All CAT aspirants often think about Which IIM is the best for CAT 2025 Aspirants. The IIM Ahmedabad stands as the top performing college since 2020 and thus can be considered as the best for the 2025 aspirants. Apart from this, Bangalore, Kozhikode and Calcutta are also very popular.
Out of the 21 IIMs in India, IIM Ahmedabad stands as the best option for the CAT 2025 aspirants. The college has retained its 'NIRF Ranking 01' since 2020 with a highest average salary of INR 36 LPA. However, out of the top IIMs in India, apart from IIM Ahmedabad, campuses such as Kozhikode, Calcutta, and Bangalore are also in high demand.
Choosing the best college depends on your goals, i.e., whether you prefer placements, faculty, ROI, or specializations. Different IIM campuses have different benefits and recommendations. Such as IIM Shillong is known for its sustainability and leadership in the northeast region, while IIM Rohtak and Ranchi promise a good ROI, wide specialisations, and have IPM options too.
Note: IIM Kozhikode is conducting the CAT 2025 exam, and the official website for it has been made live, i.e., https://iimcat.ac.in
Why is IIM Ahmedabad the Best College for CAT 2025 Aspirants?
There are several reasons why IIMA is one of the best options for the CAT Exam 2025 aspirants. Some of the top aspects are mentioned below for your reference.
1. Legacy and Reputation- This IIM college was established in 1961, claiming to be one of the oldest IIMs in India with an ever-growing reputation. It was started in collaboration with the Harvard Business School and thus offers a Harvard-style campus. NIRF, Business Today, and Outlook have ranked it at the top since 2020. The Financial Times Global MBA Rankings, too, have placed it in the top ranks.
2. Placements and Career Outcomes- The college promises 100% placement record, which is rare in other colleges. It also gets the highest average package among all 21 IIMs in India. Reputed consulting firms such as McKinsey, BCG, and finance giants such as Goldman Sachs and global MNCs are the top recruiters every year.
3. Infrastructure and Campus Facilities- The infrastructure, as mentioned, shadows the hardward style campus and was designed by an American architect, Louis Kahn. The dynamic campus life involves several clubs and competitions like Chaos and Confluence, with entrepreneurial cultural programs, such as CIIE – Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship.
4. Global Recognition and Accreditation- IIM Ahmedabad has been highly accredited with three crowns, i.e., EQUIS, AMBA, and AACS, which is held by less than 1% of business schools. It often conducts exchange programs with top global business schools such as Wharton, INSEAD, and London Business School.
Also Read: How Much Weightage is Given to CAT Exam Scores in IIMs?
Other Top IIM Colleges for CAT Aspirants 2025
Apart from IIMA, several other business schools in India are widely preferred for their campus life, placements, specializations, faculty, and other features. The details of them are listed below.
| IIMs | Location | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| IIM Bangalore (IIMB) | Karnataka |
|
| IIM Calcutta (IIMC) | West Bengal |
|
| IIM Lucknow (IIML) | Uttar Pradesh |
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| IIM Kozhikode (IIMK) | Kerala |
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| IIM Indore (IIMI) | Madhya Pradesh |
|
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Final Words
To sum up, IIM Ahmedabad is one of the top choices of the CAT toppers; however, the other campuses, i.e., Bangalore, Calcutta, Kozhikode, or Lucknow, are no less. These campuses also offer handsome packages with upgraded infrastructure and faculties. You are advised to choose your IIM college based on your preferences only. That shall make your MBA journey easy and smooth.
