Ritik Kumar · August 3, 2025 
When it comes to pursuing a top MBA program in India, Top MBA Colleges in North India 2024 are setting benchmarks in management education. From the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) to elite private institutions with strong global ties, North India offers a rich variety of B-schools to shape your professional future.
Whether your goal is leadership in the corporate world, launching a startup, or entering the world of consulting, choosing the right institute matters. This comprehensive guide highlights the Top MBA Colleges in North India 2024, curated using the latest NIRF rankings, average placement packages, tuition fees, available specializations, and student success stories.
Table of Contents
Why Choose North India for Your MBA?
North India, especially the Delhi NCR region, is a thriving hub for management education due to:
- Premier Institutes: Home to iconic IIMs, IITs, FMS Delhi, and other B-schools.
- Corporate Connections: Proximity to the headquarters of national and multinational companies aids internships and placements.
- Diverse Peer Community: Students from all parts of India and abroad.
- Urban Exposure: Direct access to Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Chandigarh, and Lucknow’s industrial corridors.
Eligibility for MBA in North India
To apply to top MBA colleges in North India, candidates must meet the following eligibility:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Graduation (minimum 3 years) from a recognized university |
| Minimum Marks | 50% for General (45% for SC/ST/PWD) |
| Final Year Students | Eligible to apply |
| Entrance Exams | CAT, XAT, MAT, GMAT, CMAT, NMAT (varies by college) |
Top MBA Entrance Exams in North India
| Exam Name | Accepted By |
|---|---|
| CAT | IIMs, FMS, MDI, IITs, IMT |
| XAT | XLRI, IMT, LBSIM, FORE |
| MAT / CMAT | Tier-2 and Tier-3 institutes |
| GMAT | ISB, Amity Global, Great Lakes |
| NMAT | NMIMS, Shiv Nadar, UPES |
Note: For most top-tier colleges, CAT 2023 or CAT 2024 scores are mandatory for MBA admission.
Top MBA Colleges in North India 2024
| College Name | Location | Entrance Exam | Fees (Approx) | Avg Placement (2024) | NIRF Rank (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | CAT | ₹19.25 Lakhs | ₹32.2 LPA | Top 5 |
| IIM Rohtak | Haryana | CAT | ₹18.9 Lakhs | ₹18.73 LPA | Top 12 |
| IIM Amritsar | Punjab | CAT | ₹17.3 Lakhs | ₹16.51 LPA | Top 20 |
| Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) | Delhi | CAT | ₹2 Lakhs | ₹34.1 LPA | Top 10 |
| MDI Gurgaon | Haryana | CAT | ₹24 Lakhs | ₹27.67 LPA | Top 15 |
| IMT Ghaziabad | Uttar Pradesh | CAT/XAT | ₹19 Lakhs | ₹17.35 LPA | Top 20 |
| Delhi School of Economics (DSE) | Delhi | CAT | ₹30K | ₹10.5 LPA | Top Govt. |
| FORE School of Management | Delhi | CAT/XAT | ₹17.98 Lakhs | ₹15.1 LPA | Top 30 |
| LBSIM | Delhi | CAT/XAT | ₹13.9 Lakhs | ₹12.42 LPA | Top 40 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (FMS – JMI) | Delhi | CAT | ₹65K | ₹6–8 LPA | Govt. Univ. |
| Amity Business School | Noida | CAT/MAT | ₹12–14 Lakhs | ₹6.5–8 LPA | Pvt. Tier-2 |
| BIMTECH | Greater Noida | CAT/XAT/CMAT | ₹13–15 Lakhs | ₹11.2 LPA | Top 50 |
| Chandigarh University (UIAMS) | Punjab | CUET/Own Exam | ₹7–9 Lakhs | ₹6–7.5 LPA | Emerging |
Note: FMS Delhi is known for offering the best ROI, with fees under ₹2 Lakhs and average packages over ₹34 LPA.
Popular MBA Specializations Offered
Most of the top colleges offer these specializations:
- Marketing
- Finance
- Human Resource Management (HRM)
- Business Analytics
- International Business
- Operations & Supply Chain
- Entrepreneurship
- Information Technology
Some colleges like IIM Lucknow and MDI Gurgaon also offer dual specializations and exchange programs.
Admission Process: How to Get into Top MBA Colleges in North India
Almost all premier colleges have a standardized but competitive four-step admission process:
- Entrance Exam: Most B-schools accept CAT; some accept XAT, CMAT, NMAT, or MAT. IIMs and IITs exclusively use CAT scores.
- Shortlisting: Based on exam scores, academic record, work experience, and diversity.
- Final Selection: Shortlisted candidates appear for Written Ability Tests (WAT), Group Discussions (GD), and Personal Interviews (PI).
- Merit List & Offer: Final composite score (entrance + WAT/GD/PI + academics) used for selection. Provisional offers are rolled out.
Eligibility: A bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST). Final-year undergraduate students can apply provisionally.
Key Features of Top North Indian MBA Colleges
- International Collaborations: Study-abroad modules and dual-degree options.
- Specializations: Analytics, Finance, Marketing, Human Resource, Supply Chain, International Business, and more.
- Industry Exposure: Live projects, summer internships, corporate lectures.
- Vibrant Student Life: Clubs, events, business fests, and entrepreneurship cells.
Placement Trends 2024 (Highlights)
| College | Highest CTC | Top Recruiters |
|---|---|---|
| IIM Lucknow | ₹65 LPA | BCG, Amazon, Accenture, HUL |
| FMS Delhi | ₹85 LPA | Bain, McKinsey, ITC, EY |
| MDI Gurgaon | ₹60 LPA | Deloitte, PwC, Tata, Reckitt |
| IMT Ghaziabad | ₹34 LPA | Microsoft, KPMG, HSBC |
| IIM Amritsar | ₹25.6 LPA | Cognizant, Axis Bank, Vedanta |
Tips for Aspiring MBA Students
- Start Early: Prepare for the CAT and other exams at least 9-12 months in advance.
- Profile Building: Gain extracurriculars, internships, and leadership exposure.
- Research Colleges: Check curriculum, faculty, alumni, and placement records before applying.
- Stay Updated: Follow official college and exam websites for announcements.
How to Choose the Right MBA College
Check the following factors:
- Accreditation (AICTE, UGC, AACSB, AMBA)
- Ranking (NIRF, Outlook, Business Today)
- Fees vs. ROI
- Location & Alumni Network
- Specializations & Faculty
- International exposure or exchange programs
- Past placement reports and recruiters
Tip: If you’re looking for affordability + ROI, colleges like FMS Delhi, DSE, and Jamia Millia offer great value. For networking and global roles, consider IIMs and MDI.
FAQs on MBA Colleges in North India
Q: Is work experience compulsory?
A: For most flagship programs, it’s not mandatory (except Executive MBAs), but relevant experience provides an edge in selection and placements.
Q: Are scholarships available?
A: Yes, many institutions offer merit and need-based scholarships for deserving candidates.
Q: What is the application window?
A: Applications usually open in July/August and close by October/November for most colleges accepting CAT scores.
How Career Plan B Can Help You
Career Plan B is your trusted career guidance partner—dedicated to helping students and working professionals make informed career decisions. For MBA aspirants in North India, we offer:
- Fees vs. ROI
- Expert MBA Counseling—helping you choose the right B-school
- CAT/XAT Preparation Strategy—based on topper’s guidance
- B-School Shortlisting Tools—matched to your profile and goals
- Application & Interview Preparation Support—SOPs, GD-PI coaching
- Placement Data and ROI Insights—across 400+ colleges
- Webinars and Mentorship with Top B-School Alumni
Let Career Plan B be your guide as you take this big leap into the world of management education and leadership.
Conclusion
North India is a hub for management education, offering a blend of legacy institutes like IIMs and FMS, as well as modern private universities with global collaborations. Choosing the right MBA college is crucial, not just for your first job but for your long-term growth.
If you’re planning to apply in 2024, now is the time to start your preparation, shortlist your colleges, and align your career vision with the right B-school.
