Overview
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) is one of India's premier business schools, established in 1984. Located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, the institute operates on a spacious 195-acre campus that provides an ideal environment for management education and research. As a government-backed institution approved by the UGC, IIM Lucknow has earned recognition both nationally and internationally as a center for business excellence and thought leadership.
The institute is accredited by AACSB International, one of the world's leading business school accreditation bodies, reflecting its commitment to global standards of management education. Additionally, it holds NAAC A++ accreditation, confirming its academic excellence and quality assurance. IIM Lucknow offers comprehensive management programs designed to develop skilled and ethical business leaders. The curriculum integrates rigorous academic coursework with practical case study methodology, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical business acumen. With a student body of approximately 900 students and a faculty of 90 experienced educators, the institute maintains an optimal learning environment that encourages intellectual discourse and mentorship.
Campus life at IIM Lucknow is vibrant and inclusive, with state-of-the-art facilities supporting academic and extracurricular pursuits. The institute provides hostel accommodations for eligible students, computer labs equipped with modern software, a comprehensive library with extensive resources, sports complexes, and cultural centers. The diverse student community, drawn from across India and internationally, creates a multicultural learning environment that enriches the overall educational experience. The institute's commitment to research and innovation is evident through its dedicated research centers and regular academic publications.
IIM Lucknow maintains strong placement support through its dedicated career services department, facilitating connections between graduates and leading national and international organizations across various sectors. Alumni of the institute have established themselves in prominent roles across consulting, finance, technology, entrepreneurship, and public sectors. The strong alumni network serves as a valuable resource for current students and recent graduates. Overall, IIM Lucknow continues its legacy of producing competent and responsible business leaders while contributing to management knowledge and practice.
Courses Offered
IIM Lucknow Launches New Executive MBA Programme Focused on Digital Supply Chain
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow announced the launch of its Executive MBA in Digital Supply Chain Management, set to commence with the July 2026 cohort. The 15-month blended programme is designed for mid-to-senior professionals in manufacturing, logistics, and e-commerce sectors and will be delivered across weekend modules at the Noida campus and the main Lucknow campus.The curriculum integrates coursework in AI-driven demand forecasting, blockchain for supply chain transparency, and sustainability-focused procurement, developed in collaboration with industry partners including Mahindra Logistics and Flipkart Commerce University.
09 Jan 2026
Courses, Fees & Rankings at a Glance
IIM Lucknow's portfolio spans a flagship MBA, an experienced-professional Executive MBA, the new undergraduate BS in AI and Business Analytics, and doctoral routes (PhD and FPM). The table below summarises each flagship programme with its duration, indicative total fee and the institute's headline rank, so you can compare options at a glance before opening the detailed course tabs. All fees are total programme fees as recorded for the latest cycle; the rank shown is IIM Lucknow's best recent national standing in NIRF Management.
Reading across the table, the flagship MBA at ₹20.75 Lakh over two years is the most sought-after route and carries the institute's strongest rank legacy (#3 in 2024). The one-year Executive MBA at ₹26.25 Lakh targets candidates with five-plus years of experience via GMAT or GRE, while the doctoral PhD at just ₹2.50 Lakh reflects the heavily subsidised, research-funded nature of that track. The newest entrant, the ₹20.00 Lakh BS in AI and Business Analytics, opens IIM Lucknow to Class 12 PCM students for the first time. For module-level fees, seats and eligibility, use the detailed Courses and Fees tabs on this page.
| Programme | Duration | Indicative Total Fee | Entrance Exam | Institute's Top Rank |
|---|
| MBA (flagship PGP) | 2 years | ₹20.75 Lakh | CAT | NIRF Management #3 (2024) |
| Executive MBA | 1 year | ₹26.25 Lakh | GMAT / GRE | NIRF Management #5 (2025) |
| BS in AI & Business Analytics | 4 years | ₹20.00 Lakh | JEE Advanced | New UG programme (2026-27) |
| PhD | 5 years | ₹2.50 Lakh | CAT / GATE / GRE / GMAT / UGC-JRF | Institute of National Importance |
| Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) | 4.5 years | Refer to official source | CAT / GMAT / GRE / GATE | Doctoral research |
MBA programme variants and eligibility
IIM Lucknow's two-year MBA is offered with the same ₹20.75 Lakh fee across multiple admission tracks, all requiring a valid CAT score. The standard track needs a bachelor's degree; a dedicated agri-business track accepts a bachelor's in agriculture or allied fields; and a work-experience track requires a minimum of two years of professional experience alongside a valid CAT score. The Executive MBA (₹26.25 Lakh, 1 year) instead requires a bachelor's degree, at least five years of experience and a GMAT or GRE score. The Fellow Programme in Management (FPM, 4.5 years) admits candidates with a master's degree (minimum 55% aggregate), a 4-year bachelor's or engineering degree (65%), or CA/ICWA/CS (55%), supported by a valid GATE/GRE/GMAT or UGC/CSIR JRF score.
What courses does IIM Lucknow offer?
IIM Lucknow offers a two-year MBA (flagship PGP, multiple tracks including agri-business and work-experience), a one-year Executive MBA, a new 4-year BS in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics, a 5-year PhD, and a 4.5-year Fellow Programme in Management (FPM). It has also introduced a Tech MBA and an integrated 5-year BS + Tech MBA pathway. Admission exams span CAT for the MBA and doctoral routes, GMAT/GRE for the Executive MBA, and JEE Advanced for the new BS programme.
IIM Lucknow Courses & Fees 2026
Bachelor degree with valid CAT score
Bachelor degree in agriculture/allied fields with valid CAT score
Bachelor degree, min 2 years work experience, valid CAT score
Bachelor degree, min 5 years work experience, GMAT/GRE
10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and qualified JEE Advanced (BS in AI & Business Analytics)
Master degree with CAT/GATE/GRE/GMAT/JRF
+ 1 more courses. See all
| Course | Duration | Total Fees | Eligibility |
|---|
| MBA Full Time | 2 Years | ₹2,075,000 | Bachelor degree with valid CAT score |
| MBA - Food and Agribusiness Management Full Time | 2 Years | ₹2,075,000 | Bachelor degree in agriculture/allied fields with valid CAT score |
| MBA - Sustainable Management Full Time | 2 Years | ₹2,075,000 | Bachelor degree, min 2 years work experience, valid CAT score |
| Executive MBA Part Time | 1 Years | ₹2,625,000 | Bachelor degree, min 5 years work experience, GMAT/GRE |
| B.Sc Full Time | 4 Years | ₹2,000,000 | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and qualified JEE Advanced (BS in AI & Business Analytics) |
| PhD Full Time | 5 Years | ₹250,000 | Master degree with CAT/GATE/GRE/GMAT/JRF |
Programme-wise Admission Overview
Candidates aspiring for MBA admission at IIM Lucknow must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates). The degree should be recognized by the Government of India. Candidates appearing in their final year of Bachelor's programme are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of degree completion before the stipulated deadline.
CAT (Common Admission Test) score is mandatory for all applicants. Candidates must achieve the minimum percentile cutoff set by IIM Lucknow, which typically varies based on category and program. While not strictly required, relevant work experience can strengthen the application profile during the Personal Interview stage.
PGDM program candidates follow the same eligibility criteria as MBA. Applicants from all academic backgrounds-engineering, commerce, humanities, and sciences-are encouraged to apply. Meeting the academic eligibility does not guarantee admission; final selection is based on overall merit including CAT performance, academic record, work experience (if any), and interview performance.
| Level | Programmes | Entrance Exam(s) | Eligibility |
|---|
| Postgraduate (2) | MBA, Executive MBA | CAT, GMAT, GRE | Bachelor degree with valid CAT score |
| Doctoral / Research (1) | PhD | CAT, GATE, GRE, GMAT, UGC-JRF | Master degree with CAT/GATE/GRE/GMAT/JRF |
Fees
What is the total fee at IIM Lucknow?
The flagship two-year MBA at IIM Lucknow costs approximately ₹20.75 Lakh in total. The one-year Executive MBA is ₹26.25 Lakh, the new 4-year BS in AI and Business Analytics is around ₹20.00 Lakh, and the 5-year PhD is a heavily subsidised ₹2.50 Lakh. Fees vary by programme and admission cycle, so verify the latest figure on the official IIM Lucknow website before applying. The MBA fee applies equally across the standard, agri-business and work-experience admission tracks.
Admission Process
Placement & Admission Snapshot
In its 2026 placement cycle, IIM Lucknow recorded an average package of ₹33.20 LPA, a median of ₹32.90 LPA and a highest package of ₹1.00 Cr - the strongest averages in its recent history. Admission to the flagship MBA is strictly entrance-based through CAT, followed by Written Ability Test and Personal Interview rounds, while the new BS programme admits through JEE Advanced. The table below tracks the placement trend across four cycles so you can see how packages and recruiter participation have moved year on year.
The trend is clearly upward: the average package rose steadily from ₹30.00 LPA in 2024 to ₹32.30 LPA in 2025 and ₹33.20 LPA in 2026, while recruiter participation grew from 250 companies (634 offers) in 2024 to 260 companies (650 offers) in 2025. The 100% placement record held firm across 2023, 2024 and 2025, and the ₹1.00 Cr highest package in both 2023 and 2026 shows the ceiling for top performers. For an applicant, the message is consistency - strong, rising medians backed by full placement, with consulting and finance leading the recruiter mix at firms like Accenture, Deloitte, PwC, BCG, McKinsey and Bain & Company.
| Year | Average Package | Median Package | Highest Package | Placed | Offers / Companies |
|---|
| 2026 | ₹33.20 LPA | ₹32.90 LPA | ₹1.00 Cr | - | - |
| 2025 | ₹32.30 LPA | ₹30.00 LPA | ₹75.00 LPA | 100.00% | 650 offers / 260 companies |
| 2024 | ₹30.00 LPA | ₹27.00 LPA | ₹65.00 LPA | 100.00% | 634 offers / 250 companies |
| 2023 | ₹32.23 LPA | ₹30.00 LPA | ₹1.00 Cr | 100.00% | 556 offers / 200 companies |
Is admission to IIM Lucknow merit or entrance based?
Admission to IIM Lucknow is entrance based. The flagship MBA admits through a valid CAT score, followed by Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds. The Executive MBA requires a GMAT or GRE score plus a minimum of five years of work experience, while doctoral programmes accept CAT/GATE/GRE/GMAT or UGC-JRF. The new 4-year BS in AI and Business Analytics admits exclusively through JEE Advanced scores, making every IIM Lucknow programme competitive and exam-driven rather than purely merit-list based.
Application Process
- 1 Register for the CAT (Common Admission Test) entrance exam and submit application during notification period
- 2 Appear for CAT entrance exam conducted by IIMs
- 3 Meet the minimum CAT percentile cutoff and get shortlisted by IIM Lucknow
- 4 Participate in Group Discussion (GD) round to assess communication and analytical skills
- 5 Attend Personal Interview (PI) with admissions panel to evaluate profile and motivation
- 6 Submit final selection based on CAT score, GD, PI performance, and academic profile
- 7 Complete document verification and fulfill admission requirements
- 8 Register for the program and complete fee payment to confirm admission
Important Dates
View all admission dates →
| Event | Programme | Date |
|---|
| CAT Notification Release | MBA, PGDM | July 2026 |
| CAT Application Registration Deadline | MBA, PGDM | September 2026 |
| CAT Entrance Exam Date | MBA, PGDM | November 2026 |
| CAT Results Announcement | MBA, PGDM | January 2027 |
| Shortlist Announcement | MBA, PGDM | January 2027 |
Cutoffs
IIM Lucknow Cutoff 2023
Top cutoff closing ranks and scores.
| Exam | Year | Cutoff Score |
|---|
| CAT | 2023 | 97.00 |
Placements
IIM Lucknow Placement Season 2025: Average Package Rises to ₹32.8 LPA
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow concluded its flagship PGP batch placement season for 2025 with an average domestic package of ₹32.8 lakh per annum, marking a 6.2% increase over the previous year.
IIM Lucknow Placements 2026
Highest Package
₹1.00 Cr
Average Package
₹33.20 LPA
Median Package
₹32.90 LPA
Rankings & Accreditation
IIM Lucknow Retains AACSB Accreditation, Joins Elite 6% of Global B-Schools
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow has successfully completed its AACSB continuous improvement review, retaining its international accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The renewal, confirmed in January 2026, places IIM Lucknow among fewer than 6% of business schools globally to hold this distinction.The AACSB review panel commended the institute's research output, faculty qualifications, and alignment between its PGP, PGP-ABM, and Executive Education programmes with global management standards.
18 Nov 2025
What is the NIRF and NAAC status of IIM Lucknow?
IIM Lucknow was ranked #3 in NIRF Management 2024 (score 85.90) and #5 in NIRF Management 2025 (score 77.97). It also placed #4 in QS India MBA 2024 (80.60) and #5 in 2025 (80.30). The institute holds NAAC recognition and, more notably, the triple international accreditation of AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS - a distinction held by only a few Indian business schools - confirming its standing as a globally benchmarked, top-five management institution.
IIM Lucknow Rankings 2025
| Ranking Body | Category | Rank | Score | Year |
|---|
| NIRF | Management | #5 | 78.0 | 2025 |
| QS India | MBA | #5 | 80.3 | 2025 |
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow Key Facts (2026)
The table below is a quick-reference snapshot of IIM Lucknow's founding, status, scale and accreditations as they stand in 2026. It answers the most common first questions an aspirant asks - when was it founded, who approves it, how big is the campus, and where it ranks. Read each row as a single parameter mapped to its current verified detail; the deeper programme, fee and placement numbers follow in later sections.
The takeaway: IIM Lucknow is a mature, fully government-backed institution with national-importance status and globally benchmarked accreditation - a combination very few Indian B-schools can claim. Its top-5 NIRF position confirms it sits firmly in the elite IIM tier, and the 2026 launch of an undergraduate AI degree shows it is actively expanding beyond its traditional postgraduate base.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|
| Established | 1984 (fourth IIM in India) |
| Type | Government, autonomous Institute of National Importance |
| Affiliation / Approvals | IIM Act 2017; degree-granting; NAAC recognised; triple-accredited (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS) |
| Campus Size | Main campus approx. 200 acres at Prabandh Nagar, Lucknow, plus a Noida campus (approx. 20 acres) |
| Total Courses | MBA, Executive MBA, BS (AI & Business Analytics), PhD and Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) |
| NIRF / Ranking Status | NIRF Management #5 in 2025 (77.97); #3 in 2024 (85.90); QS India MBA #5 in 2025 (80.30) |
| Student Strength | Large multi-programme cohort; flagship MBA batch of several hundred students annually |
Recent Updates (2026)
IIM Lucknow has announced a 4-year Bachelor of Science (BS) in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics, its first undergraduate offering. Admission will be through JEE Advanced scores. Aligned with NEP 2020, students can exit after Year 3 with a standard UG degree or complete Year 4 for an Honours degree. Additionally, a Tech MBA and a 5-year integrated BS + Tech MBA pathway have been introduced.
About IIM Lucknow
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) is one of India's premier business schools, established in 1984. Located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, the institute operates on a spacious 195-acre campus that provides an ideal environment for management education and research. As a government-backed institution approved by the UGC, IIM Lucknow has earned recognition both nationally and internationally as a center for business excellence and thought leadership.
The institute is accredited by AACSB International, one of the world's leading business school accreditation bodies, reflecting its commitment to global standards of management education. Additionally, it holds NAAC A++ accreditation, confirming its academic excellence and quality assurance. IIM Lucknow offers comprehensive management programs designed to develop skilled and ethical business leaders. The curriculum integrates rigorous academic coursework with practical case study methodology, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical business acumen. With a student body of approximately 900 students and a faculty of 90 experienced educators, the institute maintains an optimal learning environment that encourages intellectual discourse and mentorship.
Campus life at IIM Lucknow is vibrant and inclusive, with state-of-the-art facilities supporting academic and extracurricular pursuits. The institute provides hostel accommodations for eligible students, computer labs equipped with modern software, a comprehensive library with extensive resources, sports complexes, and cultural centers. The diverse student community, drawn from across India and internationally, creates a multicultural learning environment that enriches the overall educational experience. The institute's commitment to research and innovation is evident through its dedicated research centers and regular academic publications.
IIM Lucknow maintains strong placement support through its dedicated career services department, facilitating connections between graduates and leading national and international organizations across various sectors. Alumni of the institute have established themselves in prominent roles across consulting, finance, technology, entrepreneurship, and public sectors. The strong alumni network serves as a valuable resource for current students and recent graduates. Overall, IIM Lucknow continues its legacy of producing competent and responsible business leaders while contributing to management knowledge and practice.
IIM Lucknow — Frequently Asked Questions
This page is published for informational purposes only. Always verify final details on the official institution website before making academic or financial decisions.
Sources and Verification
Information last reviewed on 25 Jun 2026.
Fees, cutoffs, admission steps, placements, and programme details can change. Always cross-check the latest institutional or authority notice before acting.