Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is not only known for its rich cultural heritage but is also rising as an emerging education and corporate hub. With prestigious institutions, dynamic job opportunities, and cost-effective living, it has become a top choice for MBA aspirants in North India. From elite government-run IIM to leading private B-schools, the city offers a blend of affordable MBA programs and high placement packages.
In this detailed SEO-optimized guide, we provide comprehensive insights into the Top MBA Colleges in Lucknow, along with fees, placement records, ROI, top recruiters, rankings, and everything that matters for an MBA student in 2025.
Why Choose Lucknow for an MBA in 2025?
- Home to IIM Lucknow, one of the top 4 IIMs in India
- Rapidly expanding corporate and startup ecosystem
- Excellent connectivity via airport, rail, and national highways
- Affordable cost of living and education
- Growing presence of BFSI, IT, Retail, Pharma, and Consulting firms
Top 10 MBA Colleges in Lucknow [Updated 2025 List]
1. Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow)
- NIRF Ranking 2024: 6
- Established: 1984
- Program: PGP, PGP-SM, IPMX
- Fees: ₹20.75 Lakhs (PGP – 2 Years)
- Average Package: ₹32.2 LPA
- Highest Package: ₹1.1 CPA (International)
- Top Recruiters: BCG, Bain, McKinsey, Microsoft, Amazon, Goldman Sachs
- ROI: ★★★★★
IIM Lucknow is one of the top four IIMs in India and a dream destination for management aspirants. With an excellent track record in placements, research, leadership programs, and global exposure, it consistently ranks among the top B-schools in Asia.
2. Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow
- AICTE Approved | NBA Accredited | NAAC ‘A’ Grade
- Established: 1995
- Program: PGDM
- Fees: ₹10.45 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹7.6 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Deloitte, HCL, Colgate-Palmolive, ICICI Bank, EY
- ROI: ★★★★☆
A part of the prestigious Jaipuria group, the Lucknow campus offers industry-relevant PGDM programs, known for excellent faculty, live projects, and international tie-ups. Its focus on industry integration, personality development, and employability make it a top pick.
3. Institute of Management Sciences (IMS), University of Lucknow
- Public University | UGC Approved | NAAC A++
- Established: 2001
- Program: MBA (Full-time & Self-Financed)
- Fees: ₹1.4 Lakhs – ₹3.2 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹5.2 LPA
- Top Recruiters: TCS, Axis Bank, Wipro, HDFC Bank, Amazon
- ROI: ★★★★☆
IMS Lucknow University provides MBA education at an exceptionally low cost with decent placement opportunities, making it a high-ROI institute. It offers specializations in Finance, Marketing, HR, and IB with strong academic backing and industry exposure.
4. Amity University, Lucknow Campus
- UGC Approved | NAAC A+ | AICTE Recognized
- Established: 2004
- Program: MBA
- Fees: ₹7.2 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹6.0 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Wipro, Infosys, Accenture, IBM, Kotak Mahindra
- ROI: ★★★☆☆
Amity University Lucknow is known for its world-class infrastructure, innovation-driven learning, and global linkages. It offers over 10+ MBA specializations and conducts international immersion programs, corporate internships, and live case projects.
5. Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University (SRMU)
- Private University | AICTE & UGC Approved
- Established: 2012
- Program: MBA & MBA Dual Specialization
- Fees: ₹2.8 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹4.5 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Tech Mahindra, TCS, HCL, ICICI Prudential
- ROI: ★★★★☆
SRMU provides affordable MBA programs with dual specialization in areas like Business Analytics, Retail, Finance, HR, and Marketing. Its placement assistance, industry collaborations, and faculty support make it a top choice for value-seeking students.
Top 10 MBA Colleges in Lucknow – ROI Comparison 2025
| College Name | Fees (₹ Lakhs) | Avg. Package (₹ LPA) | ROI Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Lucknow | 20.75 | 32.2 | ★★★★★ |
| Jaipuria Lucknow | 10.45 | 7.6 | ★★★★☆ |
| IMS Lucknow Univ | 1.4 – 3.2 | 5.2 | ★★★★☆ |
| Amity Lucknow | 7.2 | 6.0 | ★★★☆☆ |
| SRMU | 2.8 | 4.5 | ★★★★☆ |
Top Recruiters Hiring from Lucknow MBA Colleges
- Consulting & Strategy: McKinsey, Bain, BCG, PwC, EY, Deloitte
- Finance & Banking: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI, Kotak Mahindra, Axis Bank
- IT & Tech: Amazon, Infosys, Wipro, TCS, IBM, Capgemini
- FMCG & Retail: Colgate-Palmolive, HUL, Dabur, Big Bazaar, Spencer’s
- EdTech & Startups: BYJU’s, upGrad, Practo, UrbanClap
- Manufacturing & Real Estate: Jindal Steel, Tata Projects, DLF
Popular MBA Specializations Offered in Lucknow
- Marketing & Sales Management
- Finance & Financial Services
- Human Resource Management (HRM)
- Business Analytics & Data Science
- Retail & Supply Chain Management
- International Business (IB)
- Entrepreneurship & Family Business
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Entrance Exams Accepted for MBA Admissions in Lucknow
| Institute | Accepted Exams |
|---|---|
| IIM Lucknow | CAT |
| Jaipuria Lucknow | CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT |
| IMS Lucknow University | CAT, MAT, CMAT, University Entrance |
| Amity University Lucknow | CAT, MAT, Amity Entrance |
| SRMU | CAT, MAT, CMAT, SRMUAT |
Unique Benefits of Studying Top 10 MBA Colleges in Lucknow
- Cultural Capital of India – offers holistic development in both corporate and interpersonal skills
- Affordable PG accommodations & student-friendly cost of living
- Excellent student-faculty ratio and research focus
- Regular industry meets, startup fairs, conclaves, and seminars
- Proximity to Delhi-NCR, Kanpur, and Varanasi for job opportunities
- Rising Tech & EdTech startup scene backed by UP Government schemes
Final Take – Which Lucknow MBA College Is Right for You?
| Student Goal | Recommended College |
|---|---|
| Top-tier MBA + Global Recruiters | IIM Lucknow |
| Balanced Cost + Good Placement | Jaipuria Institute / IMS Lucknow |
| Budget MBA + Decent ROI | SRMU / IMS LU |
| International Exposure + Facilities | Amity Lucknow |
| Specialization Flexibility | Jaipuria / Amity / SRMU |
Tips for MBA Aspirants Applying to Lucknow Colleges
- Start CAT/CMAT preparation early for top-tier colleges
- Shortlist colleges based on ROI, specialization, and corporate exposure
- Attend college webinars, alumni talks, and campus visits if possible
- Build your profile with internships, volunteering, and certifications
- Focus on communication and group discussion (GD) skills
Lucknow has evolved into a thriving MBA education hub, offering everything from elite placements to value-for-money programs. Whether you dream of getting into IIM Lucknow or are looking for a cost-effective private MBA, this city has something for everyone.