Imagine studying at a management institute located on a breathtaking hilltop campus overlooking the Arabian Sea while building a career that can land you a ₹25–80 LPA package.
That’s the kind of opportunity that is being provided by IIM Kozhikode, one of the most prestigious B-schools in India and a part of the elite ‘Top IIMs in India.’ Renowned for their high academic standards, diversity programs, and high placement records, IIM Kozhikode has become a dream destination for thousands of MBA aspirants who are preparing for the CAT exam every year.
If you are planning to target top MBA colleges in India that accept CAT scores, this complete guide to IIM Kozhikode is what you need to know – courses, fees, seat intake, CAT cutoff, selection process, specializations, placements, and FAQs.
About IIM Kozhikode
The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) was established in 1996 by the Government of India and is recognized as one of the top 5 IIMs in the country.
Located in Kozhikode, Kerala, the institute has earned a strong reputation for academics, leadership programs, research, and global collaborations.
Key Highlights
| Particular | Details |
| Established | 1996 |
| Location | Kozhikode, Kerala |
| Type | Public Business School |
| Accreditation | EQUIS Accredited |
| NIRF Ranking | Top 5 Management Institutes |
| Campus | 112+ acre hilltop campus |
| Average MBA Package | 28+ LPA |
| Highest Package | 81 LPA |
IIM Kozhikode is particularly known for gender diversity in MBA programs and innovative programs like PGP-Liberal Studies & Management.
Courses Offered at IIM Kozhikode
IIM Kozhikode offers multiple management programs, executive programs, and doctoral courses.
1. Flagship MBA / PGP (Post Graduate Programme in Management)
- Duration: 2 Years
- Entrance Exam: CAT
- Total Seats: ~480–525
- Fees: ₹20–23 lakh (approx)
This is the most popular program among CAT aspirants.
2. PGP-Finance
A specialized MBA in Finance designed for students interested in:
- Investment Banking
- Corporate Finance
- Financial Analytics
Seats: ~50
Duration: 2 Years
Fees: ~₹20.5 lakh
3. PGP-Liberal Studies & Management (PGP-LSM)
This unique program blends humanities + management education.
Specialization areas include:
- Economics
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Public Policy
Seats: ~50
Duration: 2 Years
4. Executive Post Graduate Programme (EPGP)
Designed for working professionals.
- Duration: 1–2 Years
- Eligibility: Minimum 3 years work experience
5. Doctoral Programme (PhD / FPM)
Specializations include:
- Economics
- Finance
- Marketing
- Strategy
- Operations
- Organizational Behaviour
Specializations Available in MBA
During the second year, students can choose specializations such as:
- Finance
- Marketing Management
- Strategy
- Operations Management
- Information Systems & Analytics
- Human Resource Management
- Economics
These tracks prepare students for roles in consulting, product management, investment banking, analytics, and corporate strategy.
IIM Kozhikode MBA Fees
The approximate fee for the 2-year MBA program is:
| Component | Amount (approx.) |
| Tution Fee | 20-23 Lakh |
| Hostel & Misc | 1-2 Lakh |
| Total Estimated Cost | 22-25 Lakh |
The institute also offers merit scholarships, need-based financial aid, and government scholarships.
Total Seats at IIM Kozhikode
| Program | Seat Intake (approx.) |
| MBA/ PGP | 480-525 |
| PGP Finance | 50 |
| PGP LSM | 50 |
| Executive MBA | 120 |
Total students across programs exceed 550+ in each batch.
Entrance Exams Accepted
To get admission into IIM Kozhikode, candidates must qualify through national level entrance exams.
1. For MBA Programs
- CAT (Common Admission Test)
2. For Executive Programs
- CAT
- GMAT
- GRE (in some programs)
IIM Kozhikode CAT Cutoff
The admission process involves two types of cutoffs.
1. Minimum Qualifying CAT Cutoff
| Category | CAT Percentile |
| General | 85 |
| OBC/EWS | 75 |
| SC | 65 |
| ST | 55 |
Candidates must also meet sectional cutoffs.
2. Final CAT Percentile for Selection
The actual percentile required is much higher.
| Category | Final Percentile |
| General | 99+ |
| OBC | 97-98+ |
| SC | 80-88 |
| ST | 70-83 |
Top candidates usually score 99–99.7 percentile in CAT to receive a final offer.
IIM Kozhikode Admission Process
The admission process is conducted in multiple stages.
Step-by-Step Process
- CAT Exam Registration
- Clear minimum cutoff
- Shortlisting for PI round
- Personal Interview (PI)
- Final merit list
How IIM Kozhikode Final Selection Works
The final merit list is prepared based on a composite score including:
- CAT Score
- Personal Interview (PI)
- Academic Profile
- Work Experience
- Diversity Factors
Unlike many other IIMs, IIM Kozhikode does not conduct a written test (WAT).
IIM Kozhikode Placements
IIM Kozhikode consistently delivers top-tier MBA placements in India.
Placement Statistics
| Particular | Value |
| Average Package | 28.18 LPA |
| Median Package | 27.5 LPA |
| Highest Package | 81 LPA |
| Recruiters | 150+ |
Top recruiters include:
- Airtel
- HSBC
- Coca-Cola
- Barclays
- Tata Group
- Maruti Suzuki
Major hiring domains:
- Consulting
- Finance
- Analytics
- Product Management
- Sales & Marketing
Important Admission Timeline
Typical timeline for MBA admission:
| Event | Month |
| CAT Exam | November |
| Shortlist Release | January |
| PI Interviews | February- March |
| Final Results | April- May |
| Session Begins | June |
Why IIM Kozhikode is Famous
IIM Kozhikode stands out for several reasons:
- Top MBA college accepting CAT scores
- Strong consulting and finance placements
- High gender diversity ratio
- One of the largest MBA campuses in India
- Global collaborations with international universities
The institute also focuses heavily on leadership, entrepreneurship, and analytics education.
Who Should Target IIM Kozhikode?
This institute is ideal for candidates who:
- Score 98–99+ percentile in CAT
- Want career in consulting or finance
- Prefer a diverse and academically rigorous environment
- Aim for top-tier MBA placements in India
Final Verdict
If you are preparing for the CAT exam and targeting top MBA colleges in India, IIM Kozhikode should definitely be on your list.
With strong academics, excellent placements, and unique programs like PGP-LSM, it offers one of the most dynamic MBA experiences in India.
For aspirants aiming for consulting, finance, or product management roles, IIM Kozhikode provides the perfect launchpad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What CAT percentile is required for IIM Kozhikode?
Candidates generally need 99+ percentile for the General category to secure admission.
2. What is the MBA fee at IIM Kozhikode?
The total fee for the 2-year MBA program is around ₹22–25 lakh
3. Does IIM Kozhikode conduct WAT?
No. The institute conducts only Personal Interview (PI) after CAT shortlisting.
4. What is the average salary at IIM Kozhikode?
The average MBA placement package is around ₹28 LPA.
5. How many seats are there in IIM Kozhikode MBA?
The flagship MBA program has around 480–525 seats.
6. Which exam is required for IIM Kozhikode?
The main entrance exam accepted is CAT (Common Admission Test).
7. Is IIM Kozhikode among the top IIMs?
Yes. It is widely ranked among the top 5–6 IIMs in India based on placements, rankings, and academic reputation.
Pro Tip for CAT Aspirants:
To realistically convert IIM Kozhikode, aim for 99+ percentile with a strong academic profile and good interview performance.
