Do you dream of becoming a business leader but think IITs are only for engineers? Think again. While IITs are famous for engineering, they also offer top-ranked MBA programs. These programs combine business skills with strong technical knowledge. In 2025, eight IITs will offer full-time, two-year MBA courses designed to help students build strong careers in management, consulting, finance, and more.
If you scored well in CAT or are planning to take it this year, IITs could be your best choice. With affordable fees, strong placements, and excellent faculty, IITs offer some of the best return on investment in India. You don’t need to be an engineer to apply. Several IITs welcome students from all backgrounds, including commerce and science.
This guide is for students like you who want to know how to get an MBA from an IIT. We explain the eligibility, application steps, fees, placements, and preparation tips in simple words.
Does IIT Offer MBA?
Yes, some IITs offer MBA programs. In 2025, 8 out of the 23 IITs offer full-time MBA programs. These programs are two-year residential courses. The MBA programs at IITs focus on management and technology. Students learn both business and technical skills.
List of IITs with MBA Programs
In 2025, eight Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) offer full-time, two-year MBA programs. These programs focus on business education with a strong link to technology and innovation. Students from various academic backgrounds can apply. Each IIT has its own management school or department, offering unique specializations, teaching methods, and placement opportunities. Here is a detailed look at each of the eight IITs with MBA programs.
1) IIT Delhi – Department of Management Studies (DMS)
IIT Delhi offers one of the most prestigious MBA programs in India. The Department of Management Studies (DMS) provides two programs: a general MBA and an MBA in Telecommunication Systems Management. The MBA program is open to students from all streams. DMS-IIT Delhi is known for its strong faculty, focus on research, and excellent placements. The department also ranks high in the NIRF rankings every year. Many students choose IIT Delhi because of its location in the capital, which helps with industry exposure and internships.
2) IIT Bombay – Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management (SJMSOM)
SJMSOM at IIT Bombay offers a well-rounded MBA program that blends management with technology. The school is located within the main IIT Bombay campus and has strong industry links. The program is known for its case-based learning, student-driven clubs, and live projects. SJMSOM also accepts GMAT scores from international applicants. The school ranks among the top 10 B-schools in India and is popular for its high placement packages and global exposure.
3) IIT Madras – Department of Management Studies (DoMS)
DoMS at IIT Madras offers a two-year MBA with a focus on data, decision-making, and innovation. The program is open to students from any academic background. DoMS gives preference to students with a good academic record and work experience, but freshers can also apply. One of the unique features of this program is the IIT Madras Incubation Cell, which helps students interested in entrepreneurship. The department also provides exemptions from CAT for IIT graduates with a CGPA of 8.0 or above.
4) IIT Kharagpur – Vinod Gupta School of Management (VGSoM)
VGSoM was the first IIT to offer an MBA program, starting in 1993. It has a long history and strong alumni network. The school focuses on analytical thinking, leadership, and technology in business. Students can choose electives in areas like finance, marketing, operations, and systems. VGSoM has a well-developed placement cell and maintains a 100% placement record. It also promotes research and innovation in business practices.
5) IIT Kanpur – Department of Industrial and Management Engineering (DIME)
DIME offers an MBA program that is more quantitative and technical in nature. The program is best suited for students with a background in engineering, science, or mathematics. The department is known for research in supply chain, operations, and analytics. Students at IIT Kanpur benefit from a strong academic culture and access to high-quality labs and research centers. Placements include companies in analytics, consulting, and operations roles.
6) IIT Roorkee – Department of Management Studies (DoMS)
IIT Roorkee’s DoMS offers a general MBA program that is growing in popularity. It accepts students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. The curriculum focuses on business fundamentals, leadership, and decision-making. DoMS Roorkee is also gaining attention for its increasing placement packages and industry collaborations. It has tie-ups with several national and international companies for internships and final placements.
7) IIT Dhanbad – Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines)
IIT Dhanbad’s management program is offered through its Department of Management Studies and Industrial Engineering. It offers a general MBA and a specialized MBA in Business Analytics. The school attracts students interested in data-driven roles and tech-enabled business functions. The program includes hands-on training, workshops, and live projects. IIT Dhanbad is especially suitable for students interested in sectors like mining, energy, and analytics.
8) IIT Jodhpur – School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME)
IIT Jodhpur is one of the newer IITs offering an MBA program. Its School of Management and Entrepreneurship offers a two-year MBA that focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology management. Though relatively new, the school is building a strong reputation. It offers modern infrastructure, strong faculty support, and collaboration with the tech departments of IIT Jodhpur. Students looking for startup exposure or tech-business integration find this program valuable.
Each IIT MBA program has its own strengths. Students should choose based on their academic background, career goals, and preferred specialization. While the core management subjects remain similar, the teaching style, location, and placement options differ from one IIT to another.
Eligibility Criteria for IIT MBA Programs (2025)
To apply for MBA programs at IITs in 2025, students must meet certain eligibility conditions. These rules are mostly similar across all IITs, but some institutes have slight differences. The eligibility includes academic qualifications, entrance exam requirements, and other criteria such as work experience and English proficiency for international students. Let’s go through all the important points in detail.
Basic Educational Qualification
The most important requirement is a bachelor’s degree. Students must have a minimum of a four-year undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university. This includes degrees such as B.E., B.Tech., B.Sc. (4-year), B.Com (Hons.), and B.A. (Hons.) from approved institutions.
Students must have scored at least 60% marks or a CGPA of 6.0 on a 10-point scale to be eligible. However, for SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the minimum required marks are 55% or a CGPA of 5.5.
Final-Year Students: Students in the final year of their undergraduate program are also allowed to apply. However, they must complete all graduation requirements by September 30, 2025. They need to provide proof of completion before this deadline if selected.
Entrance Exam Requirement
All IITs that offer MBA programs use the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024 as the main entrance exam. The CAT exam is conducted by the IIMs and tests students on Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning. A good CAT score is essential to get shortlisted for further rounds like interviews and group discussions.
Some IITs also accept GMAT scores from international candidates. For example, IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) allows international students to apply using GMAT instead of CAT. However, Indian applicants must appear for CAT only.
IIT Graduate Exemption: An important feature of IIT Madras is the CAT exemption for its own graduates. If a student has completed their undergraduate degree from any IIT and has a CGPA of 8.0 or above, they are not required to appear for CAT. This is a special case and is applicable only at IIT Madras.
Academic Background Preferences
While most IITs accept students from all disciplines, some institutes give preference to certain streams.
- IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, and IIT Kharagpur: These IITs accept students from all academic backgrounds including Engineering, Science, Commerce, and Arts.
- IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay, IIT Roorkee, and IIT Dhanbad: These prefer candidates from Engineering, Science, or Commerce backgrounds. While students from other fields may still apply, preference in shortlisting may go to technical or commerce students.
Work Experience
Work experience is not mandatory but is usually preferred. Candidates with one to two years of relevant work experience get some weightage in the selection process. However, freshers with good academic records and strong CAT scores can also get admission.
English Proficiency for International Candidates
International students must prove their ability to read, write, and speak in English. Some IITs, like IIT Bombay, require proof that the student has completed their education in English or may ask for additional documents such as TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Admission Process for IIT MBA Programs (2025)
The admission process for MBA programs at IITs is well-structured and happens in two major stages. The process starts after the CAT 2024 results are announced and ends with the final selection list in April or May 2025. Each IIT conducts its own admission process, and there is no central counseling like in the IIM system. Here is a step-by-step explanation of how the admission process works.
Stage 1: Shortlisting Based on CAT 2024 Score
All IITs use the CAT 2024 score as the primary shortlisting tool. Students must apply separately to each IIT they are interested in. Once the CAT results are released on December 19, 2024, candidates can apply online through the official MBA portals of the respective IITs.
Each IIT has its own shortlisting criteria. They use a composite score that includes:
- CAT percentile (major component)
- Academic performance (10th, 12th, and graduation marks)
- Work experience (if any)
- Gender diversity (some IITs give extra points to female candidates)
For example, IIT Delhi gives 65% weightage to CAT scores, 30% to the Personal Interview (PI), and 5% to extracurricular activities. Other IITs have similar scoring systems with slight variations.
Once the scores are calculated, the shortlisted candidates are invited to the next round. Shortlist announcements are expected by mid-February 2025.
Stage 2: GD/PI/WAT Rounds
Shortlisted candidates are invited for the second round, which includes:
- Group Discussion (GD) – Not mandatory at all IITs
- Personal Interview (PI) – Conducted by all IITs
- Written Ability Test (WAT) – Used by some IITs to test writing skills
These rounds are usually held between March 1 and March 31, 2025, across major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. In some cases, interviews may also be held online, especially for international or remote candidates.
During the PI, the panel asks questions about academics, work experience, current affairs, and personal goals. WAT topics are usually based on recent news, business trends, or abstract topics.
Application Process and Documents Required
Each IIT has its own online portal for MBA applications. Candidates must complete the form correctly and upload all required documents before the deadline.
Documents needed:
- CAT 2024 scorecard
- 10th, 12th, and graduation mark sheets
- Degree certificate (if available)
- Passport-size photograph and signature
- Work experience certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
Candidates must ensure that all documents are clearly scanned and uploaded in the required format.
Final Selection and Result Declaration
After the interviews and tests, each IIT prepares a final merit list. This list is based on:
- CAT score
- GD/PI/WAT performance
- Academic background
- Work experience
- Gender diversity (if applicable)
Waitlist movements are common and start around late May. Seats often open up as selected candidates accept offers from other institutes.
Fee Structure for IIT MBA Programs (2025)
The fee for MBA programs at IITs is much lower than that of IIMs and many private business schools. This makes IITs a great choice for students who want good quality education and a strong return on investment (ROI). The total fee for a two-year full-time MBA program at IITs ranges from Rs. 4.5 lakh to Rs. 13.3 lakh, depending on the institute.
In this section, we break down the fee structure for each IIT offering MBA programs in 2025. The fees generally include tuition fees, hostel charges, and other institute charges such as library, computer lab, and student activity fees.
| IIT | Tuition Fee (Total) | Other Charges | Hostel + Mess (Approx) | Total Fee (General) | SC/ST/PwD Tuition Waiver |
| IIT Delhi | Rs. 12,00,000 | Rs. 89,600 (for 4 sem) | Rs. 34,400 (for 4 sem) | ~Rs. 13.3 lakh | Yes |
| IIT Bombay | ~Rs. 9,00,000 | Included | Included | ~Rs. 9–10 lakh | Yes |
| IIT Madras | ~Rs. 7,60,000 | Rs. 1,00,000 | Rs. 1,00,000 | ~Rs. 8.5–9 lakh | Yes |
| IIT Kharagpur | ~Rs. 9,00,000 | Rs. 1,50,000 | Rs. 80,000 | ~Rs. 10.5–11 lakh | Yes |
| IIT Kanpur | ~Rs. 6,00,000 | Rs. 1,00,000 | Rs. 1,00,000 | ~Rs. 7–8 lakh | Yes |
| IIT Roorkee | Rs. 5,00,000 | Rs. 80,000 | Rs. 1,00,000 | ~Rs. 6.5–7 lakh | Yes |
| IIT Dhanbad | Rs. 4,00,000 | Rs. 50,000 | Rs. 50,000 | ~Rs. 5 lakh | Yes |
| IIT Jodhpur | Rs. 6,00,000 | Rs. 80,000 | Rs. 1,00,000 | ~Rs. 7–7.5 lakh | Yes |
Note: All amounts are approximate and based on official notifications or past fee data. Actual fees may vary slightly. Always check the respective IIT’s official website before applying.
Fee Waivers and Scholarships
- SC/ST/PwD students are given a full tuition fee waiver at most IITs.
- Some IITs offer merit-based scholarships for high-performing students.
- Need-based financial aid is also available in some institutes.
- Students can also apply for education loans from banks. IITs have tie-ups with banks that offer loans at low interest rates.
ROI Advantage: While IIMs charge Rs. 20–25 lakh for two years, IIT MBA programs cost half or even less. However, the placement packages at IITs are comparable to or even better than many new IIMs and private B-schools. This makes the MBA from IITs a great investment.
MBA Seat Availability in IITs
In 2025, eight IITs are offering full-time, two-year MBA programs. Together, these institutes offer around 600 to 700 seats for MBA aspirants. The number of seats varies across IITs depending on the size of the department, number of specializations, and infrastructure. Knowing the number of seats available can help students estimate the competition and plan their applications better.
Total Estimated Seats (All 8 IITs): ~630–700
Please note that the final number of seats may change slightly, based on institute decisions and approval from authorities. Students should refer to the official websites for the most accurate data.
Reservation Policy: All IITs follow the reservation policy of the Government of India. The seat allocation includes reserved categories as follows:
- 15% for Scheduled Caste (SC)
- 7.5% for Scheduled Tribe (ST)
- 27% for Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL)
- 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
- 5% for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) within each category
This means that out of every 100 seats, around 49 seats are reserved for different categories, and the rest are available for General category students. Candidates must submit valid certificates to claim reservation benefits during admission.
Why Choose an IIT MBA Over IIMs or Other B-Schools?
Many students preparing for MBA entrance exams often focus only on IIMs. While IIMs are popular, MBA programs at IITs are becoming strong alternatives for serious management aspirants. IIT MBAs offer a unique combination of quality, affordability, strong placements, and technology-driven education. In fact, for some students, an IIT MBA may be a better fit than an IIM. Let’s look at why.
1) Lower CAT Cutoffs
One of the biggest advantages of applying to IITs is the lower CAT percentile requirement. While top IIMs often require 99+ percentile, most IITs shortlist candidates with CAT scores between 93 and 98 percentile for the General category. Even some students in the 88–92 range may get calls under reserved categories.
This opens the door for many bright candidates who may have missed out on IIMs despite strong academics and work experience. IITs also consider the overall profile, giving weightage to academics, work experience, and diversity, not just CAT scores.
2) Affordable Fees
MBA programs at IITs are more affordable than those at IIMs and most private B-schools.
- IITs charge Rs. 4.5 to 13.3 lakh for the entire two-year program.
- In contrast, IIMs typically charge Rs. 20 to 25 lakh, with newer IIMs also charging above Rs. 15 lakh.
Lower fees reduce the financial burden on students and their families. For SC, ST, and PwD candidates, tuition is often waived, making it even more cost-effective.
3) High Return on Investment (ROI)
Even with lower fees, IIT MBA graduates receive competitive salaries.
- Average placements range from Rs. 13 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh per year.
- Top recruiters include McKinsey, Amazon, PwC, Deloitte, Accenture, and Google.
- Startups and tech firms are also hiring from IITs in increasing numbers.
This makes the ROI much higher than in many other B-schools, including some new IIMs and private colleges.
4) Technology Integration and Innovation
One of the most unique strengths of an IIT MBA is the integration of management education with technology.
- IITs provide access to top engineering, data science, and analytics departments.
- Students can take electives in artificial intelligence, machine learning, business analytics, and digital marketing.
- Institutes like IIT Madras and IIT Jodhpur offer support for entrepreneurship through dedicated incubation cells.
Such exposure is rare in traditional B-schools and helps students prepare for the future of business.
5) Strong Brand and Academic Reputation
IITs are globally recognized institutions. Their management departments, like DMS IIT Delhi, SJMSOM IIT Bombay, and DoMS IIT Madras, are ranked among the top 20 B-schools in India by NIRF. Recruiters trust the IIT brand, which adds value to your resume.
Many IIT MBAs also go on to study or work abroad, helped by international collaborations and strong alumni networks.
6) Additional Benefits
- Smaller batch sizes lead to better student-faculty interaction.
- Strong focus on data and decision-making.
- Less peer pressure than top IIMs, creating a more supportive learning environment.
- Option to study interdisciplinary courses from other departments.
7) Some Limitations to Consider
- IIT MBA programs are relatively new compared to older IIMs like Ahmedabad or Bangalore.
- They may offer fewer specializations or electives than large B-schools.
- The alumni network, while growing, is still smaller than the top IIMs.
However, for many students, these are not deal-breakers. The cost advantage, brand name, placements, and academic environment make IITs a great choice.
Conclusion
An MBA from an IIT is a smart choice for students who want quality education, strong placements, and affordable fees. In 2025, eight IITs are offering full-time MBA programs that combine management with technology. These programs are open to students from various backgrounds, not just engineering. With CAT 2024 as the main entry route, a good score and a strong profile can help you secure admission.
The placement records at IITs are impressive, with average salaries between ₹13 and ₹25 lakh. Top companies like McKinsey, Deloitte, and Amazon regularly recruit from these campuses. Compared to IIMs and private B-schools, IITs offer better ROI with lower tuition fees and competitive job offers.
If you are aiming for a future in business, now is the time to start preparing. Focus on CAT, build your profile, and apply by January 31, 2025. Visit the official IIT websites for the latest updates and apply with confidence.
