Not every successful MBA career begins at a Tier 1 institute. Over the years, top Tier 2 MBA colleges in India have consistently delivered strong placements, industry-ready graduates, and excellent return on investment (ROI). These institutions combine academic rigor with corporate exposure, making them an ideal choice for aspirants who want quality management education without extreme competition or fees.
This article provides a college-wise overview of leading Tier 2 MBA colleges, including placements, recruiters, specializations, and admission methods.
What Makes a College “Top Tier 2”?
Top Tier 2 MBA colleges typically meet the following benchmarks:
| Parameter | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Average Package | ₹6–12 LPA |
| Fees | ₹6–15 Lakhs |
| Recruiters | National & global corporates |
| Faculty | Mix of academics & industry experts |
| Entrance Exams | CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT, MAT |
These colleges may not match Tier 1 institutes in brand recall, but they often excel in specialization depth, batch quality, and corporate access.
Top Tier 2 MBA Colleges in India: College-Wise Overview
Leading Tier 2 MBA Institutions
| College | Location | Avg Package | Fee Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMT Ghaziabad | UP | ₹15+ LPA | ₹19–21 L |
| IMI New Delhi | Delhi | ₹14 LPA | ₹18–20 L |
| XIMB | Odisha | ₹14–16 LPA | ₹19 L |
| GIM Goa | Goa | ₹12–14 LPA | ₹18–19 L |
| TAPMI Manipal | Karnataka | ₹11–12 LPA | ₹17–18 L |
| Great Lakes | Chennai | ₹14–15 LPA | ₹17–18 L |
| MICA | Ahmedabad | ₹19 LPA | ₹21 L |
| KJ Somaiya | Mumbai | ₹11–12 LPA | ₹19 L |
| FORE School of Management | Delhi | ₹14 LPA | ₹18 L |
| LIBA | Chennai | ₹11–12 LPA | ₹15–16 L |
Placements & Recruiters at Top Tier 2 MBA Colleges
Placements are one of the strongest differentiators of Tier 2 MBA colleges. Most institutes maintain 90–100% placement records with diverse recruiters.
Top Recruiters Hiring from Tier 2 Colleges
- Deloitte
- EY
- KPMG
- Accenture
- PwC
- Infosys Consulting
- HUL
- ITC
- Tata Group
- ICICI Bank
- Axis Bank
- Amazon
- Flipkart
Placement Trends
| Sector | Hiring Share |
|---|---|
| Consulting & Analytics | High |
| BFSI | High |
| FMCG | Moderate |
| IT & Tech | High |
| Sales & Marketing | Very High |
Tier 2 colleges often provide better role diversity due to smaller batch sizes.
Specializations Offered by Top Tier 2 MBA Colleges
Specialization strength varies across institutes. Candidates should choose colleges based on domain performance, not just overall rankings.
Popular MBA Specializations
| Specialization | Colleges Known For It |
|---|---|
| Marketing | MICA, IMT, GIM |
| Finance | IMI, TAPMI, LIBA |
| HR | XIMB, NMIMS, FORE |
| Business Analytics | Great Lakes, GIM |
| Operations | TAPMI, NITIE-linked programs |
| International Business | IMI, Symbiosis |
Many Tier 2 colleges also offer dual specialization options, improving employability.
Admission Methods for Top Tier 2 MBA Colleges
One of the biggest advantages of Tier 2 MBA colleges is multiple admission pathways.
Entrance Exams Accepted
- CAT
- XAT
- NMAT
- SNAP
- CMAT
- MAT
- ATMA
Selection Process
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Exam Score | Entrance test percentile |
| Shortlisting | Profile + score based |
| GD/PI | Communication & leadership |
| Final Merit | Composite score |
Some colleges also offer:
- Profile-based admissions
- Early decision rounds
- Institute-level seats (where permitted)
Who Should Target Top Tier 2 MBA Colleges?
Top Tier 2 MBA colleges are ideal for:
- Candidates with 70–90 percentile scores
- Students seeking strong ROI
- Aspirants focused on specific specializations
- Working professionals planning career switches
- Students preferring practical corporate exposure
For many candidates, Tier 2 colleges offer faster leadership opportunities compared to overcrowded Tier 1 programs.
Tier 2 vs Tier 1 MBA: Practical Comparison
| Factor | Tier 1 | Top Tier 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Very High | Moderate |
| Batch Size | Large | Moderate |
| Placement Pressure | Intense | Balanced |
| Role Visibility | Limited | Higher |
| ROI Risk | Medium | Lower |
FAQs: Top Tier 2 MBA Colleges
Yes, most top Tier 2 colleges have consistent 90%+ placement records.
CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT, and MAT are commonly accepted.
Some institutes offer institute-level or profile-based admissions.
Marketing, Analytics, Finance, and Consulting show strong outcomes.
Yes, especially for candidates seeking balanced ROI and career stability.