Introduction: What Are Baby IIMs and Why You Should Consider Them
India’s management education has expanded with the rise of Baby IIMs India 2025—newer Indian Institutes of Management established between 2015 and 2020 under the IIM Act. These institutes enjoy the same academic autonomy and degree-granting powers as older IIMs, offering CAT-based admissions, strong curricula, and guidance from mentor IIMs. Baby IIMs deliver government-backed, high-quality management education at relatively lower CAT cutoffs, making them attractive to many MBA aspirants. They combine IIM-brand credibility with accessible entry, robust academics, and promising placements, offering excellent opportunities for those seeking a well-rounded management education in India.
Table of Contents
What This Blog Will Cover
This detailed guide will help MBA aspirants understand:
- What Baby IIMs are and how they differ from Tier-1 IIMs
- Complete list of Baby IIMs (with mentor IIMs)
- Admission process, CAT 2024 cut-offs, and eligibility
- Programs offered (PGP, MBA, and specializations)
- Fees, seat intake, and placement statistics (Batch 2023-24)
- Tips on whether you should choose a Baby IIM over private B-Schools
What Are Baby IIMs?
| Category | Institutes |
|---|---|
| Established IIMs (Older) | IIM A, B, C, L, I, K |
| New IIMs | IIM Rohtak, IIM Ranchi, IIM Raipur, IIM Udaipur, IIM Trichy |
| Baby IIMs | IIM Amritsar, IIM Nagpur, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Visakhapatnam, IIM Nagaland, IIM Shillong (expanded scope) |
List of Baby IIMs in India with Mentor IIMs
| Baby IIM | Established | Location | Mentor IIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Amritsar | 2015 | Punjab | IIM Kozhikode |
| IIM Sirmaur | 2015 | Himachal Pradesh | IIM Lucknow |
| IIM Jammu | 2016 | Jammu & Kashmir | IIM Lucknow |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | 2015 | Bihar | IIM Calcutta |
| IIM Sambalpur | 2015 | Odisha | IIM Indore |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | 2015 | Andhra Pradesh | IIM Bangalore |
| IIM Nagpur | 2015 | Maharashtra | IIM Ahmedabad |
| IIM Ranchi (was Baby IIM) | 2010 | Jharkhand | Now categorized as new-gen IIM |
| IIM Shillong | 2007 | Meghalaya | Operates independently, in transition zone |
Note: Though some IIMs like Shillong started earlier, they’re often grouped due to smaller size and regional focus.
Admission Criteria for Baby IIMs (2025)
➤ Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST)
- Valid CAT 2024 score
- Shortlisted based on CAT percentile + academic profile + gender diversity + work experience
➤ Selection Process:
- Shortlisting for WAT/PI based on composite score
- Final selection = CAT Score + WAT/PI + Academics + Work Experience
➤ CAT 2024 Expected Cut-offs:
| IIM Name | General Cut-off (Expected) |
|---|---|
| IIM Amritsar | 92+ percentile |
| IIM Nagpur | 90+ percentile |
| IIM Sirmaur | 85–87 percentile |
| IIM Jammu | 85–88 percentile |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | 85–88 percentile |
| IIM Sambalpur | 85–90 percentile |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | 85–90 percentile |
Courses Offered by Baby IIMs
Core Program:
- MBA/PGP (2 years full-time): Covers Marketing, Finance, HRM, Operations, Strategy, Analytics
Additional Offerings (Some IIMs):
- Executive MBA (IIM Jammu, IIM Sambalpur)
- PhD/Doctoral Programs (IIM Visakhapatnam, IIM Nagpur)
- Online and Weekend MBAs (Emerging in 2025–26)
Fees Structure (2025 Admission Cycle)
| IIM Name | MBA Program Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| IIM Amritsar | ₹17.3 Lakh |
| IIM Nagpur | ₹18 Lakh |
| IIM Jammu | ₹17.15 Lakh |
| IIM Sirmaur | ₹14.5 Lakh |
| IIM Sambalpur | ₹15.75 Lakh |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | ₹15.5 Lakh |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | ₹17.2 Lakh |
All Baby IIMs offer access to educational loans, and many partner with State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of Baroda.
Seat Intake in Baby IIMs (2025)
| IIM Name | Seats (2025 Expected) |
|---|---|
| IIM Amritsar | 320+ |
| IIM Nagpur | 300+ |
| IIM Jammu | 240+ |
| IIM Sirmaur | 240+ |
| IIM Sambalpur | 180+ |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | 180+ |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | 240+ |
Reservation Policy follows Government of India norms (27% OBC, 15% SC, 7.5% ST, 10% EWS, 5% PwD).
Placement Records of Baby IIMs (2024-2025 Trends)
The Baby IIMs are quickly catching up with the older institutions in terms of placements. They consistently record strong placement seasons, attracting a diverse set of recruiters from various sectors including Consulting, BFSI, IT & Analytics, FMCG, Manufacturing, and E-commerce. The Return on Investment (ROI) from Baby IIMs is generally considered excellent, given their fees.
Here’s an overview of the typical placement trends for the PGPM batches graduating in 2024-2025:
| IIM | Average Placement (2024–25) | Highest Placement (2024–25) | Key Recruiting Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Rohtak | ₹18.73 LPA | ₹36 LPA | Consulting, BFSI, IT, Marketing |
| IIM Ranchi | ₹17.30 LPA | ₹37.8 LPA | IT, Consulting, BFSI, Analytics |
| IIM Raipur | ₹17.70 LPA | ₹43.4 LPA | Consulting, BFSI, IT, Marketing, Operations |
| IIM Trichy | ₹16.70 LPA | ₹43.8 LPA | Consulting, IT, BFSI, Sales & Marketing |
| IIM Udaipur | ₹18.00 LPA | ₹35.04 LPA | Consulting, BFSI, IT, Sales & Marketing |
| IIM Kashipur | ₹18.10 LPA | ₹37 LPA | IT, Consulting, BFSI, HR, Operations |
| IIM Amritsar | ₹16.50 LPA | ₹21 LPA | IT, BFSI, Consulting, Sales & Marketing |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | ₹13.00 LPA | ₹17.5 LPA | IT, Consulting, Marketing, Operations |
| IIM Jammu | ₹16.43 LPA | ₹32 LPA | Consulting, BFSI, IT, Sales & Marketing |
| IIM Sambalpur | ₹13.40 LPA | ₹64.6 LPA | IT, Consulting, BFSI, E-commerce |
| IIM Sirmaur | ₹11.82 LPA | ₹34 LPA | IT, BFSI, Marketing |
Note: Placement figures are approximations based on recent official reports from the IIMs and are subject to change for the 2025 graduating batch. The Highest Placement can vary significantly based on individual offers.
Why Consider a Baby IIM?
- IIM Brand Value: Despite being newer, they carry the prestigious “IIM” tag, which is highly recognized in the corporate world.
- Quality Education: Adherence to the rigorous IIM curriculum standards, experienced faculty (often visiting faculty from older IIMs or industry), and focus on practical learning.
- Strong Placements: Consistently improving placement records with a good ROI, attracting top companies.
- Growing Alumni Network: As more batches graduate, their alumni networks are rapidly expanding and becoming influential.
- Developing Infrastructure: All Baby IIMs have invested heavily in building state-of-the-art campuses with modern facilities.
- Diverse Peer Group: Attracts talented students from various academic backgrounds and parts of the country.
FAQs – Baby IIMs 2025
Q1. Is the IIM degree from Baby IIMs the same as older IIMs?
Yes. All IIMs offer MBA degrees under the IIM Act, irrespective of age.
Q2. Can Baby IIMs match old IIM placements?
Not yet, but the top Baby IIMs are closing the gap rapidly and attracting Tier-1 recruiters.
Q3. Are Baby IIMs better than top private colleges?
Often yes — particularly in terms of brand recognition, degree value, and government support.
Final Words: Your Path to a Baby IIM
If you’re targeting a Baby IIM for your 2025 MBA, here’s what you need to focus on:
- CAT Preparation: Aim for a CAT percentile of 90+ for a comfortable shortlisting chance in the General category.
- Strong Academics: Maintain a good academic record throughout your schooling and graduation.
- Work Experience (if applicable): Highlight your professional achievements and learning.
- Profile Building: Engage in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or take up leadership roles.
- GD/WAT/PI Preparation: Practice your communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Stay updated on current affairs.
The Baby IIMs offer a fantastic opportunity to gain a world-class management education in India. With diligent preparation and a well-rounded profile, your dream of joining an IIM can certainly become a reality!
Need Help With Baby IIM Applications?
At Career Plan B, we provide:
- Personalized shortlisting of IIMs based on CAT profile
- Help with form filling, SOPs, and interview prep
- Expert counseling from IIM alumni
- ROI analysis and admission strategy planning
Book Your Counseling Call Now. Talk to an IIM Mentor Today