Choosing between two leading IIMs can be challenging for CAT aspirants. The IIM Lucknow MBA vs IIM Kozhikode decision depends on more than rankings. Fees, placements, CAT cutoff, ROI, academics, campus life and career opportunities all matter. This comparison examines IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode to help aspirants identify the better fit for their goals.
IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode: Quick Comparison
The IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode comparison becomes clearer when key factors are viewed together. The supplied reference data shows differences in fees, CAT cutoff and reported placement outcomes, while both institutes offer strong career opportunities across multiple domains.
| Parameter | IIM Lucknow | IIM Kozhikode |
| Programme Fee | ₹20.75 lakh | ₹22.50 lakh |
| CAT 2026 General Cutoff | 90 percentile | 85 percentile |
| Reported Average/Mean CTC | ₹33.2 lakh | ₹28.05 lakh |
| Reported Median CTC | ₹32.9 lakh | ₹27 lakh |
| Key Placement Areas | Consulting, Finance, General Management, Product | Consulting, Finance, IT & Analytics |
Note: The placement reports cover different batches and should not be interpreted as a same-year comparison.
IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode: Fees Comparison
The fees comparison is an important factor when evaluating IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode. As per the supplied reference, IIM Lucknow’s PGPM fee is ₹20.75 lakh, while IIM Kozhikode’s programme fee is ₹22.50 lakh.
| Fee Factor | IIM Lucknow | IIM Kozhikode |
| Programme Fee | ₹20.75 lakh | ₹22.50 lakh |
| Relative Cost | Lower | Higher |
For IIM Kozhikode, the stated fee covers programme delivery, instructional material, hostel accommodation and specified campus facilities, while expenses such as mess and international travel may be additional. Therefore, students should compare the total cost of an MBA, not just the advertised programme fee, before evaluating ROI.
IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode: Placement Comparison
The placement comparison is one of the most important parts of the IIM Lucknow MBA vs IIM Kozhikode decision. The supplied reports, however, cover different placement years, so the figures should be viewed as indicators rather than a direct same-year comparison.
IIM Lucknow’s 2026 batch recorded ₹33.2 lakh average CTC and ₹32.9 lakh median CTC, with the highest domestic package at ₹1 crore. Consulting accounted for 39% of placements, followed by General Management at 20% and Finance at 17%.
IIM Kozhikode’s 2024 report recorded a ₹28.05 lakh mean CTC and ₹27 lakh median CTC, with Consulting contributing 33% and Finance 28% of offers.
Overall, both offer strong career opportunities, with IIM Lucknow showing stronger reported compensation in the latest supplied report.
CAT Cutoff: IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode
The CAT cutoff is a crucial factor in the IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode comparison. According to the supplied 2026 cutoff data, the General-category minimum overall CAT percentile is 90 for IIM Lucknow and 85 for IIM Kozhikode.
| Category | IIM Lucknow | IIM Kozhikode |
| General | 90 | 85 |
| NC-OBC / EWS | 82 | 75 |
| SC | 70 | 65 |
| ST | 65 | 55 |
| PwD | 65 | 55 |
For General candidates, IIM Lucknow also lists an 85 percentile in VARC, DILR and QA, while the supplied IIM Kozhikode data lists a 75-percentile sectional requirement.
However, these are minimum qualifying cutoffs, not guaranteed interview-call percentiles. Aspirants should target a substantially higher CAT score to remain competitive.
ROI: IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode
When comparing the ROI of IIM Lucknow and IIM Kozhikode, both programme cost and placement outcomes should be considered. The supplied data lists IIM Lucknow’s PGPM fee at ₹20.75 lakh, compared with ₹22.50 lakh for IIM Kozhikode.
IIM Lucknow reported a ₹33.2 lakh average CTC and ₹32.9 lakh median CTC for its 2026 batch, while IIM Kozhikode reported a ₹28.05 lakh mean CTC and ₹27 lakh median CTC in its 2024 placement report.
On these figures, IIM Lucknow appears stronger on reported ROI. However, the placement years differ, so students should also consider role quality, career goals and long-term growth.
Academics & Curriculum: IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode
Both institutes offer rigorous management education, but the right choice depends on the student’s preferred academics, MBA curriculum and career direction. IIM Lucknow provides exposure across areas such as Finance, Marketing, Operations and Strategy, while IIM Kozhikode’s placement data reflects strong career opportunities across Consulting, Finance, IT & Analytics, General Management and Marketing.
For aspirants comparing IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode, the key consideration should therefore be the learning environment and career domain that best matches their long-term goals.
Campus Life & Student Experience
Campus life is another important factor in the IIM Lucknow MBA vs IIM Kozhikode decision. Both institutes provide a residential MBA environment where students experience academics alongside peer interaction, extracurricular activities and professional networking.
For aspirants comparing IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode, campus preference can ultimately be personal. Beyond infrastructure, students should consider the overall learning environment, peer culture and opportunities to participate in activities outside the classroom.
Ranking & Reputation: IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode
Ranking is an important consideration when comparing IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode, but it should not be the only deciding factor. The supplied IIM Kozhikode placement report highlights its 3rd position in NIRF Management Education, while IIM Lucknow was ranked 5th in NIRF Management 2025.
| Institute | NIRF Management Ranking 2025 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 3rd |
| IIM Lucknow | 5th |
Thus, IIM Kozhikode has a higher recent NIRF ranking, but the difference alone should not determine the choice. Aspirants should also compare academics, placement outcomes, fees, ROI, campus life and long-term career opportunities before deciding.
Career Opportunities: IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode
Both institutes offer diverse career opportunities across major management domains. IIM Lucknow’s latest placement report shows opportunities in Consulting, General Management, Finance, IT/Tech/Analytics/Product, Sales & Marketing and Operations.
IIM Kozhikode’s placement report highlights strong opportunities in Consulting, Finance, IT & Analytics, General Management, Sales & Marketing and Operations, with Consulting and Finance accounting for 33% and 28% of offers, respectively.
Therefore, both offer strong career paths, with the better choice depending on your preferred industry, role and long-term goals.
IIM Lucknow vs IIM Kozhikode: Which Is Better?
There is no single winner in the IIM Lucknow MBA vs IIM Kozhikode comparison. IIM Lucknow has an edge in placement and ROI figures, while IIM Kozhikode has a higher NIRF ranking and strong opportunities in consulting and finance. Your choice should ultimately depend on CAT performance, career goals, preferred domain, fees and overall fit.
How Tarkashastra Can Help You Target IIM Lucknow or IIM Kozhikode
Getting into IIM Lucknow or IIM Kozhikode starts with building a strong CAT preparation strategy. Tarkashastra helps MBA aspirants prepare through structured learning, concept-building, practice questions, mock tests, performance analysis, and expert guidance.
If both institutes are on your target list, set a clear CAT percentile goal and prepare consistently across VARC, DILR and QA. A focused preparation strategy can help you.
Conclusion
The IIM Lucknow MBA vs IIM Kozhikode comparison shows that both are strong choices for CAT aspirants. IIM Lucknow has an edge in the supplied placement and fee data, while IIM Kozhikode leads in NIRF ranking. Ultimately, the better IIM depends on your CAT performance, career goals, preferred domain, ROI expectations and personal fit.
Compete for leading IIMs and make an informed choice when admission offers arrive.
FAQs
1. Which is better, IIM Lucknow or IIM Kozhikode?
Both are excellent choices. IIM Lucknow has an edge in the supplied placement and fee data, while IIM Kozhikode has a higher NIRF ranking.
2. How do MBA fees compare?
The supplied data lists IIM Lucknow’s PGPM fee at ₹20.75 lakh and IIM Kozhikode’s programme fee at ₹22.50 lakh.
3. Which institute has better placements?
IIM Lucknow reported a higher average and median CTC in its 2026 placement report, while IIM Kozhikode showed strong consulting and finance opportunities. The reports cover different years.
4. How do CAT cutoffs differ?
For CAT 2026, the supplied data lists the General-category minimum overall cutoff at 90 percentile for IIM Lucknow and 85 percentile for IIM Kozhikode.
5. Which campus offers better student life?
Both offer residential campus experiences with opportunities for academics, peer interaction and extracurricular activities. The better choice depends largely on individual preferences.
6. How do academic programs compare?
Both provide rigorous management education across major business disciplines. Students should compare curriculum structure, electives and their preferred career specialisation before choosing.
7. Which has better ROI?
Based on the supplied fee and placement figures, IIM Lucknow appears stronger on reported ROI. However, the placement reports cover different years, so this should not be treated as a definitive ROI comparison.
8. Which institute has stronger brand value?
Both have strong brand value among Indian B-schools. IIM Kozhikode ranked 3rd and IIM Lucknow 5th in NIRF Management 2025, but ranking alone does not determine brand value or career outcomes.
9. Which MBA should students choose?
Choose based on your career goals, preferred industry, CAT performance, ROI expectations and campus preferences rather than selecting solely on ranking or placement figures.
10. What factors should be considered before deciding?
Consider fees, placements, CAT cutoff, ROI, academics, campus life, ranking, preferred career domain and long-term career opportunities before making the final decision.
