iim

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are a group of autonomous public business schools in India dedicated to management education and research. The network was established beginning in the 1960s to develop skilled managers for industry and public service. The first institute, IIM Ahmedabad, opened in 1961, and over time the network expanded to include several campuses across the country. In 2017, the IIMs were accorded statutory status under the Indian Institutes of Management Act, designating them as institutions of national importance with the authority to award degrees.

Each IIM operates as an autonomous statutory body with its own board of governors and a director. They are funded through government grants, tuition, and private partnerships, while maintaining independence in governance and academic matters. The IIM network includes campuses in major cities across India, such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Lucknow, IIM Indore, and others, along with newer campuses that broaden access to management education.

The primary degree program is the two-year full-time Postgraduate Programme in Management (PGP), commonly referred to as an MBA. IIMs also offer one-year Executive MBA programs (PGPX), part-time and online offerings, doctoral programs (FPM), and executive education. Admission to the PGP programs is predominantly through the Common Admission Test (CAT); some campuses accept GMAT, GRE, or other tests for certain programs or international candidates.

IIMs are widely ranked among the top business schools in India and are recognized for their research output, alumni networks, and industry linkages. The network collaborates with international institutions and offers exchange programs and joint research initiatives.