IIM Bangalore vs IIM Kozhikode: A comparative analysis of placement records

Two of India’s premier management institutes, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) and the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK), are dream schools for many aspiring management students. In the NIRF Rankings 2024, they both hold ranks in two three; IIM Bangalore at number 2 and IIM Kozhikode at number 3. In fact, both of the IIMs have secured positions in the top 5 since 2021.affirming their status as the best management colleges in India. So, what sets these institutes apart? Beyond their distinguished faculty, advanced courses, research facilities, and impressive campuses, one major differentiator is their placement records. Today, we will compare which of these esteemed IIMs excels more in terms of placements.

Placement Records: A comparative between IIM Bangalore and IIM Kozhikode

So which institute is better in terms of placement records? Here is a look at the last three years’ data of both the institutes published by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) under the management category 2024:
PG (2 year program)

A comparative analysis of the placement data from IIM Bangalore and IIM Kozhikode over the last three academic years reveals distinct patterns. At IIM Bangalore, the number of students graduating within the minimum stipulated time varied slightly, with 436 graduates in 2020-21, 518 in 2021-22, and 502 in 2022-23. All graduates secured placements, and the median salary consistently increased, rising from Rs. 25 lakh in 2020-21 to Rs. 31.5 lakh in 2021-22, reaching Rs. 33 lakh in 2022-23.
On the other hand, IIM Kozhikode saw a larger number of graduates each year—471 in 2020-21, 548 in 2021-22, and 559 in 2022-23. A small proportion of students chose to pursue higher education (12 in 2020-21 and 2 in 2021-22), while most were placed. The median salary at IIM Kozhikode fluctuated, starting at Rs. 20 lakh in 2020-21, spiking to Rs. 36.5 lakh in 2021-22, and then dropping to Rs. 27 lakh in 2022-23.
This comparison underscores IIM Bangalore’s consistent placement success and steady salary growth, while IIM Kozhikode displayed more variability in salary outcomes, despite maintaining a high overall placement rate.