Introduction
Every MBA aspirant knows that while the IIMs dominate the spotlight, several non-IIM business schools deliver equally strong academics, corporate exposure, and impressive ROI. The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) serves as a key gateway exam, opening doors to over 600 institutes in India, including reputed names like T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Goa Institute of Management (GIM), and Welingkar Institute of Management (WeSchool). For those targeting admissions in 2025, comparing these institutes becomes essential. This blog breaks down TAPMI vs GIM vs Welingkar MBA 2025, analyzing their unique strengths, fee structures, and placement opportunities so you can make the right choice. With TAPMI vs GIM vs Welingkar MBA 2025 as your focus, you’ll have a clearer roadmap to choose the institute that aligns with your career goals.
TAPMI (T.A. Pai Management Institute), Manipal
Overview:
Established in 1980, TAPMI is among the few B-schools in India with both AACSB and AMBA accreditations. It has built a reputation for rigorous academics and outcome-driven placements, consistently ranking among India’s top 20–25 MBA colleges.
Programs Offered:
- PGDM (General)
- PGDM in Banking & Financial Services
- PGDM in HRM
- PGDM in Marketing
Fee Structure (2025 batch):
- ₹18 Lakhs (approx. for 2 years).
Placement Highlights:
- Average CTC: ₹12–13 LPA
- Highest CTC: ₹24+ LPA (domestic)
- Recruiters: Deloitte, EY, KPMG, Infosys, ICICI Bank, PwC, TCS
- Strong roles in Consulting, BFSI, Analytics, and IT Services
Why Choose TAPMI?
- Excellent alumni network spread across BFSI and Consulting.
- Strong case-based pedagogy modeled on IIMs.
- Robust industry tie-ups for live projects and internships.
- Great campus life in Manipal, fostering peer learning.
For more Details
GIM (Goa Institute of Management), Goa
Overview:
Founded in 1993, GIM is widely respected for its focus on responsible and sustainable management practices. It has carved a niche in Big Data Analytics and Healthcare Management, giving students career opportunities beyond traditional MBA streams.
Programs Offered:
- PGDM (General)
- PGDM in Big Data Analytics
- PGDM in Healthcare Management
- PGDM in Banking, Insurance & Financial Services
Fee Structure (2025 batch): ₹20,40,000 (approx. for 2 years).
Placement Highlights:
- Average CTC: ₹12–13.6 LPA
- Highest CTC: ₹28+ LPA (domestic); ₹60+ LPA (international)
- Recruiters: Amazon, Accenture, Deloitte, Infosys, EY, Cognizant
- Strength in Analytics, Healthcare, IT/ITES, and Consulting
Why Choose GIM?
- Exclusive specializations in Healthcare and Big Data Analytics.
- One of the few B-schools offering international exchange programs.
- Picturesque Goa campus with holistic student experience.
- Rising placement packages with consistent recruiter interest.
Welingkar Institute of Management (WeSchool), Mumbai & Bangalore
Overview:
Part of the S.P. Mandali Trust, Welingkar is known for innovative courses and a strong location advantage. Its flagship campus in Mumbai gives students direct access to India’s financial and corporate hub.
Programs Offered:
- PGDM (General)
- PGDM in E-Business
- PGDM in Business Analytics
- PGDM in Retail Management
- PGDM in Rural & Healthcare Management
Fee Structure (2025 batch):
- ₹14 Lakhs (approx. for 2 years).
Placement Highlights:
- Average CTC: ₹9–10 LPA
- Highest CTC: ₹20+ LPA
- Recruiters: HDFC, PwC, Infosys, Deloitte, Reliance, L&T
- Popular for E-Business, Retail, and Business Analytics placements
Why Choose Welingkar?
- More affordable compared to TAPMI and GIM.
- Mumbai location = better internships and live corporate exposure.
- Industry-focused courses like E-Business and Retail Management.
- Option of Bangalore campus for students preferring South India.
Comparative Analysis: TAPMI vs GIM vs Welingkar
| Criteria | TAPMI | GIM | Welingkar |
| Year Established | 1980 | 1993 | 1977 |
| Fees (Approx.) | ₹18 Lakhs | ₹20,40,000 | ₹14 Lakhs |
| Average Package | ₹12–13 LPA | ₹12–13.6 LPA | ₹9–10 LPA |
| Highest Package | ₹24+ LPA | ₹28+ LPA (₹60 LPA Intl.) | ₹20+ LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Deloitte, EY, ICICI, KPMG | Amazon, Deloitte, Accenture | HDFC, PwC, Reliance |
| Unique Specializations | BFSI, HRM, Marketing | Big Data, Healthcare, BFSI | E-Business, Retail, Analytics |
| Campus Life | Manipal (Residential) | Goa (Residential, Global) | Mumbai (Corporate Exposure) |
| Best Suited For | Consulting, BFSI, Analytics | Data, Healthcare, BFSI | E-Business, Retail, Urban Jobs |
ROI (Return on Investment) Perspective
- TAPMI and GIM: Higher fees but balanced by average placements above ₹12 LPA, making them competitive in ROI.
- Welingkar: Slightly lower average package but more affordable fee structure, hence a safer choice for students mindful of budget.
How Career Plan B Can Help You
Choosing between TAPMI, GIM, and Welingkar is not just about rankings or placements—it’s about fitment with your profile and goals.
At Career Plan B, we help MBA aspirants make the right choice through:
- Personalized Counselling: Detailed profile evaluation to recommend the best-fit B-schools.
- Career & Psychometric Assessments: Match your strengths with the right specialization.
- Application Support: Help with forms, SOPs, essays, and interview preparation.
- Admission Roadmapping: From MAT prep strategies to post-exam guidance, we’re with you till you secure your dream admit.
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is your review of T A Pai Management Institute, Manipal?
Ans. T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal, is a highly regarded management school with a strong reputation for academic rigor and industry-oriented curriculum. It consistently receives positive reviews for its faculty, placements, and overall student experience, reflected in its 4.5-star rating from 244 reviews. The campus offers accessible infrastructure and robust on-site facilities, making it a preferred choice among management aspirants.
Q2. How good is the Goa Institute of Management for MBA?
Ans. Goa Institute of Management (GIM) is widely recognized for its strong academic reputation, practical curriculum, and excellent industry interface. With a high rating of 4.6 from over 300 reviews, GIM offers robust placement opportunities and modern facilities, making it a popular choice for MBA aspirants seeking quality management education in India.
Q3. Is Welingkar Institute of Management good?
Ans. Welingkar Institute of Management is considered a reputable business school, with its Mumbai campus holding a 4.0 rating from over 560 reviews, reflecting solid academic standards and good student satisfaction. The Bangalore campus is also well-rated at 4.4, indicating positive feedback for its facilities and learning environment. Both campuses offer accessible infrastructure and a wide array of programs, making Welingkar a strong option for management education in India.
Q4. Which college is good among TAPMI, KJ Somaiya, Welinger, GIM, or Great Lakes?
Ans. Among TAPMI, KJ Somaiya, Welingkar, GIM, and Great Lakes, each institute has its distinct strengths, making them suitable for different preferences. TAPMI and GIM are highly regarded for strong academic rigor, good placements, and industry connections, often ranking among the top private B-schools in India. The Great Lakes is known for its innovative curriculum and focus on analytics and technology-driven management. KJ Somaiya and Welingkar offer solid programs with extensive alumni networks and diverse specializations, especially popular in Mumbai. Overall, TAPMI and GIM are preferred for their consistent performance and corporate links, while Great Lakes is ideal for those seeking cutting-edge learning in emerging fields. The final choice depends on specific career goals, location preference, and specialization interest.
Q5. Which college is better for a fresher between TAPMI and the GIM?
Ans. For a fresher, both TAPMI and GIM are excellent choices, but TAPMI is often preferred for its strong academic rigor, well-established industry connections, and consistently good placements. GIM also offers a vibrant campus life and good placement opportunities, with a slightly more contemporary approach. TAPMI may provide a slight edge in structured learning, while GIM is suitable for those seeking innovation and a modern management education experience. The decision should also consider location and personal preferences.
Conclusion
When comparing TAPMI, GIM, and Welingkar as MAT-accepting B-schools in 2025, the right choice depends on your career aspirations, budget, and preferred specialization.
- Choose TAPMI if you want strong consulting, BFSI, and HR roles.
- Opt for GIM if you’re inclined towards analytics, healthcare, or international exposure.
- Pick Welingkar if you want a cost-effective MBA with Mumbai’s industry connect.
No single college is universally “the best”—the best B-school is the one that aligns with your career goals. With expert guidance from Career Plan B, you can make that choice with confidence.