5 mins | Vaishali Pandey

Top MBA Colleges in Kerala

Kerala is home to over 170 top MBA colleges, including 116 private institutions, 18 government/public colleges, and 3 managed by public-private entities. The most commonly accepted entrance exams for admission to leading MBA colleges in Kerala include CMAT, CAT, KMAT, MAT, and XAT. 

Prominent MBA institutions in the state include IIM Kozhikode, Rajagiri Business School, NIT Calicut,  Rajagiri Centre for Business Studies, and Saintgits Institute of Management, among others.

By the end of the article, you will know:

  1. The top MBA colleges in Kerala, their fees, specialisations, and admission criteria.
  2. The key entrance exams accepted and options for admission without entrance exams.
  3. Placement prospects, salary packages, and how to plan finances for your MBA journey in Kerala.

MBA Colleges in Kerala: Highlights

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a postgraduate degree designed to equip students with skills in business management, leadership, and strategic decision-making. This program helps individuals gain expertise in various domains such as finance, marketing, operations, human resources, and IT systems, making them industry-ready for managerial roles across sectors.

The table below highlights key details about MBA colleges in Kerala, including fees, top institutes, specialisations, and accepted entrance exams.

Details

Description

No. of MBA Colleges in Kerala 

170+

Annual Fees

- INR < 1 lakh: 15 colleges

- INR 1-2 lakh: 24 colleges

- INR 2-3 lakh: 38 colleges

- INR 3-5 lakh: 31 colleges

- INR > 5 lakh: 18 colleges

Top MBA Institutes in Kerala

Saintgits Institute of Management, NIT Calicut, IIM Kozhikode, Rajagiri Centre for Business Studies etc.

Top Specialisations

Accepted Entrance Exams

CAT, KMAT, CMAT, etc

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NIRF Ranking of MBA Colleges in Kerala 

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) assesses higher education institutions across India based on factors such as teaching excellence, research output, graduation results, and more. Below is an overview of the top MBA colleges in Kerala and their rankings.

College Names

NIRF 2022

NIRF 2023

NIRF 2024

IIM Kozhikode 

5

3

3

National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut 

84

75

76

Rajagiri Business School 

74

83

93

Eligibility Criteria for MBA Colleges in Kerala 

Here are the criteria students need to fulfil to get admission to the MBA Colleges in Kerala: 

To secure admission to MBA colleges in Kerala, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: 

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university or institution.

  • Minimum Marks Requirement:
    • General Category: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA in graduation.
    • Reserved Category (SC/ST): A minimum of 45% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA.
  • Final-Year Students: 

Candidates in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply. However, they must provide proof of completing their degree within the specified timeline set by the institution.

Top Entrance Exams Accepted by MBA Colleges in Kerala 

Admission to MBA colleges in Kerala is based on performance in national and state-level entrance exams. Top institutes like IIM Kozhikode and Rajagiri Centre accept scores from exams such as CAT, CMAT, KMAT Kerala, and more.

The table below lists the key entrance exams accepted by MBA colleges in Kerala, along with their expected exam dates for 2025.

Exam Name

Dates

ATMA Exam

Dec '25

KMAT Kerala Exam

TENTATIVE

CAT Exam

Nov '25

MAT CBT Exam

Dec '25

XAT Exam

5 Jan '25

CMAT Exam

25 Jan

Familiarising yourself with the syllabus of entrance exams is the first step to acing them. Explore the syllabus of management entrance exams in detail, such as the CAT Exam syllabus, and ace the test! 

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List of MBA Colleges in Kerala Without Entrance Exam

While most MBA admissions in Kerala are based on entrance exams, several colleges also offer admission without requiring CAT, CMAT, or KMAT scores. These institutions consider factors such as academic performance, personal interviews, and the overall strength of the applicant's profile. This provides an excellent opportunity for students who may not have taken an entrance exam but still wish to pursue an MBA.

Below is a list of MBA colleges in Kerala that admit students without entrance exams, along with their fee range and average salary packages.

S.No.

Top MBA Colleges in Kerala without Entrance Exam

MBA Fees

Average Salary Package (INR)

1

Aligarh Muslim University Malappuram Centre, Malappuram

Rs. 5,87,000

5 to 6 LPA

2

AGBS Kochi

Rs. 3,06,000

3.5 LPA

3

Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth, Ernakulam

Rs. 6,00,000

4 to 5 LPA

4

CHMM College for Advanced Studies, Palayamkunnu

Rs. 1,10,000

5 LPA

5

GIAL Kottayam

Rs. 3,00,000

1.5 to 5 LPA

6

Institute of Management, University of Kerala, Trivandrum

Rs. 1,05,000

3 LPA

7

KMCT Institute of Technology and Management, Malappuram

Rs. 2,40,000

6 LPA

8

Chathankulam Institute of Research and Advanced Studies, Palakkad

Rs. 2,00,000

4 LPA

9

Cardinal Cleemis School of Management Studies, Trivandrum

Rs. 5,00,000

3 to 5 LPA

10

Baselios Mathews II College of Engineering, Kollam

Rs. 3,00,000

3 to 4 LPA

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Top MBA Colleges in Kerala 

Kerala hosts several reputed MBA colleges known for their academic excellence and industry-oriented programs. These institutions offer a range of management specialisations, affordable tuition fees, and strong placement records. Following is a list of the top MBA Colleges in Kerala. 

Government MBA colleges in Kerala

Government MBA colleges in Kerala, like IIM Kozhikode and NIT Calicut, offer quality education at subsidised fees. Admissions are based on exams such as CAT, KMAT, or CMAT, with eligibility typically requiring 50%–60% in graduation.

The following table highlights key details about these colleges, including tuition fees, seat intake, and admission criteria:

College Name

Eligibility Criteria

Entrance Exam

Total Tuition Fee/Seat Intake

IIM Kozhikode 

Minimum 60% aggregate in bachelors

CAT

INR 18 lakh – INR 21 lakh

NIT Calicut 

Minimum 60% aggregate in bachelors

CAT

INR 1 lakh

Seats: 80

Cochin University of Science and Technology 

Minimum 50% aggregate in Bachelors 

KMAT, CMAT, CAT

INR 1 lakh

Seats: 630

Institute of Management in Kerala 

Minimum 50% aggregate in Bachelors 

KMAT, CAT

INR 70,000 – INR 1 lakh

Seats: 105

Semi-Government MBA Colleges in Kerala

Semi-government colleges offer affordable MBA programs with good academic standards. Candidates usually need a minimum of 50% in graduation. Below is a list of top colleges with fee range, seat intake, and eligibility details.

College Name

Total Tuition Fee

Seat Intake

Eligibility Criteria

Rajagiri College of Social Sciences

₹50,000

120

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks

U.C. College

₹2,00,000

40

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks

Private MBA colleges in Kerala

Private MBA colleges in Kerala provide modern infrastructure, diverse specialisations, and strong industry connections. Admissions are based on scores from exams like CAT, MAT, CMAT, and KMAT, with eligibility requiring at least 50% in graduation.

The following table highlights key details about these colleges, including tuition fees, seat intake, and admission criteria:

Private Colleges

Entrance Exam/Eligibility Criteria

Total Tuition Fee/Seat Intake

Rajagiri Centre for Business Studies 

Entrance Exam: CAT, MAT, CMAT, KMAT

UG with a minimum 50% aggregate

INR 8 lakh

Seats: 240

LEAD College of Management Admission

Entrance Exam: CAT, CMAT, KMAT Kerala

Minimum 50% in a Master's programme

INR 8 lakh

Seats: 240

SCMS Cochin School of Business 

Entrance Exam: CAT, MAT, CMAT, KMAT

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 50% aggregate

INR 8 lakh

Seats: 120

Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship Admission

Entrance Exam: CAT, MAT, CMAT, KMAT

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 50% aggregate

INR 10 lakh

Seats: 150

Saintgits Institute of Management Admission

Entrance Exam: CAT, CMAT, KMAT Kerala

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 60% aggregate

INR 4 lakh

Seats: 120

MBA Colleges in Kerala Offering Distance Education

Distance MBA programs in Kerala offer flexible learning options for working professionals and students who cannot attend regular classes. The fee range for distance MBA courses in Kerala varies from as low as INR 24,000 to around INR 3 lakh, depending on the institute and course structure.

The following table highlights key details about these colleges, including tuition fees:

College Names

Total Tuition Fee

ICFAI University 

INR 65,000

University of Kerala, School of Distance Education

INR 82,000

Indian School of Business Management and Administration Kerala, Kochi

INR 24,000 – INR 60,000

EduKart.com

INR 25,000 – INR 3 lakh

Online MBA Colleges in Kerala 

Online MBA programs in Kerala are gaining popularity for their flexibility and accessibility, allowing students to pursue management education from anywhere without compromising on quality. Tuition fees for online MBAs in Kerala vary widely, ranging from around INR 1 lakh to over INR 18 lakh, depending on the college and course features.

The following table highlights key details about these colleges, including tuition fees:

Online MBA Colleges

Tuition Fee

Rajagiri Business School

INR 8 lakh

SCMS School of Business, Cochin

INR 18 lakh

IIM Kozhikode

INR 18 lakh – INR 21 lakh

NIT Calicut

INR 1 lakh

LEAD College of Management

INR 8 lakh

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Regional Overview of MBA Colleges in Kerala

Kerala is home to some of the best MBA colleges, spread across key regions like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and others. Here’s a detailed region-wise breakdown of MBA colleges in Kerala:

MBA Colleges in Kochi

Kochi, also known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," boasts a dynamic mix of traditional and modern MBA institutions.  Below is an overview of some top options:

College Name

MBA/PGDM Seat Intake

Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship

120

Rajagiri Business School

240

SCMS School of Technology and Management (SSTM)

120

MES Advanced Institute of Management and Technology

120

Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) Kochi

185

Albertian Institute of Management

60

Kochi Business School

120

Amrita School of Business, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham – Kochi Campus

60

Bhavan's Royal Institute of Management

60

BMIM – Bharata Mata Institute of Management

60

MBA Colleges in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital, is home to numerous reputed MBA colleges offering a variety of programs. Below is an overview of some top options:

College Name

MBA/PGDM Seat Intake

Rajadhani Business School

120

CH. Mohd. Koya Memorial College for Advanced Studies

60

CHMM College of Advanced Studies

60

LM College of Science and Technology (LMCST)

60

DC School of Management and Technology (DCSMAT) Trivandrum Campus

60

Conspi Academy of Management Studies

60

Mohandas College of Engineering and Technology

60

College of Engineering, Trivandrum

150

Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology

60

Allama Iqbal Institute of Management

60

MBA Colleges in Ernakulam

Ernakulam, a key industrial and commercial hub, offers MBA aspirants quality education and industry exposure. Below is an overview of some top options:

College Name

MBA/PGDM Seat Intake

Adi Shankara Institute of Engineering and Technology

120

TIST – Toc H Institute of Science and Technology

60

MCMAT – Marthoma College of Management and Technology

60

Sree Narayana Gurukulam College of Engineering

120

FISAT – Federal Institute of Science and Technology

90

Marian Academy of Management Studies

120

SNMIMT – Sree Narayana Guru Institute of Science and Technology

120

Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha

120

VJCET – Viswajyothi College of Engineering and Technology

60

CET College of Management, Science, and Technology

38

MBA Colleges in Thrissur

Thrissur is known for its cultural richness and emerging educational landscape. Below is an overview of some top options:

College Name

MBA/PGDM Seat Intake

Nehru College of Engineering and Research Centre (NCERC), Thrissur

60

Sahyadri Institute of Management Studies

60

Nirmala College of Engineering

NA

Nirmala College of Management Studies

120

NBS – Naipunnya Business School

60

KAU – Kerala Agricultural University

40

Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) Kochi

185

Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Thrissur

60

Elijah Institute of Management Studies (ELIMS)

40

Naipunnya Institute of Management and Information Technology

60

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MBA Colleges in Kerala with Placement Opportunities

Placements are a key factor when choosing an MBA program, as they reflect the return on investment and career prospects. Kerala’s top MBA colleges have strong ties with industries, offering excellent placement opportunities and attractive salary packages. Annual median salaries for graduates range from around INR 5 lakh to as high as INR 27 lakh, depending on the college and program.

Below is an overview of placements, median salary packages, and course fees at leading MBA colleges in Kerala.

College Names

Annual Median Package

Total Course Fee

IIM Kozhikode

INR 25 LPA – INR 27 LPA

INR 18 lakh – INR 21 lakh

NIT Calicut MBA

INR 7 LPA

INR 1 lakh

Rajagiri Centre for Business Studies 

INR 5 LPA

INR 2 lakh – INR 7 lakh

SCMS Cochin School of Business MBA

INR 6 LPA

INR 8 lakh

MBA Colleges in Kerala: Top Recruiters and Salary Insights

Top MBA colleges in Kerala boast strong placement records, with graduates receiving lucrative salary offers from reputed companies. Leading recruiters like Amazon, EY, Accenture, and Microsoft actively hire from these institutes, offering packages that reflect the quality of education and training provided.

Below is an overview of the top salaries and prominent recruiters associated with these colleges.

College Name

Top Recruiters

Annual Placement Package

IIM Kozhikode 

Amazon, EY, Capgemini, Myntra, Abbott, Infosys, Microsoft, Ola, etc.

INR 25 LPA – INR 27 LPA

NIT Calicut Placements

Accenture, L&T Infotech, Bain & Company, IBM India Private Limited, etc.

INR 7 LPA

Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship Placements

Royal Enfield, HDFC Bank, IDBI Bank, Oil India Limited, Federal Bank, EY, etc.

INR 10 LPA

SCMS Cochin School of Business Placements

EY, Goldman Sachs, KPMG, TCS, Asian Paints, Accenture, Deloitte, etc.

INR 6 LPA

Deciding the specialisation can be the most crucial part of your MBA Journey! 

Research your preferred specialisation thoroughly before signing up for it. We have many resources that can help students choose. Start with booming courses such as an MBA in Business Management or an MBA in Product Management

MBA Colleges in Kerala with Low Fees 

For students seeking affordable MBA programs in Kerala, several colleges offer quality education at significantly lower tuition fees compared to other institutions. Here’s a list of such colleges with their fee details :

Low-cost Colleges

Total Tuition Fee

Institute of Management in Kerala

INR 70,000

MGU Kerala

INR 38,000 – INR 49,000

University of Calicut

INR 99,000

Rajagiri College of Social Sciences

INR 53,000

Nehru College of Engineering and Research Centre

INR 80,000

Top BBA MBA Integrated Course Colleges list in Kerala

A BBA-MBA integrated course combines undergraduate and postgraduate management studies into a single streamlined program, allowing students to earn both degrees in less time. Several colleges in Kerala offer this option to help students build a strong foundation in business and advance quickly in their careers. 

MBA College Name 

Fees

Shine College of Management & Research

INR 1.3 Lakhs

UEI Global- Trivandrum 

INR 4 Lakhs

Top Specialisations Offered by MBA Colleges in Kerala

Specialisations in MBA Colleges in Kerala

MBA colleges in Kerala offer several popular specialisations to choose from, including Finance, Human Resources, Sales & Marketing, Operations, and IT & Systems.

Here are the specialisations that students can opt for in the MBA Colleges in Kerala: 

Top Specialisations

Number of Colleges

Finance

63

Human Resources

60

Sales & Marketing

58

Operations

37

IT & Systems

36

Wondering which MBA Specialisation will be the right one for your career?  Check out the future-proof MBA specialisations that can help you advance your career. 

It is about time you start preparing for an MBA. While MBA colleges in Kerala can open doors to many new exciting opportunities for students, it is a costly course. Don’t hold back on your dream course or college because of finances! 

Plan the finances for your MBA course ahead of time and focus on your course. Take a student-friendly education loan with minimal paperwork and an easy at-home procedure. A Propelld education loan offers many more benefits. Explore more!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility criterion for MBA admissions in Kerala?

Generally, candidates must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. Specific requirements may vary by college.

Do MBA colleges in Kerala offer scholarships?

Many colleges offer scholarships based on merit, financial need, or specific criteria. It's advisable to check with individual institutions for details.

Is work experience required for admission into MBA colleges in Kerala?

While not mandatory for all colleges, some institutions may prefer candidates with work experience.

What is the duration of MBA programs in Kerala?

Typically, MBA programs in Kerala have a duration of two years.

Are there distance learning MBA programs available in Kerala?

Yes, universities like the University of Kerala offer distance education MBA programs.

What specialisations are available in MBA programs in Kerala?

Common specialisations include Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Operations, and Information Technology.

Do MBA colleges in Kerala offer hostel facilities?

Many MBA colleges in Kerala provide hostel facilities for students, but it's best to confirm with the specific institution.

What specialisations are available in MBA programs in Kerala?

Placement opportunities vary by institution, but top colleges like IIM Kozhikode offer average packages between INR 25 LPA and INR 27 LPA.

What entrance exams are accepted by MBA colleges in Kerala?

Common entrance exams accepted include CAT, CMAT, KMAT Kerala, MAT, and XAT. Specific requirements vary by college.

What is the average fee structure for MBA programs in Kerala?

MBA program fees in Kerala vary widely, ranging from approximately INR 1 lakh to INR 21 lakhs, depending on the institution and program specialisation.