The CMAT 2026 exam date has been announced, and the exam is scheduled to be held on January 25, 2026, in computer-based mode. The exam pattern and syllabus remain the same as last year.
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.
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.
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.
Lucknow, being the lively capital of Uttar Pradesh and fast becoming a major hub for education, has over 100 MBA programmes on offer. According to NIRF 2025, six of them make it to the national top 100, with IIM Lucknow leading at rank 5 with a solid score of 77.97, thanks to its top-class research links and tie-ups with industries in consulting, banking, and even rural sectors. These colleges have built huge alumni networks, more than 8,000 strong in some cases, which help in landing jobs at big names like KPMG, Deloitte, Amazon, and SBI. Salaries here range from INR 6 LPA to a whopping 32 LPA, with placement rates hitting 80-100%. If you're eyeing admissions for 2026, you'll need to crack exams like CAT, XAT, or CUET PG with percentiles between 85-99, followed by group discussions (GD), personal interviews (PI), and written ability tests (WAT) that test you on real-life stuff like AI in business or eco-friendly practices. This guide pulls data straight from NIRF 2025 and official college reports to help you pick the right path, whether it's fintech, operations, or starting your own social venture.
NIRF 2025 judges colleges on things like teaching quality (30%), research output (30%), how well grads do (20%), outreach efforts (10%), and overall reputation (10%). IIM Lucknow grabs the 5th spot nationally, with about 35% of its course now covering AI and data modelling to keep up with job market needs. Jaipuria stands out for its service management focus, while Amity is great for international exposure. Here's a handpicked list based on NIRF 2025 and college records, showing two-year MBA/PGDM fees and average packages from the 2025 batches.
| NIRF Rank | College Name | Total Fees (INR Lakhs) | Avg Placement (INR LPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | IIM Lucknow | 20.75 | 32.2 |
| 67 | Jaipuria Institute of Management | 13.5 | 8.79 |
| 86 | Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) | 1.2 | 6.5 |
| - | Amity University Lucknow | 8.2 | 6.2 |
| - | University of Lucknow | 1.3 | 4.5 |
| - | Babu Banarasi Das University (BBDU) | 2.5 | 5.8 |
| - | Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) Lucknow | 1.55 | 8.2 |
| - | Integral University Lucknow | 3 | 5.5 |
| - | SRM Business School Lucknow | 2.8 | 7 |
| - | R.R. Group of Institutions, Lucknow | 1.8 | 6 |
Lucknow has five key government-backed MBA spots, three of which are in NIRF 2025's top 100, offering super high ROI up to 700% calculated as (2 × Average Salary - Fees) / Fees. IIM Lucknow rules with strong PSU connections like SBI and GAIL, ensuring 90% placements in steady government or banking jobs. If you're searching for the "best government MBA in Lucknow," these are affordable with CAT or CUET PG cut-offs from 75-99, and they offer over 80 electives in areas like public policy and supply chain management.
| College | Total Fees (INR Lakhs) | Avg Placement (INR LPA) | ROI (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Lucknow | 20.75 | 32.2 | 210 |
| Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) | 1.2 | 6.5 | 983 |
| University of Lucknow | 1.3 | 4.5 | 592 |
| IET Lucknow | 1.55 | 8.2 | 959 |
| Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) | 2 | 7 | 600 |
With more than 80 private options, Lucknow's private MBA scene holds five spots in NIRF 2025 top 100. They shine with global partnerships, like Jaipuria's AACSB accreditation, giving ROI from 200-500% through top recruiters. Fees for two years are between INR 2-13.5 lakhs, but you can use GMAT for NRI seats, and they emphasise practical training through case studies and internships.
| College | Total Fees (INR Lakhs) | Avg Placement (INR LPA) | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaipuria Institute of Management | 13.5 | 8.79 | Service management focus |
| Amity University Lucknow | 8.2 | 6.2 | Three-continent study options |
| BBDU | 2.5 | 5.8 | Entrepreneurship support |
| Integral University | 3 | 5.5 | Fintech and blockchain courses |
| SRM Business School | 2.8 | 7 | Advanced analytics labs |
If you're googling "low-fee MBA in Lucknow," check NIRF 2025's 101-150 range for options under INR 2 lakhs with ROI over 500% using the same formula. These focus on agribusiness and PSUs, with 80% placements at places like ICICI Rural and Oberoi Hotels. Plus, Uttar Pradesh's Post-Matric scholarships cover up to 50% for SC/ST through e-Kalyan portal.
| College | Total Fees (INR Lakhs) | Avg Placement (INR LPA) | ROI (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBAU | 1.2 | 6.5 | 983 |
| University of Lucknow | 1.3 | 4.5 | 592 |
| IET Lucknow | 1.55 | 8.2 | 959 |
| R.R. Group of Institutions | 1.8 | 6 | 567 |
| AKTU Affiliated Colleges (Avg) | 2 | 7 | 600 |
Over 80 colleges in Lucknow take CAT 2025 for 2026 intakes, with cut-offs from 75-99 percentile to get shortlisted. Outside IIMs, Jaipuria combines CAT with CMAT, and selections happen in February with WAT-GD-PI on topics like blockchain in logistics.
| College | CAT Cut-off (Percentile) | Top Recruiters | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Lucknow | 98 | BCG, Deloitte | 554 |
| Jaipuria Institute | 80 | HDFC, Genpact | 360 |
| Amity University | 75 | Accenture, Reliance | 180 |
| BBDU | 70 | Wipro, SBI | 120 |
CAT covers most colleges, but XAT is a must for some private colleges like Amity. CMAT and CUET PG are good for cheaper government seats, testing logic, GK, and more. Over 75% seats are filled this way, with reservations like 27% OBC, 15% SC, 7.5% ST.
| Exam | Key Colleges | Target Percentile/Score | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 2025 | IIM Lucknow, BBDU | 85-99 | 30 Nov 2025 |
| XAT 2026 | Jaipuria, Amity | 80+ | 4 Jan 2026 |
| CUET PG 2026 | BBAU, IET | 75+ | Mar-Apr 2026 |
| CMAT 2026 | University of Lucknow, SRM | 80+ | Jan 2026 |
Lucknow colleges match industry needs with specialisations like Amity's HR (with HUL ties) or IIM's analytics. These make up 40-60% of the syllabus, including electives and internships in banking or online commerce.
| Specialisation | Top College | Key Recruiters | Median Salary (INR LPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance | Jaipuria | Axis, Kotak | 15 |
| HR | Amity | ITC, Nestle | 12 |
| Analytics | IIM Lucknow | PwC, EY | 32 |
| International Business | BBDU | Unilever, Maersk | 10 |
| Rural Management | BBAU | Gramin Bank, IFC | 6.5 |
The 2026 cycle in Lucknow is straightforward but competitive, requiring a bachelor's degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) and inclusive quotas. Apply via portals like iiml.ac.in or lkouniv.ac.in, paying INR 1,000-2,500, and submit transcripts plus work experience if any.
Choosing wisely means matching your goals with college strengths—use online ROI calculators on their sites. Think about IIM Lucknow's 8,000+ alumni in finance, Lucknow's growing IT scene with TCS offices, and how specialisations fit your dream job in marketing or ops. Go for virtual campus tours to see libraries with 40,000+ books and innovation spaces.
IIM Lucknow is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at IIM Lucknow is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. IIM Lucknow MBA fees is ₹5 L.
Ambalika Institute of Management and Technology is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Ambalika Institute of Management and Technology is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Ambalika Institute of Management and Technology MBA fees is ₹1 L - ₹2 L.
Banasthali Vidyapith is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Banasthali Vidyapith is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Banasthali Vidyapith MBA fees is ₹2 L - ₹3 L.
R. R. Group of Institutions is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at R. R. Group of Institutions is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. R. R. Group of Institutions MBA fees is ₹1 L - ₹2 L.
JIMS Sector 5 Rohini is very popular for MBA in , Delhi NCR.
Sharda University is very popular for MBA in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Sharda University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Sharda University MBA fees is ₹5 L.
Ansal Technical Campus is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Ansal Technical Campus is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Saroj Institute of Technology and Management is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Saroj Institute of Technology and Management is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Global Educational & Welfare Society Group of Institutions, [GEWSGI] Lucknow is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Global Educational & Welfare Society Group of Institutions, [GEWSGI] Lucknow is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Surya School of Planning and Engineering Management, [SSPEM] Lucknow is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Surya School of Planning and Engineering Management, [SSPEM] Lucknow is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh MBA fees is ₹5 L.
Chandigarh University is very popular for MBA in Mohali, Punjab. MBA at Chandigarh University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Chandigarh University MBA fees is ₹5 L.
Dr. M.C. Saxena Group of Colleges (MCSGOC) is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Dr. M.C. Saxena Group of Colleges (MCSGOC) is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Royal PG College, [RPGC] Lucknow is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Royal PG College, [RPGC] Lucknow is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Lucknow University is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Lucknow University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Lucknow University MBA fees is ₹1 L.
SRM Business School, [SRMBS] Lucknow is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at SRM Business School, [SRMBS] Lucknow is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Bennett University is very popular for MBA in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Bennett University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Bennett University MBA fees is ₹5 L.
Future University, Bareilly is very popular for MBA in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Future University, Bareilly is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Future University, Bareilly MBA fees is ₹2 L - ₹3 L.
SRMGPC Lucknow is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at SRMGPC Lucknow is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. SRMGPC Lucknow MBA fees is ₹1 L - ₹2 L.
Indira Gandhi Institute of Cooperative Management, [IGICM] Lucknow is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Indira Gandhi Institute of Cooperative Management, [IGICM] Lucknow is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
SriSIIM- Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management - Research is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at SriSIIM- Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management - Research is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Institute of Co-operative and Corporate Management, Research and Training is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Institute of Co-operative and Corporate Management, Research and Training is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
UPES is very popular for MBA in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. MBA at UPES is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. UPES MBA fees is ₹5 L.
HIMT Group of Institutions, Greater Noida is very popular for MBA in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at HIMT Group of Institutions, Greater Noida is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. HIMT Group of Institutions, Greater Noida MBA fees is ₹2 L - ₹3 L.
Aizaz Rizvi College of Journalism and Mass Communication, [ARCJMC] Lucknow is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Aizaz Rizvi College of Journalism and Mass Communication, [ARCJMC] Lucknow is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Central Women College of Education is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Central Women College of Education is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Bhalchandra Institute Of Education And Management, [BIEM] Lucknow is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Bhalchandra Institute Of Education And Management, [BIEM] Lucknow is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Urdu, Arabi-Farsi University is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Urdu, Arabi-Farsi University is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Hierank Business School is very popular for MBA in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Hierank Business School is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years. Hierank Business School MBA fees is ₹3 L - ₹5 L.
Sri Sai Institute of Technology and Management Studies, Lucknow is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Sri Sai Institute of Technology and Management Studies, Lucknow is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Motilal Rastogi School of Management is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Motilal Rastogi School of Management is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Narmadeshwar Management College ,Lucknow is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Narmadeshwar Management College ,Lucknow is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Institute of Productivity and Management (IPM, Lucknow) is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Institute of Productivity and Management (IPM, Lucknow) is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Central Institute of Management and Technology (CIMT, Lucknow) is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Central Institute of Management and Technology (CIMT, Lucknow) is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
Shree College of Management, [SCM] Lucknow is very popular for MBA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MBA at Shree College of Management, [SCM] Lucknow is a Masters program offered in multiple specializations for a duration of 2 Years.
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