Difference Between BLACKI IIMs and Others
The BLACKI IIMs (Bangalore, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Kozhikode, Indore) are the oldest and most prestigious among IIMs. They offer higher placements, better brand value, and diverse specialisations compared to newer IIMs, making them top choices for MBA aspirants.
If you are planning to join an MBA from the IIMs, it is well worth understanding the difference between the BLACKI IIMs and other IIM campuses. The six IIMs, Bangalore, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Kozhikode, and Indore, are all widely regarded as BLACKI IIMs as being the most elite due to their heritage, highly competitive selection process, high-quality faculty team, international exposure, and top-notch placements year after year. Statistics also show median salary packages at BLACKI IIMs to be in the vicinity of 20 to 25% above those of other IIMs, and their alumni influence prime leadership roles in industries. This article aims to help you understand the key differences between BLACKI and other IIMs.
Also Read: List of Top IIMs in India 2025
What Are BLACKI IIMs?
The word BLACKI stands for the six most established and oldest IIMs: IIM Bangalore , IIM Lucknow , IIM Ahmedabad , IIM Calcutta , IIM Kozhikode and IIM Indore . All these IIMs have a legacy of decades of academic excellence, global reputation, and strong alumni networks that make you uniquely competitive. While the new or infant IIMs, like IIM Rohtak , IIM Udaipur , or IIM Jammu , are developing gradually, they still do not have the brand equity or salary paybacks on a similar scale yet.
BLACKI IIMs have the following unique strengths:
- Consistent high CAT percentile cutoffs, typically over the 98 mark.
- Highly trained teachers with adequate research and international exposure.
- Opportunities to access top corporates and powerful alumni.
- Effective industry networking leading to quality internships and live projects.
- Improved placement packages; average salaries consistently crossing INR 27 to 30 LPA in recent times
Key Differences Between BLACKI and Other IIMs
Refer to the table given below if you want to understand the key differences between BLACKI vs other IIMs in India:
Differentiating Factors | BLACKI IIMs | Other IIMs |
Establishment | Established between 1961 and the early 2000s, with a long legacy | Mostly established post-2010, younger institutes |
Reputation & Brand | Highly prestigious with strong national and international recognition | Still developing brand identity, less recognised globally |
Admission Cutoff | Rigorous admission, CAT percentile typically above 98 | Relatively lower CAT cutoffs , sometimes below the 95th percentile |
Faculty | Highly qualified faculty with many PhDs and research credentials | Good faculty quality, but comparatively fewer senior/research-oriented members |
Placements & Packages | Consistently high average and top salary packages, often INR 25 to 36 LPA | Placement packages are improving steadily, but are usually lower than BLACKI |
Alumni Network | Large, influential global alumni network facilitating opportunities | Smaller alumni base with limited global reach |
Industry Exposure | Strong and extensive industry partnerships enabling premium internships | Growing industry collaborations yet to match BLACKI scale |
Course Specialisations | A wider range of specialisations and electives reflecting market trends | Limited specialisation options, expanding gradually |
Infrastructure | Well-established campuses with advanced facilities and resources | Growing infrastructure and campus facilities |
International Exchange | Active global exchange programs with reputed universities worldwide | Few international collaborations, slowly increasing |
Admission Process and Cutoff Difference Between BLACKI and Other IIMs
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When you prepare for IIM admissions, one of the things that will hit you initially is the difference in the cutoffs and competition at each campus.
- BLACKI IIMs: Even to be in the shortlisting list, normally you need to be above the 98th percentile in the CAT exam . Your work experience, profile, and academic history are also considered along with your CAT score. There are some processes with a written ability test, group discussion, and interview. There is a high level of competition because of their international status and higher placement figures.
- Other IIMs: The cutoffs in these institutions are between 90 and 97 percentiles. Even though the process is strict, the evaluation and competition criteria are less strict compared to the BLACKI campuses.
If you are starved for the best, setting your goal on the BLACKI IIMs can change your life. These schools are always among the top-rated B-schools in India and offer access to global careers in consulting, finance, and IT. Despite strong competition, the reward in terms of salary increases and career choice in the long term is unmatchable. Even if you opt for newer IIMs, you receive first-class management education with increasing industry acceptance gradually.
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