If you're confused between IIM Kozhikode and IIM Lucknow, then you’re not the only one. These two are usually ranked among India’s best IIMs and are known for their solid academics, industry exposure, and stellar placements.
But choosing the right institute isn’t just about rankings or packages—it’s about where you’ll thrive for the next two years. So the real question is: which one suits your vibe, goals, and learning style better?
In this article, everything is broken down into simple concepts—fees, placements, admission process, recruiters, campus life, and even ROI.
Quick preview? IIM Kozhikode’s MBA will cost you around ₹17.5 lakh, while IIM Lucknowsits at ₹20 lakh. In 2024, IIM Lucknow offers an average placement of ₹32.3 LPA, while IIM Kozhikode offers ₹28.05 LPA. Now let's go into the details and figure out what works best for you.
IIM Kozhikode vs IIM Lucknow – Basic Overview
This table will give you a clean comparison of when each B-school started, where they stand in rankings, and what kind of campus they offer.
Feature | IIM Kozhikode (IIMK) | IIM Lucknow (IIML) |
Established | 1996 | 1984 |
NIRF Rank (2024) | 3rd in Management | 7th in Management |
Location | Kozhikode, Kerala | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh |
Programs | PGP, PGP-BL, Executive, PhD | PGP, PGP-SM, IPMX, PhD |
Campus Size | 112 acres | 185 acres + Noida campus |
So here’s the thing—Lucknow’s been around longer and has a bigger campus (plus that Noida setup), but Kozhikode has climbed the NIRF ranks like a boss.
Admission Process at IIM Kozhikode vs IIM Lucknow
If you’re wondering how they pick students—both go through CAT, interviews, and profile evaluation, but the weightage they give each part is different.
Factor | IIM Kozhikode (IIMK) | IIM Lucknow (IIML) |
CAT Weightage (Final) | 45% | 30% |
PI Weightage | 44% | 40% |
Academic Diversity | Considered | Considered |
Work Experience | Yes | Yes |
WAT | Yes | Yes |
IIMK leans more on your CAT score and academics. IIML, on the other hand, takes a more rounded view—so your interview game and experience could tilt things.
Programs & Course Structure – IIM Kozhikode vs IIM Lucknow
Both schools offer strong core MBA programs, but there are slight differences when it comes to additional offerings and formats.
IIM Kozhikode
- PGP (Flagship MBA)
- PGP in Business Leadership (PGP-BL)
- Executive MBA (Kochi Campus)
- Doctoral Programs
IIM Lucknow
- PGP (Flagship MBA)
- PGP in Sustainable Management (PGP-SM)
- IPMX (1-Year MBA at Noida Campus)
- FPM & Executive Programs
If you’re keen on sustainability or looking for a shorter MBA route, IIM Lucknow has more variety.
IIM Kozhikode vs IIM Lucknow – Fee Structure Comparison
Fees matter—especially when ROI is part of the decision. Here's how much you’ll pay over two years.
Institute | MBA Program Fee (2 Years) |
IIM Kozhikode | ₹17.5 lakh approx. |
IIM Lucknow | ₹20 lakh approx. |
So Kozhikode gives you some breathing room financially, but again—don’t forget to weigh this against the placement figures and long-term value.
Placement Insights – IIM Kozhikode vs IIM Lucknow 2024
Now for the part that makes or breaks it for many—placements. Here’s how both performed this year.
Metric | IIM Kozhikode | IIM Lucknow |
Average CTC | ₹28.05 LPA | ₹32.3 LPA |
Median CTC | ₹27 LPA | ₹31 LPA |
Highest Domestic CTC | ₹72.02 LPA | ₹75 LPA |
Placement Rate | 100% | 100% |
Both IIMs pulled off full placements, but Lucknow has a slight edge in salary numbers. Still, Kozhikode held its own with pretty competitive packages.
IIMK vs IIML – Top Recruiters
Who’s hiring from these schools? Let’s take a look.
IIM Kozhikode
- Accenture Strategy
- BCG
- Deloitte
- Goldman Sachs
- Amazon
- Microsoft
IIM Lucknow
- Bain & Co.
- BCG
- HUL
- TAS
- Flipkart
- Axis Bank
While both schools bring in big names across consulting, tech, and finance—Lucknow does get a bit more visibility in core consulting and leadership roles.
Campus Environment & Student Life
Total vibe check.
IIM Kozhikode sits in the middle of the Western Ghats—it’s green, peaceful, and ideal for people who enjoy scenic views and focus. Lucknow’s campus is bigger and busier, perfect for those who enjoy a fast-paced, event-filled B-school life.
If you want to chill and grind in peace—IIMK. If you want events, clubs, and constant hustle—IIML.
International Exchange & Global Exposure
Thinking global? Here’s how both institutes perform internationally:
Aspect | IIM Kozhikode | IIM Lucknow |
Exchange Programs | 30+ partner institutes | 20+ global schools |
Double Degree | No | Yes (with ESCP Europe) |
Lucknow’s double degree with ESCP is a unique add-on. But if you want wider exchange options, Kozhikode gives you more partners to choose from.
Alumni Network and Brand Perception
Legacy vs momentum.
Lucknow has been around longer, and its alumni are in top leadership roles across sectors. Kozhikode’s network is growing fast—especially in product, analytics, and tech startups. Undoubtedly, both have a high brand value.
Final Thoughts – IIM Kozhikode or IIM Lucknow?
To summarize, IIM Lucknow is the best option for those seeking extensive consulting experience, a structured environment, and access to established networks.
Choose IIM Kozhikode if you want to maximize ROI, enjoy a quieter campus vibe, and are eyeing strong roles in tech, analytics, or product.
Both are brilliant. There’s no wrong answer. Just depends on who you are and how you want to spend the next two years of your life.
Indian Institute of Management (IIMK), Kozhikode Popular Courses
Average Fees
₹11,54,000
Highest Package
₹39 LPA
Admission 2025
View BrochureTop Recruiters
Airtel
AkzoNobel India
American Express
Amul
Asian Paints
axis bank
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BioCon (P)Ltd.
Bosch Ltd
Britannia Industries
CAP Gemini
Citi Bank
Colgate Palmolive India Ltd.
Dabur Pharmaceutical
Deloitte
Deutsche Bank
Dr.Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd
Droege Group
Dun & Bradstreet
Ernst & Young
Edelweiss
Electrolux Kelvinator Ltd.
escorts
essar group
EXL Services
Facebook
Fermenta
FINO
First Source
FLIPKART
Flytxt
Ford India Ltd
Franklin Templeton Investment
Futures First
Gallup India
GE Money
GECF
Genpact
Godrej & Boyce
goldman sachs
Google
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Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Ltd (GSK)
HCCB
HCL Info System
Heinz India Ltd.
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Hewlett-Packard (HP)
Hindustan Unilever Limited
HSBC.
ICRA
Ingersoll Rand
Irevna- CRISIL
ITC
Dainik Jagran
JINDAL POWER AND STEEL
Johnson & Johnson
JPMC
JRG Securities
KALKI COMM. TECHNOLOGIES
Kelloggs
Kotak Mahindra Bank
KPIT Cummins
KPMG India
Kurt Salmon Associate
L’Oreal
L&T Ltd.
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Lafarge (India)
LD Commodities
Marico Industries Ltd.
Maruti
max newyork life
McKinsey & Co
Mediaturf Worldwide
METLIFE
MicroLand
microsoft
MICROSOFT(IT)
Mimo Finance
MindTree
MNYL
morgan stanley
Mother Dairy
MphasiS
MU SIGMA
Muruguppa Group
MXV Consulting
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Naandi Foundation
National Stock Exchange
NCDEX
NDTV
Nestle India
Neudesic
NIIT
Nomura Services India (P) Ltd.
O3 Capital
Ocwen Financial Services
Ogilvy & Mather
Olam International
Oliver Wyman
Omnitech
patni computers
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Pepsico Holdings (I) Pvt. Ltd.
pfizer
Pidilite Industries Ltd.
Polaris Software
power finance corporation
Procter & Gamble
pwc
Ramky Group
Raymond
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Reckitt Benckiser (I) Pvt. Ltd
Reliance Industries Ltd.
ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND
RPG Enterprises
SABMILLER
sail
Sap labs
State Bank of India
SBI Capital Markets Ltd
SEBI
Share Point Frontier
SONY INDIA
standard chartered
Stern Stewart & Co
Syntel
Tata Capital
TATA MOTORS
Tata Steel
TCS
Tech Mahindra
telcon
Texas Instrument
Thomas Cook
Titan Industries
Trilogy
UB Group
Union Bank of India
Usha International
Axis Bank
Vandana International
Viacom
Videocon International
VIP
Wipro Silicon House
WNS Group
Yes Bank
Zee Learn
Zynga
Accenture
BlackRock Services
Credit Suisse Business Analytics
Deloitte
Fidelity
goldman sachs
Hindustan Unilever Limited
JP Morgan
JSW
kpmg
Student's Rating for Indian Institute of Management (IIMK), Kozhikode
Frequently Asked Questions
Which IIM is older?
IIM Lucknow was established in 1984, while IIM Kozhikode came in 1996.
Which is better for consulting?
IIM Lucknow regularly recruits, as do Bain, BCG, and TAS.
What are the average packages for 2024?
₹32.3 LPA at IIM Lucknow and ₹28.05 LPA at IIM Kozhikode.
Are both campuses residential?
Yes. Both IIMK and IIML provide entirely residential MBA programs.
Which has a lower MBA fee?
IIM Kozhikode charges around ₹17.5 lakh, lesser than IIM Lucknow.
Do both offer exchange programs?
Yes, IIML also provides a dual degree with ESCP Europe.
What's student life like in Kozhikode?
Relaxed, scenic, and focused. Consider a peaceful vibe.
Does IIM Lucknow have another campus?
Yes. Their Noida campus is for executive and IPMX programs.
How big is the intake at both IIMs?
Roughly 450–500 students each year.
Who wins in ROI?
IIMK scores slightly higher due to lower fees and decent packages, but both are worth the investment.
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