Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is not only a hub for automobile and IT industries but also a rapidly growing destination for management education. Home to some of India’s most reputed MBA and PGDM institutes, the city offers a rich ecosystem of corporate exposure, industry-connect programs, and affordable MBA education. If you’re planning to pursue an MBA in Chennai, this article presents an in-depth guide to the top 10 MBA colleges in Chennai, including fees, placements, ROI, rankings, admission exams, and top recruiters.
Why Pursue MBA in Chennai?
- Home to Top-tier B-Schools like IIT Madras DoMS, Great Lakes, and Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA).
- Major industrial & IT hub, offering real-world corporate learning.
- Affordable cost of living and better ROI compared to other metros.
- Access to global companies with regional headquarters in Chennai.
Top 10 MBA Colleges in Chennai – Comprehensive Details
1. Department of Management Studies (DoMS), IIT Madras
- NIRF 2024 Ranking: 10
- Established: 2004
- Fees: ₹11.5 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹18.2 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Amazon, Accenture, McKinsey, Deloitte, Cognizant
- ROI: ★★★★★
IIT Madras DoMS is ranked among the top government MBA institutions in India. It blends technical edge with management skills, offering a rigorous curriculum, excellent industry exposure, and outstanding placements.
2. Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
- NIRF 2024 Ranking: 31
- Established: 2004
- Fees: ₹12.9 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹14.5 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Infosys, Dell, Deloitte, EY, HCL, Accenture
- ROI: ★★★★☆
Great Lakes is known for its 1-year and 2-year PGDM/MBA programs. It has consistently delivered high placements and is among the top B-schools in South India offering strong industry immersion programs.
3. Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA), Chennai
- NIRF 2024 Ranking: 86
- Established: 1979
- Fees: ₹15.2 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹11.2 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Asian Paints, HDFC Bank, ICICI, ZS Associates, KPMG
- ROI: ★★★★☆
LIBA, a Jesuit-run B-school, stands out for its ethics-based education, excellent faculty, and diverse specializations. It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious private MBA colleges in South India.
4. Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR), Krea University
- NIRF 2024 Ranking: 51
- Established: 1970
- Fees: ₹14.56 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹10.8 LPA
- Top Recruiters: JP Morgan, Barclays, Deloitte, IBM, HDFC, EY
- ROI: ★★★★☆
IFMR GSB is popular for its finance-focused curriculum and is backed by Krea University. It offers a research-driven, interdisciplinary learning experience.
5. SRM School of Management, SRM Institute of Science and Technology
- NIRF 2024 Ranking: Not Ranked
- Established: 1994
- Fees: ₹5 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹5.5 LPA
- Top Recruiters: TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Capgemini, Tech Mahindra
- ROI: ★★★★☆
SRM School of Management offers an MBA with an industry-relevant curriculum, live projects, and decent ROI. It’s a good option for students looking for affordable private MBA colleges in Chennai.
6. VIT Business School (VITBS), Chennai
- NIRF 2024 Ranking: Not Ranked
- Established: 1994
- Fees: ₹7.02 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹6.3 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Infosys, HCL, Cognizant, EY, Amazon
- ROI: ★★★★☆
VITBS is part of the reputed VIT University and offers MBA with a strong focus on technology, data-driven decision-making, and experiential learning.
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Best ROI MBA Colleges in Chennai
| Institute | Fees (₹ Lakhs) | Avg. Package (₹ LPA) | ROI Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| DoMS IIT Madras | 11.5 | 18.2 | ★★★★★ |
| Great Lakes | 12.9 | 14.5 | ★★★★☆ |
| LIBA | 15.2 | 11.2 | ★★★★☆ |
| IFMR GSB | 14.56 | 10.8 | ★★★★☆ |
| SRM School of Management | 5.0 | 5.5 | ★★★★☆ |
| VIT Business School | 7.02 | 6.3 | ★★★★☆ |
Top Companies Hiring MBA Graduates in Chennai
Chennai, as a major IT, Auto, and Financial Hub, offers extensive placement opportunities in various sectors including:
Top Recruiters by Sector:
- IT & Consulting: Infosys, Cognizant, Wipro, Capgemini, Accenture, TCS
- Finance & Banking: HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, ICICI, Barclays, Standard Chartered
- E-commerce & Retail: Amazon, Flipkart, BigBasket, Reliance Retail
- Automobile & Manufacturing: Hyundai, Ashok Leyland, TVS Motors, Ford India
- Analytics & Research: ZS Associates, MuSigma, NielsenIQ
Popular MBA Specializations in Chennai
- Finance & Accounting
- Marketing Management
- Human Resource Management (HRM)
- Operations & Supply Chain
- Business Analytics & Data Science
- International Business
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Admission Process – How to Get into Top 10 MBA Colleges in Chennai
Most top B-schools in Chennai accept national-level exams and have their own selection process:
| College | Accepted Exams |
|---|---|
| IIT Madras DoMS | CAT |
| Great Lakes | CAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT |
| LIBA | CAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT, MAT |
| IFMR GSB | CAT, XAT, NMAT, GRE, GMAT |
| SRM | SRMJEEE (PG), MAT, CMAT, CAT |
| VITBS | VITEEE MBA, CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT |
Shortlisting Criteria:
- Entrance Exam Score
- Academic Background
- Work Experience (if any)
- GD/PI Performance
- SOP & Extra-curriculars
Chennai as an Ideal City for MBA Students
- Ranked among the safest cities in India for students.
- Offers vast internship opportunities due to the IT corridor and industrial belts.
- Affordable accommodation and student-friendly environment.
- Several colleges offer international exchange programs and incubation centers for startups.
Conclusion: Choose the TOP 10 MBA College in Chennai for Your Career Goals
- For high ROI and global recognition, choose IIT Madras DoMS.
- For a power-packed PGDM with strong placement, opt for Great Lakes.
- For ethics-driven management education, LIBA is a solid choice.
- Looking for finance-focused education? Go for IFMR GSB.
- If budget is your concern with decent ROI, explore SRM or VITBS.
Chennai’s MBA landscape offers everything—from world-class institutes to emerging B-schools—at competitive costs with great exposure. Make a data-driven decision and invest in your future wisely.