Top MBA Colleges in Kolkata 2027: Fees, Placements, Exams & Low-Fee Options

Kolkata is one of India's oldest centres of management education. It has a top IIM, two national-level business schools, several well-known PGDM institutes and a wide range of affordable MBA programs at engineering colleges and private universities. Whether you are targeting CAT or looking for an MBA in Kolkata without CAT, this guide lists the main options for 2027 with entrance exams and approximate fees.

Fees below are approximate totals for the full program as published for recent batches. They change every year, so always confirm the latest figure on the institute's website before you apply.

Top MBA and PGDM colleges in Kolkata (CAT, XAT, GMAT)

1. IIM Calcutta

IIM Calcutta in Joka is India's first IIM, set up in 1961, and one of the country's most selective business schools. Admission to its two-year MBA is through CAT followed by the institute's own selection process. The fee for the 2025-27 batch is about ₹27 lakh.

2. IIFT Kolkata

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade has a Kolkata campus for its MBA (International Business), with admission through CAT. The total fee for the 2025-27 batch is about ₹21.3 lakh, including boarding and lodging.

3. IMI Kolkata

International Management Institute, Kolkata runs a two-year PGDM with admission through CAT, XAT or GMAT. Recent fees are about ₹14 lakh to ₹15 lakh, excluding hostel.

4. Xavier Business School, St. Xavier's University

The MBA at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata in New Town is run by Xavier Business School and accepts CAT, XAT, MAT or GMAT scores. Recent fees are about ₹11 lakh for two years.

5. Praxis Business School

Praxis, in Joka, is known for its business analytics focus. Its Kolkata PGDM costs about ₹11 lakh and accepts CAT, XAT and GMAT scores.

6. IISWBM Kolkata

The Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, set up in 1953 and affiliated to the University of Calcutta, is one of India's oldest management institutes. Its full-time (day) MBA costs about ₹8.3 lakh.

7. University of Calcutta, Department of Business Management

The University of Calcutta's Department of Business Management is one of the most affordable MBA options in the city, backed by one of India's oldest universities. Admission follows the university's own process, so watch for its notice each year.

Other CAT-based options include the Army Institute of Management Kolkata and Globsyn Business School.

MBA colleges in Kolkata with low fees

If you want an AICTE-approved MBA without paying ₹10 lakh or more, the engineering colleges and private universities of Kolkata are worth a look. They accept JEMAT, CAT or MAT, and the fees below are indicative yearly figures from our college pages:

• IEM Kolkata: ₹7 lakh for 2 years, NBA-accredited MBA; needs 55% in Class 10, Class 12 and graduation plus CAT or MAT.
• Techno Main Salt Lake: 120 MBA seats, about ₹2.6 lakh a year; JEMAT, CAT or MAT.
• Techno International New Town: 60 MBA seats, about ₹2.5 lakh a year; JEMAT, MAT or CAT.
• Techno India University: MBA in Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Venture Development, about ₹1.6 lakh a year.
• UEM Kolkata: about ₹1.7 lakh a year; CAT, MAT or JEMAT.
• Sister Nivedita University: about ₹3.5 lakh a year; CAT, MAT, JEMAT or GMAT.
• Brainware University and JIS University: about ₹2.4 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh a year, with their own entrance tests as well as CAT and MAT.

MBA in Kolkata without CAT

CAT is not the only way in. Many Kolkata colleges accept:

• JEMAT: the Joint Entrance for Management Admission Test conducted by WBJEEB, used by MAKAUT colleges such as TMSL and TINT.
• MAT: accepted by IEM Kolkata, the Techno India Group colleges and most private universities.
• University entrance tests: for example, Brainware University's BET and JIS University's JET.

Government MBA colleges in Kolkata

IIM Calcutta (an Institute of National Importance), the University of Calcutta's Department of Business Management and IISWBM (affiliated to the University of Calcutta) are the main public options. IIM Calcutta is the most expensive of the three but has the strongest placements; the University of Calcutta is the most affordable.

MBA or PGDM: what is the difference?

An MBA is a degree awarded by a university, such as the University of Calcutta, St. Xavier's University or the private universities in New Town. A PGDM is a diploma awarded by an autonomous institute approved by AICTE, such as IMI Kolkata or Praxis. IIMs now award an MBA degree. For jobs, a PGDM from a well-known AICTE-approved institute is treated like an MBA; what matters more is the institute's placements, accreditation and alumni network.

Eligibility and admission timeline

• Eligibility: a bachelor's degree in any subject, usually with at least 50% marks (some colleges ask for more; IEM Kolkata asks for 55% in Class 10, Class 12 and graduation). Final-year students can usually apply.
• CAT is held once a year in late November, and the top schools shortlist candidates for interviews early in the following year.
• MAT is held several times a year, so it suits students who decide late.
• JEMAT is conducted by WBJEEB once a year; follow its official notice for dates, and the counselling that follows for MAKAUT college seats.

How to compare MBA colleges

• Total cost: tuition plus hostel, living costs and one-time charges.
• Median placement, not the highest: the median salary and the share of students placed tell you what most graduates get.
• Accreditation: AICTE approval, NBA accreditation of the MBA (as at IEM Kolkata) and NAAC grades.
• Specialisation: finance, marketing, HR, analytics or international business; check that the college is strong in yours.

Our guide on how to choose the best MBA college in Kolkata explains each check with examples.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best MBA college in Kolkata?

IIM Calcutta is the best-known MBA college in Kolkata and one of the top business schools in India, followed by IIFT Kolkata, IMI Kolkata and Xavier Business School. For a lower budget, IEM Kolkata, Techno Main Salt Lake and the private universities offer AICTE-approved MBAs for a fraction of the fee.

Can I get an MBA in Kolkata without CAT?

Yes. Many colleges accept MAT or JEMAT, and private universities such as Brainware and JIS also run their own entrance tests. IEM Kolkata accepts CAT or MAT.

What is the MBA fee at IIM Calcutta?

The two-year MBA at IIM Calcutta costs about ₹27 lakh for the 2025-27 batch. Check the institute's website for the fee of the batch you are applying to.

Which MBA colleges in Kolkata have low fees?

The University of Calcutta's Department of Business Management is among the most affordable. Among private options, the Techno India Group colleges, UEM Kolkata and Brainware University charge roughly ₹1.6 lakh to ₹2.6 lakh a year (indicative).

Get MBA admission help in Kolkata

CollegeDream counsellors can shortlist MBA colleges for your CAT, MAT or JEMAT score and budget and help you apply, free of charge. Call or WhatsApp +91 74390 23651.