Top MBA Colleges in Karnataka 2026: Fees, Placements, ROI, Exams & Admission Process
Latest Update
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2025-12-04 :
The CAT 2025 answer key and response sheet have been released and is now available at iimcat.ac.in. The objection window will open from December 8 to December 10, with a fee of ₹1200 per objection.
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2025-12-03 :
The CUET PG 2026 notification is expected in December 2025, with registrations likely to begin soon. Following last year’s timeline, application registrations may open in December–January.
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2025-12-03 :
The MICAT Phase 1 Admit Card 2026 has been released on the official website, mica.ac.in. Candidates who completed their registration by November 23 can download the admit card using their MICA ID and date of birth. MICAT Phase 1 is scheduled to be conducted on December 6, 2025.
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2025-12-02 :
ATMA 2026 registration for the February session is currently open, with the registration window available until February 10, 2026. The fee payment deadline is February 9, 2026. The exam will be conducted in computer-based mode on February 22, 2026.
Karnataka has firmly established itself as India’s leading hub for management education, powered by Bangalore’s thriving tech industry, Mysore’s manufacturing strength, and Belagavi’s growing finance sector. With more than 500 MBA programs offered across 41 government and 363 private institutions, the state provides diverse options for students seeking to specialize in emerging fields such as fintech, business analytics, and sustainable management.
Driven by a robust economy expected to grow at 8.5% annually through 2035, Karnataka’s management education ecosystem closely aligns with industry needs — from IT consulting and BFSI to operations and global supply chain management.
According to NIRF 2025 rankings, IIM Bangalore retains its elite status as India’s #2 B-school with a score of 82.90, followed by TAPMI Manipal at #42 and Christ University at #60. These rankings emphasize key parameters like Teaching & Learning (30%), Career Outcomes (20%), and Research & Professional Practice (15%) — all areas where Karnataka’s institutes excel.
For aspirants targeting MBA admissions in 2026, competitive pathways include the CAT 2025 exam (November 30) for top-tier institutes like IIM Bangalore, and the Karnataka PGCET 2026 (June) for affordable seats in government and private universities.
Whether you’re planning to enter the corporate finance world, join IT consulting, or drive operations in manufacturing and logistics, this guide offers a data-backed roadmap to help you select the best-fit MBA program in Karnataka.
Top 10 MBA Colleges in Karnataka for 2026
NIRF 2025 once again reinforces Karnataka’s leadership in management education, with six institutes ranking among India’s top 100 B-schools. The rankings highlight excellence in research output (30%), teaching quality (30%), and industry perception (10%) — parameters where Karnataka institutions consistently perform well.
Bangalore alone hosts over 70% of MBA seats, attracting 30,000+ applicants every year through Karnataka PGCET, where the top programs demand 95+ percentiles. The list below is curated using NIRF scores, Return on Investment (ROI) calculated as (2 × Average Salary – Fees) / Fees, and verified 2025 placement data from official reports.
Top MBA Colleges in Karnataka – 2026
| Rank | College Name | Total Fees (INR) | Average Placement (INR LPA) | NIRF 2025 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore | INR 26,15,000 | 35.92 LPA | 2 |
| 2 | T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal | INR 16,00,000 | 13.50 LPA | 42 |
| 3 | Christ University, Bangalore | INR 9,35,000 | 8.50 LPA | 60 |
| 4 | Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Bangalore | INR 9,00,000 | 7.50 LPA | 85 |
| 5 | XIME (Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship), Bangalore | INR 12,00,000 | 9.60 LPA | 101–125 |
| 6 | PES University, Bangalore | INR 10,00,000 | 7.70 LPA | – |
| 7 | Alliance University, Bangalore | INR 15,00,000 | 8.00 LPA | – |
| 8 | Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Bangalore | INR 18,00,000 | 14.50 LPA | – |
| 9 | MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore | INR 3,00,000 | 6.50 LPA | – |
| 10 | RV Institute of Management, Bangalore | INR 9,50,000 | 7.20 LPA | – |
Highlights:
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Highest ROI: IIM Bangalore (ROI 174%) and MS Ramaiah (ROI 333%)
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Best for Finance & Consulting: IIM Bangalore, TAPMI
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Best for Marketing & HR: Christ University, XIME, SIBM Bangalore
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Top Recruiters: Deloitte, Infosys, Accenture, HDFC Bank, EY, PwC
Top MBA Colleges in Karnataka under PGCET for 2026
The Karnataka PGCET 2025, conducted on June 22, allocated nearly 30,000 MBA seats across 200+ institutions. For 2026, a similar intake is expected, with top-tier colleges requiring 92+ percentile scores for general category applicants.
The PGCET admission process reserves 50% of seats for Karnataka domiciles, ensuring excellent state-level opportunities at affordable fees.
Top PGCET Colleges in Karnataka – 2026
| College Name | PGCET 2025 Cutoff (General) | Total Fees (INR) | Average Placement (INR LPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PES University, Bangalore | 250 | INR 10,00,000 | 7.70 |
| RV Institute of Management, Bangalore | 76 | INR 9,50,000 | 7.20 |
| MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore | 303 | INR 3,00,000 | 6.50 |
| BMS College of Engineering, Bangalore | 360 | INR 4,00,000 | 6.80 |
| Kristu Jayanti College, Bangalore | 450 | INR 7,00,000 | 6.00 |
Highlights:
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Affordable Fees: Most programs under INR 10 lakh
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Strong ROI: MS Ramaiah and BMSCE offer 300%+ ROI
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Top Recruiters: Infosys, Wipro, Deloitte, HDFC Bank
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Exam Weightage: PGCET 2026 (June) – 100 marks with 1 mark per question, no negative marking
Top MBA Colleges in Bangalore for 2026
With 270+ MBA colleges, Bangalore remains the heart of Karnataka’s management education. The city attracts over 70% of state MBA applicants, supported by its ₹3 lakh crore IT export economy and corporate presence across finance, consulting, and analytics sectors.
As per NIRF 2025, IIM Bangalore leads the state with a score of 82.90, recognized for its global collaborations, AI-driven coursework, and 100% placement record.
Top MBA Colleges in Bangalore – 2026
| College Name | Total Fees (INR) | Average Placement (INR LPA) | Exams Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore | INR 26,15,000 | 35.92 | CAT |
| Christ University, Bangalore | INR 9,35,000 | 8.50 | PGCET / CAT |
| XIME (Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship), Bangalore | INR 12,00,000 | 9.60 | KMAT / CMAT |
| Alliance University, Bangalore | INR 15,00,000 | 8.00 | CAT / XAT |
| Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Bangalore | INR 18,00,000 | 14.50 | SNAP |
Quick Insights:
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Top Domains: Consulting (35%), IT/Analytics (30%), BFSI (25%)
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Highest Placement: INR 45 LPA (IIM Bangalore, 2025)
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Emerging Colleges: SIBM & XIME lead in startup and entrepreneurship studies
Best MBA Colleges in Karnataka with Low Fees for 2026
For students seeking affordable MBA options, Karnataka offers several government and university-run colleges with fees under INR 1 lakh and strong placement records. As per 2025 placement reports, these institutes achieved 95%+ placements, mainly in PSUs, banking, and IT services, offering 500%+ ROI.
Top Low-Fee MBA Colleges in Karnataka – 2026
| College Name | Total Fees (INR) | Average Placement (INR LPA) | ROI (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangalore University – Department of Management Studies (DoMS) | INR 52,000 | 6.00 | 2,207 |
| Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Bangalore | INR 60,000 | 5.50 | 1,733 |
| Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi | INR 75,000 | 5.00 | 1,233 |
| Government RC College of Commerce, Bangalore | INR 40,000 | 4.80 | 2,300 |
Highlights:
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Lowest Fees: RC College at INR 40,000
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Highest ROI: Bangalore University DoMS (2200%+)
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Top Recruiters: SBI, Infosys, HDFC Bank, Wipro, Indian Oil
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Scholarships: 50% fee waivers for SC/ST/EWS under State Merit and Vidyasiri schemes
MBA Colleges in Karnataka without Entrance Exam for 2026
Nearly 20% of private MBA seats in Karnataka are filled without entrance exams through direct admission or management quota. These are ideal for working professionals or students who miss CAT/PGCET windows. Most require a minimum of 50% in graduation and a GD/PI or personal interview. Applications typically open from October to December 2025.
| College Name | Admission Mode | Specialization Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bangalore | Merit + PI | FinTech, Global Business |
| Alliance University, Bangalore | Portfolio + Work Experience | Entrepreneurship, Leadership |
| REVA University, Bangalore | Direct + GD | HR Management |
| Dayananda Sagar University, Bangalore | Interview + 45% Aggregate | Operations & Logistics |
Note: Direct seats fill early (by December 2025), especially in Bangalore-based universities.
MBA Admission Exams in Karnataka for 2026
Karnataka offers multiple exam routes for MBA aspirants. While CAT remains the gateway to IIM Bangalore and top private B-schools, PGCET is the most sought-after exam for state quota admissions in government and aided colleges.
| Exam Name | Key Colleges Accepting | Target Percentile (General) |
|---|---|---|
| PGCET 2026 | PES University, RV Institute | 92+ |
| CAT 2025 | IIM Bangalore, TAPMI | 95–99 |
| KMAT 2026 | Christ University, XIME Bangalore | 90+ |
| CMAT 2026 | Jain University, Alliance University | 85+ |
Tip: PGCET scores are valid only for Karnataka colleges, while CAT/XAT/CMAT open nationwide options.
MBA Specializations in Karnataka for 2026
Karnataka’s MBA programs are increasingly tech-integrated, with 30% of coursework focused on AI, ML, and data-driven decision-making (as per NIRF 2025). The state’s ₹5 lakh crore startup ecosystem has boosted demand for MBAs specializing in analytics, fintech, and digital marketing.
| Specialization | Top College | Key Recruiters | Demand Growth (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance & FinTech | IIM Bangalore | JP Morgan, HDFC Bank | 25% |
| Business Analytics | TAPMI Manipal | Accenture, Zoho | 35% |
| Marketing & Digital Strategy | Christ University | HUL, Flipkart | 20% |
| Human Resources & Operations | XIME Bangalore | Tata Group, Infosys | 18% |
Emerging Trends: ESG management, product analytics, and supply chain digitalization are expected to grow rapidly across Karnataka’s industrial hubs.
Placement Highlights for MBA Colleges in Karnataka (2025–26)
Karnataka’s 2025 MBA placement season highlighted its growing dominance in consulting and analytics hiring, particularly within Bangalore’s tech-driven ecosystem. Average placement packages saw a 10–15% YoY increase, driven by global consulting firms and product companies.
| Institute | Placement Rate | Top Recruiters | Highest Package (INR) | Key Highlights (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Bangalore | 100% | McKinsey, Amazon, BCG, Goldman Sachs | ₹1.15 Crore | 133 recruiters; 15% YoY rise in consulting offers |
| TAPMI Manipal | 98% | Accenture, Deloitte, EY, KPMG | ₹25 LPA | Strong analytics & fintech hiring |
| Christ University, Bangalore | 96% | HDFC, Infosys, TCS, Flipkart | ₹15 LPA | BFSI & digital marketing roles up 20% |
| XIME Bangalore | 94% | Tata, Wipro, Tech Mahindra | ₹13 LPA | 70% offers in operations & HR |
| Alliance University | 92% | PwC, ICICI Bank, Bosch | ₹17 LPA | Rise in global business and supply chain profiles |
Trends:
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Consulting Surge: 15% YoY growth in consulting and strategy hires across top 5 B-schools.
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Analytics Boom: 20% rise in data and AI-focused MBA roles led by Accenture and Deloitte.
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Startup Momentum: 12% of graduates joined Bangalore-based startups in fintech and SaaS.
Eligibility Criteria for MBA Colleges in Karnataka (2026 Admissions)
To qualify for MBA programs across Karnataka universities and private institutions, candidates must meet the following academic and exam-based criteria:
Basic Requirements
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Bachelor’s Degree: Minimum 50% aggregate (or equivalent CGPA) from a UGC-recognized university.
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Relaxation: 45% for SC/ST candidates as per state regulations.
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Final-Year Students: Eligible to apply, subject to degree completion by admission date.
Entrance Exams Accepted
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CAT 2025: For IIM Bangalore, TAPMI, and top private B-schools.
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PGCET 2026: For government and state-aided colleges.
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KMAT / CMAT: Accepted by private universities like Christ, XIME, and Alliance.
Reservation Policy (As per Karnataka Government Norms)
| Category | Reservation (%) |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | As per government guidelines |
Note: Domicile students benefit from PGCET’s 50% state quota allocation in government and aided colleges.
Showing 347 Colleges
IIM Bangalore is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at IIM Bangalore is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. IIM Bangalore MBA fees is ₹5 L.
AIMS Bangalore is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at AIMS Bangalore is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Aditya Institute of Management Studies and Research, [AIMSR] Bangalore
Aditya Institute of Management Studies and Research, [AIMSR] Bangalore is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at Aditya Institute of Management Studies and Research, [AIMSR] Bangalore is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Institute for Management Development is very popular for MBA in Mysore, Karnataka. MBA at Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Institute for Management Development is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Institute for Management Development MBA fees is ₹1 L - ₹2 L.
GIBS Business School, Bangalore is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka.
Alliance University is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at Alliance University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Alliance University MBA fees is ₹5 L.
Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) is very popular for MBA in Belgaum, Karnataka. MBA at Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
ABBS Bangalore is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at ABBS Bangalore is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. ABBS Bangalore MBA fees is ₹5 L.
Courses Offered
7 Courses
Exam Accepted
-/-
Tuition Fees Range
₹1.50 L-9.40 L
Accreditation
NAAC , NBA
PES University is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at PES University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. PES University MBA fees is ₹5 L.
Jain University is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at Jain University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Jain University MBA fees is ₹5 L.
Regional College Of Management Bangalore is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at Regional College Of Management Bangalore is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Regional College Of Management Bangalore MBA fees is ₹5 L.
IBS Bangalore is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at IBS Bangalore is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. IBS Bangalore MBA fees is ₹5 L.
The Oxford College of Engineering is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at The Oxford College of Engineering is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. The Oxford College of Engineering MBA fees is ₹1 L - ₹2 L.
CMS Bangalore is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at CMS Bangalore is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
KJC is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at KJC is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. KJC MBA fees is ₹5 L.
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Manipal University) is very popular for MBA in Udupi, Karnataka. MBA at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Manipal University) is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Manipal University) MBA fees is ₹5 L.
International Institute of Business Studies is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at International Institute of Business Studies is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. International Institute of Business Studies MBA fees is ₹5 L.
Rai Technology University, [RTU] Bangalore is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at Rai Technology University, [RTU] Bangalore is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Rai Technology University, [RTU] Bangalore MBA fees is ₹1 L - ₹2 L.
Alliance University is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at Alliance University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Alliance University MBA fees is ₹5 L.
Dayananda Sagar University (DSU) is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at Dayananda Sagar University (DSU) is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Dayananda Sagar University (DSU) MBA fees is ₹5 L.
DSCE is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at DSCE is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. DSCE MBA fees is ₹5 L.
KLS Gogte Institute of Technology is very popular for MBA in Belagavi, Karnataka. MBA at KLS Gogte Institute of Technology is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Yenepoya University Powered by Emversity
Yenepoya University Powered by Emversity is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at Yenepoya University Powered by Emversity is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Yenepoya University Powered by Emversity MBA fees is ₹5 L.
Indian Academy is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at Indian Academy is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Indian Academy MBA fees is ₹5 L.
ISBR Bangalore is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at ISBR Bangalore is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Alva's Institute of Engineering and Technology is very popular for MBA in Mangalore, Karnataka. MBA at Alva's Institute of Engineering and Technology is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Alva's Institute of Engineering and Technology MBA fees is ₹2 L - ₹3 L.
PES College of Engineering is very popular for MBA in Mandya, Karnataka. MBA at PES College of Engineering is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. PES College of Engineering MBA fees is ₹1 L - ₹2 L.
Adarsh Institute of Management and Information Technology is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at Adarsh Institute of Management and Information Technology is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Adarsh Institute of Management and Information Technology MBA fees is ₹5 L.
IZee Business School, Bangalore
IZee Business School, Bangalore is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at IZee Business School, Bangalore is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. IZee Business School, Bangalore MBA fees is ₹5 L.
ONESB School of Business
ONESB School of Business is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at ONESB School of Business is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Ballari Institute of Technology and Management (BITM) is very popular for MBA in Bellary, Karnataka. MBA at Ballari Institute of Technology and Management (BITM) is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Mysore University is very popular for MBA in Mysore, Karnataka. MBA at Mysore University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Mysore University MBA fees is ₹1 L.
Courses Offered
20 Courses
Exam Accepted
-/-
Tuition Fees Range
₹3 K-1.82 L
Accreditation
NAAC-A , NIRF
BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE) is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE) is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE) MBA fees is ₹5 L.
CMR Center for Business Studies
CMR Center for Business Studies is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at CMR Center for Business Studies is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. CMR Center for Business Studies MBA fees is ₹3 L - ₹5 L.
The Oxford College of Business Management is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at The Oxford College of Business Management is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Seshadripuram Institute of Management Studies is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at Seshadripuram Institute of Management Studies is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Surana College is very popular for MBA in Bangalore, Karnataka. MBA at Surana College is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
