Martha Divakar · February 19, 2026 
Introduction
The MBA landscape in India is evolving rapidly, and the spotlight is now shifting to the “Baby IIMs.” These institutes, established in the last decade, are making waves with their fast growth, improved rankings, and rising placement records. For aspirants in 2026, choosing the right IIM is more critical than ever, and Baby IIMs are emerging as a strong alternative to the older, more established names. In this blog, we’ll uncover the latest rankings, placement trends, fees, and admission cutoffs for the fastest-growing Baby IIMs in 2026, and explain why these institutes deserve your attention.
What Are Baby IIMs?
Baby IIMs refer to the newest group of Indian Institutes of Management, set up after 2010. These include IIM Amritsar, IIM Nagpur, IIM Bodhgaya, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Jammu, IIM Visakhapatnam, IIM Kashipur, and IIM Trichy. Unlike Old IIMs (like IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore) and New IIMs (like IIM Ranchi and IIM Raipur), Baby IIMs are characterized by their recent inception, smaller batch sizes, and strong mentorship from older IIMs.
Why Baby IIMs Are Fast-Growing in 2026
Baby IIMs are gaining recognition for several reasons:
- Rising Rankings: In the latest NIRF rankings, several Baby IIMs have secured positions between 23rd and 57th, with IIM Jammu at 41, IIM Nagpur at 43, IIM Amritsar at 51, and IIM Bodhgaya at 53.
- Industry Partnerships: These institutes are forming alliances with leading corporates, resulting in better placement opportunities.
- Mentorship: Most Baby IIMs are mentored by Old IIMs, ensuring quality education and strong academic guidance.
- Affordable Fees: Fees for Baby IIMs range from ₹11.75 lakhs to ₹19.5 lakhs, making them accessible to a broader segment of aspirants.
- Smaller Batch Sizes: With fewer students, Baby IIMs offer a better teacher-to-student ratio, personalized attention, and a more focused learning environment.
Baby IIM Rankings 2026
| IIM Name | NIRF Ranking 2026 | Mentor IIM | Average Package (LPA) | Fees (Lakhs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Jammu | 41 | IIM Lucknow | 16.43 | 17.15 |
| IIM Nagpur | 43 | IIM Ahmedabad | 16.74 | 18.00 |
| IIM Amritsar | 51 | IIM Kozhikode | 14.00 | 19.50 |
| IIM Bodhgaya | 53 | IIM Calcutta | 13.90 | 17.00 |
| IIM Sambalpur | 58 | IIM Indore | 16.63 | 14.00 |
| IIM Sirmaur | 98 | IIM Lucknow | 18.00 | 11.75 |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | 29 | IIM Bangalore | 19.43 | 19.50 |
| IIM Kashipur | 19 | IIM Lucknow | 18.00 | 17.30 |
| IIM Trichy | 22 | IIM Bangalore | 19.43 | 19.50 |
Placement Trends and Salary Packages
Baby IIMs are making impressive strides in placements:
- Average Package: Ranges from ₹14 LPA to ₹20 LPA, with IIM Trichy and IIM Visakhapatnam leading the pack.
- Highest Package: Some Baby IIMs have recorded highest packages up to ₹64 LPA (IIM Jammu, IIM Sambalpur).
- Top Recruiters: Companies like Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Amazon, and HUL are regular recruiters at Baby IIMs.
- Sector Diversity: Graduates are placed across consulting, finance, analytics, operations, and marketing roles.
Fee Structure and ROI
Baby IIMs offer a strong return on investment:
- Fees: Between ₹11.75 lakhs and ₹19.5 lakhs, significantly lower than Old IIMs (₹20.75 lakhs to ₹33.50 lakhs).
- ROI: With average packages ranging from ₹14 LPA to ₹20 LPA, the ROI is attractive, especially for students seeking affordable yet quality MBA education.
Admission Trends and Cutoffs
- CAT Cutoff: Baby IIMs generally require a CAT percentile of 90-96, making them accessible to a wider pool of aspirants compared to Old IIMs (94-99 percentile).
- Selection Process: Besides CAT scores, candidates are evaluated on academic profile, work experience, and performance in Group Discussion and Personal Interview.
How Career Plan B Helps
At Career Plan B, our mission is simple: Right to Quality Education and Career, hence Quality Life!
With over 16 years of expertise, we provide:
- One-on-One Counselling Support – Personalized guidance for your architectural career path
- Career Roadmaps – Strategic plans aligned with your strengths and goals
- Backup Strategies – Alternative options so you never miss opportunities
Have any doubts?
Book your free session today and get all your questions answered!
FAQ Section
Q: What are Baby IIMs?
A: Baby IIMs are the newest group of Indian Institutes of Management, established after 2010, offering quality MBA education with strong mentorship from older IIMs.
Q: Are Baby IIMs worth joining?
A: Yes, with rising rankings, improved placements, and affordable fees, Baby IIMs are a smart choice for aspirants seeking value and quality.
Q: What is the average salary after a Baby IIM?
A: The average salary ranges from ₹14 LPA to ₹20 LPA, with top packages reaching up to ₹64 LPA.
Q: How do Baby IIMs compare to New IIMs?
A: Baby IIMs are generally ranked slightly lower than New IIMs but offer similar placement opportunities and lower fees.
Q: What are the admission cutoffs for Baby IIMs in 2026?
A: Most Baby IIMs require a CAT percentile of 90-96 for admission.
Q: What are the placement trends for Baby IIMs?
A: Placement trends show steady growth, with top recruiters from consulting, finance, and analytics sectors.
Conclusion
The rise of Baby IIMs in 2026 is a game-changer for MBA aspirants in India. With improved rankings, strong placements, and affordable fees, these institutes are becoming a preferred choice for students seeking quality management education. If you’re considering an MBA in 2026, don’t overlook the potential of Baby IIMs. For expert guidance on admissions and career planning, reach out to Career Plan B and unlock your full potential.
