Top MBA Colleges in South India

If you’re considering pursuing an MBA in one of the South Indian states and are looking for guidance on choosing the right MBA College, you have come to the right place. In this article, form fees will provide you with complete information about the Top MBA Colleges in South India. 

When choosing colleges for higher studies, most students prioritize factors like rankings, proximity to their homes, and their regional preferences. However, when it comes to pursuing an MBA, almost everyone prefers higher-ranking management institutes, whether they are located in North India or South India. This preference often outweighs the desire to stay within their preferred geographical region. 

Nevertheless, some students prefer to stay in their home states or nearby states even if higher-ranked institutions are available elsewhere. This is why many South Indian MBA aspirants when asked to choose between institutions like IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore, often lean towards IIM Bangalore.

First of all, why pursue an MBA in South India? Is there anything distinctive about South Indian MBA colleges or is it merely hype? Well, it’s safe to say that it’s not just hype; in fact, South India has earned the reputation of being a knowledge hub and a prime producer of competent management graduates for decades. You’ll find that the top MBA colleges in South India consistently achieve high rankings both at the national and international levels in the field of management. 

As you already know, the south region also carries the title of the country’s high-tech zone, refining the practicality of management studies. With higher literacy rates compared to Northern India, South India is an irresistible destination for higher education. Specifically, Karnataka has nurtured an educational environment that promotes unity among individuals, institutions, and the community. 

If you want to be confident in your decision to pursue your MBA in the southern part of India, rest assured that it’s a wise choice. Management education is gaining new standards in South Indian states with recent initiatives from both central and state governments and public-private partnerships in the educational sector. these efforts are equipping students with the essential management skills needed for their career growth.

What makes South Indian MBA colleges unique? Being the new league of B-schools, these institutes are known for their modern curriculum, sensible balance of theoretical and practical experiences along impressive placements. Top MBA colleges in South India collaborate closely with industries, providing valuable real-world insights. Given the concentration of commercial sectors, these institutes encourage individuals to focus on building careers rather than just industry-specific roles. 

In recent years, South India has seen a significant rise in MBA colleges. Once known for its tech education, southern India is now home to numerous management institutions. This rise has been remarkable, with many aspirants comfortably moving to the South to complete their Masters in Management.

Now one might ask, what is the reason behind the rise in demand for management education in South India? The increased demand for management education emerges from the fact that an MBA degree and an engineering background have led to promising careers. This trend is particularly seen in the Southern region of India, where many engineering graduates opt for an MBA as a strategic career move, aiming for the best deals in terms of placements.

States like Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, have performed well when compared to the other states regarding higher education. Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Cochin, these cities have emerged as new IT hubs, increasing employability. Career prospects in this region have also increased for MBA graduates.

As the startup culture advances, and venture capitalists show increasing interest in new businesses, there is a surge in unprecedented employment opportunities. Metropolitan cities across South India have consistently offered promising job prospects, leading to a notable shift in the perception of MBA aspirants towards Top MBA Colleges in South India.

Top 50 MBA Colleges in South India

What are the top colleges that offer MBA in South India and what are the requirements to pursue an MBA in these colleges? 

Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a postgraduate program focused on business administration. To pursue an MBA in India, you need a bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate of 50% or equivalent CGPA, a minimum full-time work experience of 2 years, and valid scores in MBA Entrance Exams like CAT and GMAT. 

Top MBA colleges in South India offer MBA Programs with core courses that cover several areas of business administration such as applied statistics, human resources, business communication, business law business ethics, strategic management, business strategy, management, entrepreneurship, finance, managerial economics, marketing, supply-chain marketing, and operations management in a manner most relevant to management analysis and strategy. 

The top 50 MBA colleges in South India, listed below, are renowned for their exceptional management education and placement opportunities, significantly impacting the careers of aspiring management professionals.

1. Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad
2. Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore
3. Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode
4. Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli
5. T.A.PAI Management Institute, Manipal
6. Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
7. ICFAI Business School (IBS), Hyderabad
8. Loyola Institute of Business Administration, Chennai
9. XIME, Bangalore
10. Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Bangalore
11. National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli
12. AIMS Institutes, Bangalore
13. Alliance University, Bangalore
14. WOXSEN School of Business, Hyderabad
15. IFIM Business School/Jagdish Sheth School of Management, Bangalore
16. Institute of Management Technology, Hyderabad
17. VIT Business School, Vellore
18. RV Institute of Management, Bangalore
19. Amrita School of Business, Coimbatore
20. Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai
21. Manipal Institute of Management/ Manipal University, Manipal
22. REVA University (School of Management Studies), Bangalore
23. PES University, Bangalore
24. SDM Institute for Management Development, Mysuru
25. GIBS Business School, Bangalore
26. CMR Institute of Management Studies, Bangalore
27. SCMS Cochin School of Business, Kochi
28. CHRIST University, Institute of Management, Bangalore
29. SDM PG Centre For Management Studies and Research, Mangalore
30. Global Business School and Research Centre, Bangalore
31. Rajagiri Centre For Business Studies, Kochi
32. MYRA School of Business, Mysuru
33. Presidency University, Bangalore
34. Institute of Public Enterprise, Hyderabad
35. Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai
36. Dayananda Sagar University (School of Commerce and Management), Bangalore
37. KLE Technological University (School of Management Studies and Research), Hubli
38. Indus Business Academy, Bangalore
39. IFMR Graduate School of Business, Sri City
40. St. Joseph’s Institute of Management, Bangalore
41. KLS Institute of Management Education and Research, Belagavi
42. JSS Centre For Management Studies, Mysuru
43. PSG Institute of Management, Coimbatore
44. Ramaiah Institute of Management Studies, Bangalore
45. Siva Sivani Institute of Management, Hyderabad
46. International School of Management Excellence, Bangalore 
47. University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
48. Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum
49. SRM University, Chennai
50. DC School of Management and Technology, Vagamon

Top 10 MBA Colleges in South India Details and Rankings

You’ve seen the list of top 50 MBA colleges in South India in the previous segment. Now, let’s narrow it down to the top 10 MBA colleges based on the quality of management education these institutions offer in the southern region of India. 

First, we’ll see which institutes are included in the top 10 MBA colleges in South India

• Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore
• Indian School of Business, Hyderabad
• Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode
• Indian Institute of Management, Trichy
• T. A. Pai Management Institute, Manipal
• Great Lake Institute of Management, Chennai
• ICFAI Business School, Hyderabad
• Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship, Bangalore
• Loyola Institute of Business Administration, Chennai
• Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Bangalore

Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore

Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, Karnataka ranks first among the top MBA colleges in South India. Are you aware of the fact that some South Indian MBA aspirants often choose IIM Bangalore over IIM Ahmedabad, even when they have the CAT Percentile to qualify for the latter? 

Founded in 1973, IIM Bangalore has grown into the finest research-focused business school in the country. Located in India’s high-technology capital, the institute has strong connections with leading corporations in the country, integrating classroom knowledge with practical experience. 

IIM Bangalore’s vision is to become a globally renowned academic center that cultivates management excellence while promoting innovation and entrepreneurship for both business and society. In addition to its 11 disciplinary areas, IIM Bangalore has ten centers of excellence that offer courses and conduct research to address captivating challenges in various industry sectors. 

Let’s have a look at the MBA programs offered by IIM Bangalore

• Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM)
• Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM) Business Analytics 
• Post Graduate Program in Enterprise Management
• Executive Post Graduate Program in Management 

Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad

Now, we’ll talk about the Indian School of Business (ISB) located in Hyderabad, Telangana in this article on top MBA colleges in South India. ISB is the highest-ranking business school in India currently, as ranked by Forbes, The Economist, Financial Times, and Bloomberg Businessweek global MBA rankings. It was established in 2001 and is accredited by AMBA, EQUIS, and, AACSB. 

If you’re choosing ISB Hyderabad for your MBA, then you must know that it is a not-for-profit organization, funded entirely by private companies, foundations, and individuals worldwide who share its vision to nurture young business leaders who grasp both emerging economies and global viewpoints. 

At ISB Hyderabad, you’ll find innovative management programs and excellent faculty to support your career aspirations in the field of business management. The institute offers postgraduate and advanced management programs. 

MBA programs available at ISB Hyderabad are listed below

• Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP)
• Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM)-Working Professionals
• Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM)-Senior Executives
• Post Graduate Program in Management for Family Business 
• Advanced Management Program in Business Analytics
• Advanced Management Program for Healthcare
• Advanced Management Program for Infrastructure 
• Advanced Management Program in Operations and Supply Chain 
• Advanced Management Program in Public Policy 

Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode

Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode, Kerala was set up in 1996, as the fifth installment of IIMs by the Government of India. It is one of the fastest-growing management institutes in the country and ranks 5^th in the management category of NIRF 2023 rankings. It has a second campus in Kochi exclusively for executive education. It is the second-ranked IIM in the list of top MBA colleges in South India, following IIM Bangalore. 

IIM Kozhikode conducts a full range of academic activities in the field of management education covering research, teaching, training, and consulting. It has highly qualified and experienced permanent faculty, in addition to visiting faculty from industry and other premier management institutes including foreign universities.

So, if you’re selected for this premier business school located in Kerala, do not hesitate to accept the opportunity. IIM Kozhikode offers postgraduate and executive management programs.

Interested MBA aspirants can go through the courses available at the institute that are given below

• Post Graduate Program (PGP)
• PGP in Finance
• PGP in Liberal Studies and Management
• PGP in Business Leadership
• Executive Post Graduate Program 
• Management Development Program

Indian Institute of Management, Trichy

Indian Institute of Management, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu was established in 2011. It is famously known as IIM Trichy. The institute has been ranked 15^th among management institutes as per the NIRF 2023 rankings. 

It has a second campus in Chennai exclusively for executive education. According to data from different sources, IIM Trichy is the third and final IIM to be included in the top 10 MBA colleges in South India. 

IIM Trichy develops young individuals into competent professional managers, equipping them to excel in any industry sector with effective leadership while contributing to the welfare of society. 

The management programs offered at the institute cover various disciplines, exposing students to different aspects of business management. 

The MBA programs offered at IIM Trichy are listed below

• Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM)
• PGPM-HR
• Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPBM)-Working Executives

T. A. Pai Management Institute, Manipal

T. A. Pai Management Institute, Manipal is a private autonomous business school located in Manipal, Karnataka. The institute was established in 1980 and remains one of the Top MBA Colleges in India to this day, consistently ranked among the top 5 business schools in the country.

For over 30 years, a center of business excellence, TAPMI’s vision is to become a leading management institution that nurtures business leaders capable of successfully navigating the ever-evolving global business environment. 

The institute aims to provide top-class postgraduate management education, promote research, innovation, and practical application, and contribute to the growth and development of society. 

TAPMI offers five postgraduate management programs, and they’re listed below

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• MBA-Banking and Financial Services 
• MBA-Human Resource Management
• MBA-Marketing
• MBA-International Business

Great Lake Institute of Management, Chennai

Great Lake Institute of Management, Chennai was established in 2004. As one of the top MBA colleges in South India, this private business school is an excellent choice for management education. 

One of the top MBA colleges in South India, the Great Lake Institute of Management aims to become a leader in providing quality management education and nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills. 

The institute is known for its proactive approach to innovation and unwavering dedication to management education. It cultivates skilled managerial professionals through top-notch research, teaching, immersive learning experiences, and expert management services.

By maintaining a strong industry connection network, the 100% campus placement rate showcases Great Lake’s competence in management education.

The institute offers the following MBA programs

• Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM)
• Post Graduate Executive Program in Management 
• Post Graduate Program in Management- Flex

ICFAI Business School, Hyderabad

ICFAI Business School, abbreviated as IBS, is located in Hyderabad and was founded in 1995. It is a private business school promoted by the ICFAI group. The institute stands for excellence in management education.

One of the top choices among the B-Schools in the south region, IBS Hyderabad focuses on creating value-driven business leaders who can contribute effectively in the global business environment.

Do you want to know an interesting fact about IBS? It is the only institute in India offering AACSB programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. The major programs offered at the institute include MBA, Ph.D., and BBA.

IBS has a growing alumni network of over 6,600 individuals who are currently pursuing management careers in 500-plus companies in India and abroad. 

MBA programs offered at IBS Hyderabad are given below

• MBA/Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM)
• Executive MBA

Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship, Bangalore

Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship, located in Bangalore, commonly known as XIME, is a private business school in India that was established in 1991. 

XIME contributes to nation-building by developing capable, values-driven, and globally-minded managers. The institute has always aimed to become a globally oriented business school with the help of experienced faculty and a supportive alumni network.

Competence, dedication, and making a positive impact on the business world and society are the guiding principles at XIME. It is firmly dedicated to maintaining excellence in quality and admits only the right number of students to achieve this objective.

The management programs offered at XIME Bangalore are given below

• Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Management-Business Analytics

Loyola Institute of Business Administration, Chennai

Loyola Institute of Business Administration is a premier Jesuit Business School that was established in 1979, within the premises of Loyola College Campus, Chennai. Popularly referred to as LIBA, the institute is committed to developing competent and dedicated business leaders.

LIBA is an excellent option if you’re considering pursuing your MBA in the southern region of India. The MBA students at the institute exhibit strong ethics, a focus on principles, social responsibility, a global mindset, and entrepreneurial drive.

The centers of excellence and faculty initiatives at the institute aim to achieve its objective of becoming a hub of management excellence in terms of learning and research. LIBA offers postgraduate programs and postgraduate diploma programs in management. 

LIBA’s management programs are listed below

• Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM)
• Weekend PGDM
• Executive Diploma Program
• Post Graduate Program (PGP) in Logistics 
• PGP in International Finance and Public Accounting 

Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Bangalore

A constituent of Symbiosis International University, Symbiosis Institute of Business Management was established in 2008. Another addition to the top MBA colleges in South India, from Bangalore, this private business school is located in Electronic City, Bangalore. 

SIBM is dedicated to shaping future business leaders with excellent management and administration skills. Its unique learning approaches, eminent faculty, and focus on data analytics set the institute apart from its competitors in management education. 

SIBM promotes international understanding by delivering high-quality education and empowering individuals to become global citizens with knowledge and perspectives in management administration.

The MBA Programs offered at the institute are designed to go beyond traditional business education. 

Postgraduate management programs offered at SIBM are

• MBA
• MBA-Business Analytics
• MBA-Quantitative Finance
• Executive MBA 
• Executive Development Program

Frequently Asked Questions about Top MBA Colleges in South India

Q. Which is the best MBA college in South India?

Ans. IIM Bangalore.

Q. Which college is best for MBA in Tamil Nadu?

Ans. The top institutes that offer MBA in Tamil Nadu are;

• IIM Trichy
• Great Lakes Institute of Management
• IIT Madras
• Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
• NIT Trichy
• Anna University

Q. Which South Indian MBA College has the top placement?

Ans. IIM Bangalore, among the top MBA Colleges in South India, has the highest MBA placement rates. 

Q. Which is the best MBA college in South India with low fees?

Ans. Christ University, Bangalore, and Siva Sivani Institute of Management, Hyderabad are the top MBA colleges in South India with low fees.

Q. What are the top 10 MBA Colleges in South India?

Ans. The top 10 MBA colleges in South India are;

• IIM Bangalore
• ISB Hyderabad
• IIM Kozhikode
• IIM Trichy
• TAPMI Manipal
• Great Lake Institute of Management, Chennai
• IBS Hyderabad
• XIME Bangalore
• LIBA Chennai
• SIBM Bangalore

Q. Which are the top IIMs in South India?

Ans. The top IIMs in South India are;

• IIM Bangalore
• IIM Kozhikode
• IIM Trichy