Kerala, often celebrated for its literacy rate, social progress, and serene lifestyle, is quickly emerging as a top destination for management education in South India. With a perfect blend of academic excellence, modern infrastructure, affordable education, and industry integration, Kerala’s best MBA colleges are gaining national attention. Whether you’re looking for IIM-level exposure or affordable private MBA programs, Kerala offers a wide range of choices.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the Best MBA colleges in Kerala, their fees, NIRF rankings, placement packages, ROI, top recruiters, and everything an MBA aspirant must know before applying.
Why Choose Kerala for MBA?
- Home to IIM Kozhikode – A Top IIM in India
- Strong academic ecosystem with a high literacy rate
- Presence of IT parks, tech startups, tourism & manufacturing industries
- Low cost of living and high quality of life
- Safe and inclusive student environment
- Rich exposure to entrepreneurship, sustainability, and global business practices
Best MBA Colleges in Kerala – Full Comparison
1. Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K)
- NIRF 2024 Ranking: 5
- Established: 1996
- Fees: ₹21 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹31.02 LPA
- Highest Package: ₹67.02 LPA
- Top Recruiters: BCG, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Microsoft
- ROI: ★★★★★
IIM Kozhikode is one of the most prestigious IIMs in India. It is renowned for its academic rigor, global case-based pedagogy, and excellent placement records. It’s also a front-runner in gender diversity and innovation in learning.
2. Rajagiri Business School, Kochi
- AICTE Approved | NBA Accredited | Member of AACSB
- Established: 2008
- Fees: ₹6.5 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹5.2 LPA
- Top Recruiters: KPMG, Deloitte, HDFC, EY, ICICI, Asian Paints
- ROI: ★★★★☆
Located in the IT and financial hub of Kakkanad (Kochi), Rajagiri offers a robust MBA curriculum with global exposure programs, dual specializations, and extensive industry tie-ups. It is one of the top private MBA colleges in Kerala.
3. SCMS Cochin School of Business, Kochi
- AICTE Approved | NBA Accredited | ISO Certified
- Established: 1976
- Fees: ₹7.95 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹6 LPA
- Top Recruiters: TCS, Nestlé, Infosys, HDFC Bank, Federal Bank
- ROI: ★★★★☆
SCMS is known for its strong emphasis on quality education, corporate training, and placement assistance. Its reputation in corporate relationship-building makes it a preferred choice among Kerala’s business schools.
4. Amrita School of Business, Kochi (Part of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham)
- NIRF 2024 Ranking: 30 (University Level)
- Established: 2003
- Fees: ₹7 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹6.5 LPA
- Top Recruiters: IBM, Cognizant, Byju’s, EY, Zoho
- ROI: ★★★★☆
Amrita School of Business (ASB) offers a value-based education model, integrating sustainability, leadership, and ethics into the business curriculum. It also provides international exchange programs and excellent industry-academia collaboration.
5. DC School of Management and Technology (DCSMAT), Vagamon & Trivandrum
- AICTE Approved | Affiliated to MG University
- Established: 2002
- Fees: ₹5.7 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹4.5 LPA
- Top Recruiters: KPMG, Federal Bank, Infosys, Deloitte, IBS
- ROI: ★★★☆☆
DCSMAT is a fast-growing management institute known for its focus on entrepreneurship, soft skills, and personality development. With scenic campuses and strong faculty, it’s a great choice for those looking for affordable MBA options in Kerala.
6. Marian International Institute of Management, Kuttikkanam
- AICTE Approved | Affiliated to MG University
- Established: 2005
- Fees: ₹5 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹4.2 LPA
- Top Recruiters: UST Global, ICICI Bank, South Indian Bank, Federal Bank
- ROI: ★★★☆☆
Marian Institute combines value-based learning with academic excellence, and offers good return on investment, especially for students from tier-2 cities in Kerala.
Also read this....
Top 10 MBA Colleges in India
Top MBA Colleges in Chennai
Top MBA Colleges in Delhi
Top MBA Colleges in Mumbai
Top ROI MBA Colleges in Kerala
| College | Fees (₹ Lakhs) | Avg. Package (₹ LPA) | ROI Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Kozhikode | 21 | 31.02 | ★★★★★ |
| SCMS Cochin | 7.95 | 6 | ★★★★☆ |
| Amrita School of Business | 7.0 | 6.5 | ★★★★☆ |
| Rajagiri Business School | 6.5 | 5.2 | ★★★★☆ |
| DCSMAT | 5.7 | 4.5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Marian International Institute | 5.0 | 4.2 | ★★★☆☆ |
Top Companies Hiring MBA Graduates from Kerala
Kerala’s B-schools enjoy corporate linkages with top Indian and multinational companies:
- Consulting & Finance: Deloitte, EY, KPMG, HDFC, ICICI, Federal Bank
- IT & Tech: Infosys, TCS, IBM, Cognizant, Wipro, UST Global
- FMCG & Retail: Nestlé, Asian Paints, Amul, Reliance Retail
- Startups & E-commerce: Byju’s, Flipkart, Practo, Zoho
Most Popular MBA Specializations in Kerala
- Finance
- Marketing Management
- Human Resource Management (HRM)
- Operations & Supply Chain
- Business Analytics
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Tourism & Hospitality Management (emerging in Kerala)
Admission Process for MBA Colleges in Kerala
Best MBA colleges in Kerala admit students based on national or state-level exams.
Accepted Entrance Exams
| College | Entrance Exams Accepted |
|---|---|
| IIM Kozhikode | CAT |
| Rajagiri Business School | CAT, MAT, CMAT, KMAT |
| SCMS Cochin | CAT, MAT, CMAT, KMAT |
| Amrita School of Business | CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT |
| DCSMAT | CAT, CMAT, KMAT |
| Marian Institute | KMAT, CMAT, MAT |
Selection Process Includes:
- Entrance Score
- Academic Records
- GD/PI or WAT
- Work Experience (if any)
- Personality Test & Communication Skill Check
Kerala’s Edge: A Niche Yet Powerful MBA Destination
- Kerala is an emerging tech and tourism hub, making it ideal for specialized MBAs in analytics, sustainability, and hospitality.
- Cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kozhikode are developing fast with new SEZs, IT parks, and startup ecosystems.
- Affordable living with great weather, cultural richness, and a peaceful learning atmosphere.
- Several colleges offer student exchange programs and research-driven teaching pedagogy.
Conclusion – Which is the Best MBA College in Kerala for You?
| Goal | Best College |
|---|---|
| Highest ROI & Global Exposure | IIM Kozhikode |
| Affordable MBA + Decent Placement | Rajagiri / SCMS / Amrita |
| Entrepreneurship & Value Focused | DCSMAT / Marian International |
| Tech & Analytics Specialization | Amrita School of Business |
| Safe & Student-Friendly Campus | Any Top 6 Mentioned Above |
Pursuing an MBA from Kerala offers a blend of quality education, industry connect, and personal growth, making it one of India’s hidden gems for management studies.