement Rate: 100%

• Total Offers: 662

• Number of Recruiters: 160+

• Top Sectors: Consulting (40%), Finance (18%), IT/Analytics (14%), and E-commerce (10%)

• Top Recruiters: McKinsey & Company, BCG, Bain & Company, Amazon, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, and Accenture Strategy

• Average CTC: ₹35.5 LPA

• Highest CTC: ₹1.15 CPA (international offer)

In addition, EPGP and PGPEM graduates also enjoy strong lateral placements, with leading firms hiring for mid-senior level management roles.

Campus Infrastructure

Spread over 100 acres of lush greenery, the IIM Bangalore campus is often described as one of the most beautiful in India. Designed by the renowned architect B. V. Doshi, the campus features stone-clad corridors, open courtyards, and abundant natural light — an ideal blend of tradition and modernity.

The campus includes:

• Smart classrooms with cutting-edge audio-visual systems.

• A central library with thousands of journals and digital databases.

• Fully equipped computer labs and Wi-Fi-enabled hostels.

• A sports complex, swimming pool, and recreation centers.

• Eco-friendly features like solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and waste management systems.

Thanks to its serene environment and world-class facilities, IIM Bangalore offers a truly immersive and sustainable learning experience.

IIM Bangalore Alumni

IIM Bangalore boasts a vast alumni network united under the IIM Bangalore Alumni Association (IIMBAA). The institute takes pride in producing managers and leaders who contribute to various sectors, including top multinational corporations, government organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures. Annually, IIM Bangalore honors its alumni with the Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA), recognizing their outstanding achievements and excellence in diverse fields such as industry, management, entrepreneurship, research, academia, and social service. In 2023, some notable alumni who received this honor included:

• Ashok Reddy (PGP 1995) - Managing Director and CEO of TeamLease Services Limited
• Abhijit Roy (PGP 1991) - Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Berger Paints India Limited
• Samina Bano (PGP 2010) - Founder and CEO of RightWalk Foundation

FAQs – IIM Bangalore Admissions, Scholarships, and Campus Life

Admission-Related Queries

Q. Can I get direct entry into IIM Bangalore?

Ans. No, there is no provision for direct admission at IIM Bangalore. Candidates must appear for the CAT exam, which is the gateway to IIMs such as Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Indore, Kozhikode, and Lucknow. Admission is entirely merit-based and follows the official selection criteria.

Q. How can I get a free seat in IIM Bangalore?

Ans. While IIMs do not offer completely free seats, they do provide scholarships and financial aid. Students from economically weaker backgrounds may receive fee waivers under specific schemes. Moreover, several merit-based scholarships are available through state governments, central agencies, and private organizations.

Program and Course-Specific Queries

Q. How is the PGPEM different from the PGP at IIM Bangalore?

Ans. The PGPEM program is designed for mid-career and senior executives, whereas the PGP program caters primarily to early-career professionals or fresh graduates. Essentially, the PGPEM emphasizes leadership in professional growth, while the PGP focuses on foundational management skills.

Q. What are the selection criteria for international candidates at IIM Bangalore?

Ans. International applicants can apply directly through their GMAT scores. The final selection is based on a combination of the following factors:

• GMAT performance

• Academic record

• Work experience

• Writing Ability Test (WAT)

• Personal Interview

Campus Life and Hostel Facilities

Q. Is it compulsory for MBA students to stay in a hostel at IIM Bangalore?

Ans. Yes, first-year students are required to stay in on-campus hostels. However, in the second year, they may choose to live off-campus if they wish.

Q. Can I get a single room in IIM Bangalore Hostel?

Ans. Absolutely. All students are provided with single-occupancy rooms equipped with essential amenities. Additionally, hostel facilities include a student-run library, music club, and convenience store, creating a vibrant community experience.

Diversity, Seats, and Exchange Opportunities

Q. Does IIM Bangalore consider gender diversity in MBA shortlisting?

Ans. Yes, IIM Bangalore actively promotes gender diversity. Female candidates receive 2% additional weightage during the final shortlisting. For instance, in the 2021–23 batch, the gender ratio was nearly balanced — 51.11% male and 48.89% female students.

Q. What is the current seat capacity of IIM Bangalore?

Ans. The total intake stands at approximately 565 seats. Of these, 27% are reserved for NC-OBC, 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, 5% for PwD, and 10% for EWS candidates.

Q. Does IIM Bangalore offer an international exchange program?

Ans. Yes, IIM Bangalore maintains an active Student Exchange Programme with top universities across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. The institute is also a member of the Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM), comprising 32 leading business schools worldwide.

Placements and Career Opportunities

Q. Does IIM Bangalore offer placements to Executive MBA students as well?

Ans. Yes, Executive MBA (EMBA) students also benefit from IIM Bangalore’s placement support. During EMBA Placement 2021, 61 offers were made for a batch of 73 students, with Consulting and IT services emerging as the top recruiting sectors.

Q. Where do Doctoral Program graduates get placed?

Ans. PhD graduates from IIM Bangalore often pursue academic and research careers in leading universities. Additionally, many find opportunities with multinational corporations, consulting firms, and investment banks that value advanced research expertise.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Q. What scholarships are available at IIM Bangalore?

Ans. IIM Bangalore offers several merit- and need-based scholarships, including:

• Aditya Birla Scholarship: Awarded to the top 25% of first-year students with INR 1.75 lakh each.

• OPJEMS Scholarship: Granted to the top 10 second-year PGP students with INR 1.50 lakh each, selected via an online test by the OP Jindal Group.

• Financial Aid: For PGP students with family income below INR 8 LPA. The aid covers 20% to 100% of tuition based on financial need.