IIM Lucknow: The Complete A–Z Guide to MBA, Fees, Cutoffs, Placements & Admission Process

Where CAT percentiles transform into corporate boardroom leaders. The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) is one of India’s premier management institutes and a part of the prestigious IIM league. Established in 1984, it has consistently ranked among the top management institutes in India and is known for academic excellence, strong industry connections, global accreditations, and outstanding placements.

If you are searching for IIM Lucknow MBA fees, CAT cut off, seats, courses, placement, PI calls, and final selection process, this blog covers everything in detail.

Why IIM Lucknow Is So Famous?

• Among the top 5–7 management institutes in India (NIRF rankings)
• Triple Crown Accreditation (AACSB, AMBA & EQUIS)
• 100% placement record (consistently achieved)
• Strong alumni network across consulting, finance, tech & FMCG
• Flagship cultural fest: Manfest-Varchasva
• High ROI compared to many private B-schools

Courses Offered at IIM Lucknow

Full-Time Programs

1.Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP – MBA)

• Duration: 2 Years
• Flagship MBA program
• Admission through Common Admission Test (CAT)

2.PGP-ABM (Agribusiness Management)

• Specialization in Agribusiness & Rural Management

3.PGP-SM (Sustainable Management)

• Focus on sustainability, ESG, and responsible business

Executive & Specialized Programs

4.     IPMX (1-Year MBA for Executives)

5.     PGPWE (Weekend MBA – Noida Campus)

6.     Fellow Programme in Management (FPM – PhD)

7.     Executive Fellow Programme (EFPM)

8.     Various short-term Executive Development Programs

IIM Lucknow Fees Structure (General Overview)

Fees typically include tuition, library, and academic charges. Hostel & mess charges are additional.

Fees typically include tuition, library, and academic charges. Scholarships and financial assistance are available based on need and merit.

Total Number of Seats (Approximate Intake)

Total flagship intake: Around 480–500 students per batch. Reservation follows Government of India norms.

IIM Lucknow CAT Cutoff & Selection Process

Minimum CAT Percentile (Qualifying Cutoff)

Important: These are minimum eligibility cutoffs. Actual PI call percentiles are much higher.

CAT Percentile for PI Call (General Category)

• Typically, 95–98+ percentile
• Strong academics & work experience improve chances

Final Selection Criteria (Composite Score)

IIM Lucknow does NOT select students based on CAT score alone.

Selection Stages:

1. CAT Score
2. Academic Performance (10th, 12th, Graduation)
3. Work Experience
4. Diversity Factor
5. WAT (Writing Ability Test)
6. PI (Personal Interview)

Final Merit List = Composite Score (weighted calculation)

Important Admission Timeline 

• CAT Notification: August
• CAT Exam: November
• CAT Result: December
• Shortlist for WAT-PI: January
• WAT-PI Process: February–March
• Final Merit List: April–May
• Academic Session Begins: June–July

Placement Report Highlights

• 100% placement record
• Average CTC: ₹30–35 LPA (approx range)
• Median CTC: ₹28–32 LPA
• Top recruiters: Consulting firms, Investment Banks, FMCG giants, Tech companies

Major Domains:

• Consulting
• Finance
• Product Management
• Marketing
• Operations
• Analytics

Specializations Offered (Electives)

Students can specialize in:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Operations
• Strategy
• Human Resource Management
• Business Analytics
• IT & Systems
• Sustainability & ESG (PGP-SM specific)
• Agribusiness (PGP-ABM specific)

Campus Overview

• Main Campus: Lucknow (200+ acres residential campus)
• Second Campus: Noida (Executive programs)
• Fully residential MBA
• Modern classrooms, Bloomberg labs, hostels, sports facilities

Frequently Asked Questions- 

1. What CAT percentile is required for IIM Lucknow?

For General category, 95–98+ percentile is usually competitive for a PI call.

2. What is the total MBA fee at IIM Lucknow?

Approximately ₹20–22 lakhs for the two-year PGP program.

3. How many seats are there in IIM Lucknow MBA?

Around 400+ seats in the flagship PGP program.

4. Does IIM Lucknow conduct its own exam?

No, admission is through CAT for the flagship MBA.

5. Is work experience mandatory?

No, but relevant work experience adds weight in final selection.

6. What is the average placement package?

Generally, falls in the ₹30–35 LPA range.

7. Is IIM Lucknow better than new IIMs?

Yes, it is considered among the top “Old IIMs” with stronger alumni network and placement records.

Final Verdict: Should You Target IIM Lucknow?

If you aim for:

• Top-tier MBA education
• Strong ROI
• Premium consulting & finance roles
• Brand value of an Old IIM

Then IIM Lucknow should definitely be in your CAT target list.