As an MBA aspirant, your first target would be a premium college in a Tier 1 city. It’s a challenging feat. But when you take IBSAT, your score opens a direct and acceptable route through the ICFAI Business School (IBS) network. Multiple campuses of ICFAI accept this entrance exam – IBSAT. You need to know how to use your IBSAT scores for Tier 1 cities strategically. It means you have to match your score and profile with the right campus, fees, and so much more. In this article, we are comparing three Tier 1 cities and the IBS campuses there.
Also Check -
Cut-Off, Fees, Courses at ICFAI Business School Campuses Across India
IBSAT & Tier 1 College Admissions - The Relation
IBSAT is not considered for the top business schools in Tier 1 cities. They use CAT/ GMAT/ XAT. There may even be institute-specific tests. IBS campuses prioritise IBSAT. It’s the official admission route. These campuses may also take CAT/ GMAT/ XAT/ NMAT scores according to the IBS admission rules.
IBS in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. These are the Tier 1 city options you need to consider with your IBSAT score. These three cities have the best corporate ecosystem. In fact, the exposure and overall MBA experience are completely distinct in all three.
IBSAT 2025 Scores for ICFAI Colleges in Tier 1 Cities
For ICFAI campuses in tier 1 cities, including IBS Hyderabad, Bangalore and Mumbai, the required percentile is 70+. Here is a college-wise breakdown:
| IBS Colleges in Tier 1 Cities | Required Score (Percentile) |
|---|---|
| IBS Hyderabad | 75-80+ |
| IBS Mumbai | 72-78 |
| IBS Bangalore | 68-75 |
Selection Process in Tier 1 Cities Based on IBSAT 2025 Scores
The two-step logic for IBS admissions is:
Steps | Details |
|---|---|
| Your IBSAT, CAT , GMAT, NMAT, or XAT performance scores will be needed. |
| You have to go through the Micro Presentation and Personal Interview rounds. The final decision will use your past academics and performance in these rounds. |
It shows that your IBSAT score is necessary but not the only factor. You’ll get your Tier 1 campus if your communication is good, you have clear thoughts, and your profile is consistent. | |
Also Check - IBSAT Cutoffs 2025 and Selection Process for IBS Campuses
Comparative Analysis of IBS Campuses in Tier 1 Cities
If you choose any of the Tier 1 cities, the difference would come in three big ways. Companies, projects, networking density, and internship access are one parameter. The next is sector advantage, like tech is more in Bengaluru & Hyderabad, consulting and analytics in the other. The ROI pressure of fees vs average outcomes and cost of living will also affect. One important part of the learning-to-placement pipeline is the structured Summer Internship Program (SIP). It is 14 weeks, usually between Semester 2 and 3.
Parameter | IBS Hyderabad | IBS Mumbai | IBS Bengaluru |
|---|---|---|---|
City advantage | Major corporate hub (IT, BFSI, consulting) | India’s finance & corporate HQ capital | Tech + startup + GCC ecosystem |
Accepted entry route | IBSAT + other accepted scores | IBSAT + other accepted scores | IBSAT + other accepted scores |
Selection process | Micro Presentation + Personal Interview | Micro Presentation + Personal Interview | Micro Presentation + Personal Interview |
Basic eligibility | Graduation (15 years of education); English-medium norms apply as per campus criteria | Graduation as per IBS norms | Graduation; English-medium norms apply as per campus criteria |
2-year program fee (2026–28) | INR 17.01 lakh | INR 8.01 lakh | INR 13.05 lakh |
Internship structure | 14-week SIP | 14-week SIP | 14-week SIP |
Placement outcomes (Class of 2025) | Avg INR 9.82 LPA, Highest INR 21 LPA, Placed 93% | Avg INR 7.89 LPA, Highest INR 20 LPA, Placed 95% | Avg INR 7.76 LPA, Highest INR 16.42 LPA, Placed 90% |
Quick Links:
| IBSAT Result 2025 | IBSAT 2025 Cutoff | IBSAT 2025 Selection Process |
|---|
Comparative Analysis with Popular MBA Colleges in Tier 1 Cities
Here’s a comparison of popular colleges in Tier 1 cities that may or may not accept IBSAT scores:
Tier 1 City | Institute | Program | Entrance accepted | Eligibility (high level) | Fees | Internship | Placement Indicator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hyderabad | IBS Hyderabad (IFHE) | MBA (2 years) | IBSAT (plus other accepted tests as per IBS) | Graduation + IBS selection rounds | INR 17.01 lakh (2026–28) | SIP included (MBA structure) | Avg INR 9.82 LPA; placed 93%; highest INR 21 LPA |
PGP in Management (1 year) | GMAT/GRE | Work experience requirement + GMAT/GRE | INR 38,67,160 (incl. GST) + refundable deposit (2026–27) | Internship varies by profile (ISB is a 1-year PGP; students typically do projects/experiential learning) | Average INR 34.21 Lakhs | ||
Mumbai | IBS Mumbai | MBA (2 years) | IBSAT (plus other accepted tests as per IBS) | Graduation + IBS selection rounds | INR 8.01 lakh (2026–28) | SIP included (MBA structure) | Avg INR 7.89 LPA; placed 95%; highest INR 20 LPA |
JBIMS (Mumbai University) | MMS (2 years) | MAH MBA CET / CAT / CMAT | Graduation + CAP process via DTE Maharashtra | INR 8- 9 Lakhs | Summer internship 8–12 weeks | Average- INR 26.48 LPA and highest INR 55.60 LPA | |
PGDM (2 years) | CAT / GMAT / XAT (qualifying score needed) | Graduation + profile-based shortlisting + process | INR 26.50 lakh | SIP is part of PGDM (industry internship) | Average - INR 33.75 LPA and the highest INR 75 LPA | ||
NMIMS SBM (Mumbai) | MBA (2 years) | NMAT by GMAC | Bachelor’s degree with 50% aggregate (as per handout) | INR 22- 27 Lakhs | Selection includes 2nd stage (may include competency test + PI); docs required at admission | Average INR 20- 30 LPA. | |
Bengaluru | IBS Bangalore (IFHE off campus) | MBA (2 years) | IBSAT (plus other accepted tests as per IBS) | Graduation + IBS selection rounds | INR 13.05 lakh (2026–28) | SIP included (MBA structure) | Avg INR 7.76 LPA; placed 90%; highest INR 16.42 LPA |
PGP (2 years) | CAT | Graduation + CAT-based process (shortlisting/interviews, etc.) | INR 26,00,000 | A summer internship is integral to the IIM-style MBA (summer placements) | Average INR 35- 36 LPA |
IBSAT colleges' placement may not be for every elite B-school. But it’s a credible and direct MBA pathway into flagship IBS campuses in Tier 1 cities. Hyderabad leads in placements and corporate diversity. Mumbai offers amazing headquarters and finance exposure. However, in Bengaluru, you can accelerate your career through its tech and GCC ecosystem. The best result will come when your IBSAT score, budget, sector interest, and communication skills match the right campus. You need to plan strategically and prepare holistically. Use the IBS selection rounds to amplify your merit and secure a Tier 1 MBA launchpad with confidence.
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