IIM Lucknow is one of India’s top six Indian Institutes of Management, ranked 5th in the NIRF Management category for 2025, offering a flagship two-year MBA (PGP) along with specialised programmes in agribusiness and sustainable management. Its 2026 placement season closed with an average CTC of ₹33.2 LPA and a highest domestic package of ₹1 crore. If you’re preparing for CAT 2026 and targeting admission to the 2027–29 batch, or simply evaluating IIM Lucknow for an MBA, this guide covers everything you need — courses, eligibility, CAT cutoff, fees, admission process, placements, and campus life — in one place.
Quick Facts — IIM Lucknow at a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow |
| Established | 1984 (4th IIM in India) |
| Campuses | Lucknow (main, ~200 acres) and Noida (executive campus) |
| Flagship programme | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) — 2 years |
| NIRF 2025 rank (Management) | 5 |
| Admission mode | CAT score + academics + WAT-PI |
| PGP total fees (current batch; 2027–29 fee TBA) | Approx. ₹20.75 lakh |
| Average CTC (2026 placements) | ₹33.2 LPA |
| Highest domestic CTC (2026) | ₹1 crore |
| Highest international CTC (2026) | ₹65 LPA |
| Accreditations | AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS |
What Is IIM Lucknow?
The Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow (IIM Lucknow or IIML) was established in 1984 by the Government of India as the fourth institute in the national IIM network, following those at Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta. It operates under the Ministry of Education and has grown from a single 30-student cohort into one of the country’s most sought-after business schools, holding international accreditations from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS.
IIM Lucknow follows a dual-campus structure. Its main, fully residential campus spans roughly 200 acres in Prabandh Nagar on the outskirts of Lucknow, while its dedicated Noida campus, opened in 2005, became the country’s first satellite campus established by an IIM and focuses on executive and working-professional programmes.
If you’re comparing IIM Lucknow with other top B-schools before deciding where to apply, our guide on the top IIMs in India can help you see how it stacks up on rankings, fees, and outcomes.
IIM Lucknow Courses and Programmes
IIM Lucknow offers a mix of full-time, executive, and doctoral programmes across its two campuses.
| Programme | Duration | Campus | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGP (flagship MBA) | 2 years | Lucknow | Freshers and early-career candidates via CAT |
| MBA in Agribusiness Management (MBA-ABM) | 2 years | Lucknow | Candidates interested in agri, food, and rural business sectors |
| MBA in Sustainable Management (MBA-SM) | 2 years | Noida | Candidates with prior work experience interested in ESG/sustainability careers |
| PGP for Working Executives (PGPWE) | 2 years, weekend format | Noida | Working professionals continuing full-time jobs |
| International Programme in Management for Executives (IPMX) | 1 year, full-time | Noida | Mid-career professionals seeking a one-year MBA-equivalent |
| Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) | Doctoral | Lucknow | Candidates pursuing academic/research careers |
| Blended MBA (bMBA) | Flexible | Noida | Working professionals seeking a hybrid learning format |
The flagship PGP remains the most popular choice among CAT aspirants, admitting freshers and candidates with limited work experience purely through the CAT exam.
IIM Lucknow Ranking (NIRF and Other Agencies)
In the NIRF 2025 Management rankings, IIM Lucknow secured the 5th position — an improvement of two places compared to its 7th position in NIRF 2024. This places it among the top six IIMs nationally, ahead of longstanding peers in certain years and just behind IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Kozhikode.
| Ranking body | 2025 Rank |
|---|---|
| NIRF Management Ranking | 5 |
| Financial Times (India) | Top 100 |
IIM Lucknow’s steady rise in national rankings reflects consistent performance across teaching quality, research output, and placement outcomes — the core parameters NIRF evaluates. For the official, verified ranking list, refer to the NIRF India Rankings portal maintained by the Ministry of Education.
Eligibility Criteria for IIM Lucknow Admission
For candidates appearing in CAT 2026 and targeting the IIM Lucknow PGP 2027–29 batch, the eligibility criteria are:
- A bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) or equivalent CGPA from a recognised university, in any discipline.
- Final-year undergraduate students can also apply, subject to submitting proof of graduation later.
- A valid CAT score from the same admission cycle (CAT scores are valid for one year only and cannot be carried forward).
- For MBA-SM, a minimum of 24 months of relevant full-time work experience is mandatory, unlike the flagship PGP and MBA-ABM.
IIM Lucknow CAT Cutoff
Based on the most recently published cutoff (CAT 2025, used for 2026–28 admission), IIM Lucknow’s minimum qualifying CAT cutoff for the General category is 90 percentile overall, with sectional cutoffs of 85 percentile each in VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude for the flagship MBA programme. IIM Lucknow releases the cutoff for each admission cycle only after the respective CAT results. The institute will confirm the CAT 2026 cutoff for the 2027–29 batch after CAT 2026 results are declared, which are expected around January 2027. The figures below provide the latest confirmed reference point and have remained broadly consistent year after year. However, thousands of candidates clear this qualifying mark, so General category candidates typically need a much higher percentile—often 97–99+—to secure a WAT-PI shortlist, depending on the year’s applicant pool.
| Category | Overall Cutoff | VARC | DILR | QA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 90 | 85 | 85 | 85 |
| NC-OBC / EWS | 82 | 77 | 77 | 77 |
| SC | 70 | 55 | 55 | 55 |
| ST / PwD | 60 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Note: MBA-ABM and MBA-SM carry a slightly lower overall qualifying cutoff of around 85 percentile for General category candidates, with proportionately adjusted category-wise cutoffs. If you’re appearing for CAT 2026, use these figures as your planning benchmark, but confirm the official CAT 2026 cutoff on IIM Lucknow’s admission policy page once the institute releases it.
These qualifying cutoffs determine whether you can enter the composite score calculation, but they do not guarantee a WAT-PI call. If you’re still preparing, our breakdown of CAT cutoffs across IIMs for 2026 can help you benchmark your target percentile, and our article on whether CAT is a tough exam explains what it actually takes to clear these cutoffs.
IIM Lucknow Admission Process and Selection Criteria
IIM Lucknow’s admission process runs in two clearly defined stages.
- Clear the CAT sectional and overall cutoff applicable to your category and chosen programme (MBA, MBA-ABM, or MBA-SM).
- Composite score for WAT-PI shortlisting — CAT score carries the highest weight (around 60%), with the remainder split across Class 12 marks, graduation marks, work experience, and diversity factors (gender and academic-background diversity).
- Written Ability Test (WAT) — a timed essay, typically 20–30 minutes, on a current-affairs or business topic.
- Personal Interview (PI) — candidates must score a minimum threshold (commonly cited as 12 out of 40) to remain eligible for the final merit list, regardless of their CAT score.
- Final composite score — for the final merit list, weightage shifts significantly: CAT’s contribution typically drops to around 30%, while WAT and PI together carry the largest share, alongside academics and work experience.
- Offer and seat confirmation — shortlisted candidates receive an admission offer and must complete document verification and fee payment to confirm their seat.
This two-stage design means a strong CAT percentile gets you into the room, but the interview and academic-diversity profile often decide the final outcome. For a full walkthrough of how CAT scores translate into IIM shortlists and admission outcomes, see our guide on IIM fees and placements.
IIM Lucknow Fees (Latest Available, Ahead of the 2027–29 Batch)
The total fee for the flagship two-year PGP at IIM Lucknow’s currently enrolled 2026–28 batch is approximately ₹20.75 lakh, payable across six terms over two years. IIM Lucknow typically notifies fees for the next batch (2027–29, admitted via CAT 2026) closer to the admission cycle in early-to-mid 2027 — historically, any year-on-year change has been modest, so this figure is the most reliable reference point for aspirants budgeting today.
| Component | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Total PGP tuition + infrastructure + admission fees | ~₹20.75 lakh |
| Year 1 fees | ~₹10.95 lakh |
| Year 2 fees | ~₹9.80 lakh |
| Mess charges (excluded from above, per semester) | ₹20,000–25,000 |
| Refundable caution deposit | Included in Year 1 payment |
This fee covers tuition, infrastructure, library and IT charges, alumni membership, and basic hostel accommodation, but typically excludes mess charges, personal expenses, and laptop costs. MBA-ABM fees are broadly comparable to the flagship PGP, given the similar academic structure. Compared with several other top IIMs, IIM Lucknow’s fee is on the more affordable end for a top-six ranked programme — you can compare this against other IIMs in our detailed IIM fees and placements guide.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
IIM Lucknow offers need-based and merit-based financial assistance to help eligible students manage the cost of the programme:
- Need-based scholarships and fee waivers for candidates from economically weaker backgrounds, assessed through documented family income.
- Corporate-sponsored scholarships, where select organisations fund partial or full fees for candidates from specific categories (for example, women candidates in the MBA-ABM programme).
- Education loans, which most students use to fund a significant portion of their fees, given strong placement outcomes and bank tie-ups common at top IIMs.
Exact scholarship amounts and eligibility change year to year, so admitted candidates should confirm current offerings directly through the official IIM Lucknow admissions office at the time of joining.
IIM Lucknow Placements
IIM Lucknow’s final placements for its 2026 graduating batch (the 40th PGP batch and 21st PGP-ABM batch) reflect strong and improving recruiter demand.
| Metric | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Average CTC | ₹32.3 LPA | ₹33.2 LPA |
| Median CTC | ₹31 LPA | ₹32.9 LPA |
| Highest domestic CTC | ₹75 LPA | ₹1 crore |
| Highest international CTC | ₹65 LPA | ₹65 LPA |
| Students placed | 570 | 559 |
| Offers extended | 600 | 580 |
| Recruiters participating | 180+ | 200+ |
The average CTC at IIM Lucknow’s 2026 final placements was ₹33.2 LPA, with the highest domestic package crossing ₹1 crore for the first time. More than 200 domestic and international companies participated across sectors including consulting, BFSI, FMCG, technology, and e-commerce, with several first-time recruiters joining the drive. This consistent year-on-year growth in both average and peak packages reflects sustained recruiter confidence in the institute’s talent pool.
For a wider view of how placement outcomes compare across the top IIMs, see our comparison in IIM fees and placements.
Campus, Hostel and Infrastructure
IIM Lucknow’s main campus spans around 200 acres in Prabandh Nagar and is fully residential, with academic blocks, faculty and student housing, sports facilities, a well-stocked library, and green, landscaped surroundings designed to support a self-contained learning environment. The Noida campus, spread across roughly 20 acres, is purpose-built for executive education, with dedicated infrastructure for working-professional cohorts, including residential facilities for both faculty and students during their campus visits.
On-campus hostel accommodation is provided as part of the standard fee structure for full-time PGP students, with single-room options available at an additional charge in some cases.
Important Dates for CAT 2026 and IIM Lucknow Admission
CAT 2026 will be conducted on Sunday, November 29, 2026, by IIM Indore, in three sessions across roughly 170 test cities in India.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 registration opens | August 3, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 registration closes | September 15, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 admit card release | November 4, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 exam date | November 29, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 result (expected) | Late December 2026 / early January 2027 |
| IIM Lucknow WAT-PI shortlisting and interviews (expected) | January–March 2027 |
| Final admission offers | April–May 2027 |
Dates for the result, shortlist release, and interview rounds are typically confirmed by IIM Lucknow and the CAT convening institute closer to the result date, so aspirants should check the official IIM Lucknow website and the official CAT website regularly. If you’re still deciding when to apply, our article on the CAT application last date can help you plan your registration timeline.
Key Takeaways
- IIM Lucknow is India’s 4th-oldest IIM, established in 1984, and ranked 5th in NIRF Management 2025.
- The flagship two-year PGP’s most recently published fee is approximately ₹20.75 lakh (2026–28 batch); fees for the CAT 2026-linked 2027–29 batch will be notified closer to admission.
- The most recently published qualifying CAT cutoff is 90 percentile overall for General category, but real shortlisting typically needs 97–99+ percentile; CAT 2026 cutoffs will be confirmed after results are declared.
- The 2026 placement season delivered an average CTC of ₹33.2 LPA and a highest domestic package of ₹1 crore.
- Admission depends on a composite score combining CAT, academics, work experience, WAT, and PI — not CAT alone.
- IIM Lucknow operates two campuses: Lucknow (main, full-time PGP) and Noida (executive programmes).
- CAT 2026 will be held on November 29, 2026, with registration open from August 3 to September 15, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IIM Lucknow good for an MBA?
Yes.IIM Lucknow ranks 5th in the NIRF 2025 Management category, holds AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS accreditations, and achieved an average placement package of ₹33.2 LPA in 2026, making it one of India’s top six management institutes.
What is the fee of IIM Lucknow for two years?
The total fee for the flagship two-year PGP at IIM Lucknow for the 2026–28 batch is approximately ₹20.75 lakh, covering tuition, infrastructure, library, IT, and basic hostel charges.
What is the CAT cutoff for IIM Lucknow?
The qualifying CAT cutoff for IIM Lucknow’s General category is 90 percentile overall, with 85 percentile required in each of VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude. Actual shortlisting typically requires a much higher percentile, often 97-99+.
What is the average package at IIM Lucknow?
IIM Lucknow’s 2026 final placements recorded an average CTC of ₹33.2 LPA and a median CTC of ₹32.9 LPA, with a highest domestic package of ₹1 crore.
How many campuses does IIM Lucknow have?
IIM Lucknow has two campuses: the main residential campus in Lucknow (around 200 acres) for full-time programmes, and a satellite campus in Noida for executive and working-professional programmes.
What is the NIRF rank of IIM Lucknow in 2025?
IIM Lucknow is ranked 5th in the NIRF 2025 Management category, an improvement of two places from its 7th rank in NIRF 2024.
Does IIM Lucknow offer scholarships?
Yes, IIM Lucknow offers need-based scholarships, fee waivers, and select corporate-sponsored scholarships for eligible candidates, in addition to standard education loan support.
What programmes does IIM Lucknow offer besides the MBA?
Besides the flagship PGP, IIM Lucknow offers MBA-ABM (Agribusiness Management), MBA-SM (Sustainable Management), PGP for Working Executives, IPMX, a Blended MBA, and a doctoral Fellow Programme in Management (FPM).
Conclusion
IIM Lucknow has steadily strengthened its position among India’s top management institutes, backed by a rising NIRF rank, a well-rounded fee-to-placement value proposition, and consistent year-on-year growth in placement outcomes. For CAT aspirants, getting in requires clearing a demanding cutoff, but final selection genuinely rewards a well-rounded profile — strong academics, relevant experience, and a good WAT-PI performance — not CAT percentile alone. Whether you’re just starting your CAT preparation or evaluating your shortlist options, IIM Lucknow deserves serious consideration among your top choices.
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