The Post Graduate Programme in Business Leadership (PGP-BL) at IIM Kozhikode is a one-year full-time residential MBA program designed for mid-career professionals looking to fast-track their careers into leadership roles. The program offers a unique blend of strategic decision-making, leadership development, global business exposure, and industry-driven learning.
IIM Kozhikode is known for its world-class faculty, rigorous curriculum, and strong industry connections. The PGP-BL program is aimed at professionals who have a minimum of three years of work experience and are looking to enhance their business acumen and leadership capabilities.
In this guide, we will explore placements, salary trends, eligibility criteria, admission process, fees, and comparisons with other programs to help you determine if PGP-BL at IIM Kozhikode is the right choice for you.
IIM Kozhikode PGP BL 2025 Deadlines:
Application Opens - June 2024
IIM Kozhikode PGP BL 2025 Intake Phase 1 -
Stage1 - 25 June 2024;
Stage 2 - 30 June 2024;
Personal Interview - 3-4 August
Phase 2 -
Stage1 - 26 August 2024;
Stage 2 - 31 Aug 2024;
Personal Interview - 28-29 September
Phase 3 -
Stage1 - 31 October 2024;
Stage 2 - 5 November 2024;
Personal Interview - 30 Nov-1 December
At home test scores are not acceptable for the IIM Kozhikode PGP BL 2025 admissions.
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What is IIM Kozhikode PGP-BL?
The Post Graduate Programme in Business Leadership (PGP-BL) is a one-year, full-time residential MBA offered by IIM Kozhikode, one of India's top management institutes. It is designed for experienced professionals who want to take their careers to the next level by developing leadership and strategic decision-making skills.
Key Features of PGP-BL:
Duration: 1 year (Five terms of 8-9 weeks each)
Mode: Full-time residential program at IIM Kozhikode’s main campus
Global Immersion: A two-week international exposure at a top business school
Industry Exposure: Live projects, corporate mentorship, and networking with industry leaders
Placement Support: 100% placement track record with top-tier recruiters
Average CTC (2024): ₹27.11 LPA (Highest: ₹46.35 LPA)
Eligibility: Minimum 3 years of work experience + GMAT/GRE/CAT score
Fees: ₹22,50,000 (excluding living expenses)
Networking Opportunities: Access to a strong alumni network, corporate speakers, and leadership workshops
The PGP-BL program at IIM Kozhikode is unique compared to traditional MBAs, as it focuses on business leadership, decision-making, and cross-functional expertise.
IIM Kozhikode PGP-BL Admission Process
The admission process for IIM Kozhikode PGP-BL is structured into a three-stage selection process to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation of applicants. The process considers academic credentials, professional experience, leadership potential, communication skills, and career aspirations.
Important Dates (IIM Kozhikode PGP BL Admissions Cycle 2024-25)
Activity | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Phase 3 |
Application Opens | June 2024 | 1 July 2024 | 1 September 2024 |
Last Date for Submission (Stage 1) | 25 June 2024 | 26 August 2024 | 6 November 2024 |
Personal Interaction (Stage 3) | 3-4 August 2024 | 28-29 September 2024 | 30 November - 1 December 2024 |
Class Commencement | 1 April 2025 |
Stage 1: Online Registration & Eligibility Check
Candidates must meet the minimum eligibility criteria to proceed with their application.
IIM Kozhikode PGP BL Eligibility Criteria
✔ Minimum 50% in Graduation (any discipline) or equivalent CGPA
✔ Minimum 3 years of full-time, post-graduation work experience
✔ Valid GMAT, GRE, or CAT score (scores valid for up to three years)
✔ Only full-time remunerative work experience is considered (Internships, part-time work, and pre-graduation work are not counted.)
Applicants meeting these criteria can proceed with their Stage 1 online registration by submitting their academic details, work experience, and test scores.
IIMK accepts GMAT Focus Edition scores for admission. Candidates applying via GMAT/GRE must send official scores directly using the IIMK PGP-BL codes:
GMAT Code: D3Z-SQ-80
GRE Code: ETS 4748
Stage 2: Submission of Additional Personal Statement
Shortlisted applicants must submit the following:
1. Statement of Goals
Short-term goals: Preferred company, role, and industry post-PGP-BL
Long-term goals: Career vision for the next 5-10 years
How PGP-BL aligns with your aspirations
2. Alternative Resume Essay
This essay gives applicants an opportunity to present their personal stories, achievements, and motivations beyond the formal CV.
The Statement of Goals and the Alternative Resume Essay are key components in evaluating candidates’ clarity of purpose, leadership mindset, and career direction.
Stage 3: Personal Interaction (PI)
Candidates shortlisted from Stage 2 will be invited for a Personal Interaction (PI), which will be conducted in-person or virtually.
IIM Kozhikode PGP BL Application Evaluation Parameters:
✔ Quality of work experience
✔ Leadership potential & strategic thinking
✔ Communication skills & articulation
✔ Diversity & social sensitivity
✔ Multi-dimensional outlook & industry awareness
Personal Interaction Locations:
Bengaluru
Mumbai
New Delhi
Kolkata
IIM Kozhikode Campus
Candidates will be evaluated by a panel comprising IIMK faculty and industry experts, ensuring a holistic assessment.
Final Admission Offers & Waitlist Process
✔ A merit list is prepared for each phase based on performance in all three stages.
✔ Admission offers are made in order of merit, considering the batch size and seat availability.
✔ A limited number of candidates are waitlisted; offers are extended if admitted students withdraw.
✔ Offer Acceptance Fee: Selected candidates must pay INR 1,00,000 as an offer acceptance amount.
✔ Withdrawal Policy: Candidates withdrawing before the specified deadline receive a refund after deducting INR 1,000 as processing charges.
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Key Takeaways: How to Strengthen Your Application?
High GMAT/GRE/CAT Scores: While no official cutoff exists, GMAT 650+ or GRE 310+ is competitive.
Demonstrate Leadership & Impact: Showcase career achievements and initiatives that highlight leadership.
Strong Personal Statements: Ensure clarity, uniqueness, and alignment with career goals in the essays.
Well-Prepared PI Responses: Research IIMK’s curriculum, industry partnerships, and global immersion to connect them with your aspirations.
IIM Kozhikode’s PGP-BL admission process is designed to identify high-potential professionals ready to transition into strategic leadership roles.
Need help with your application? Reach out for expert guidance on cracking IIM Kozhikode PGP-BL admissions!
How can I get admission in IIM Kozhikode PGP BL?
Applicant must have a minimum work experience of 3 years
Not less than 50% marks in graduation/CA/PG
Submit the GMAT score/ GRE score of last 3 years or the CAT score.
The institute code for submitting theGMAT score is “D3Z-SQ-80” and the GRE score is “ETS 4748”
Submit an online application with academic and work experience details.
Submit 3/4 essays with the online application.
At the stage 2 the applicant needs to submit an SOP and an alternative resume essay document.
The candidates shortlisted at this stage have to present themselves for a personal interaction for final selection.
Executive MBA From IIM Kozhikode Class Profile
Class size: 62
Average work experience of 5.4 years,
an average age of 29 years
Women candidates - 34% .
Age Profile
24-25 years - 4.8%
26-27 years - 30.6%
28-29 years - 37.1%
30 Plus - 27.4%
IIM Kozhikode PGP-BL Placements: Salary Trends & Top Recruiters
PGP-BL Placements 2024: Salary Highlights
One of the most compelling reasons for pursuing an MBA is career advancement and salary growth. IIM Kozhikode PGP-BL boasts strong placement outcomes, with competitive salary packages offered across diverse industries.
Year | Batch Size | Highest CTC (LPA) | Average CTC (LPA) | Median CTC (LPA) | Top 10% CTC (LPA) | Top 25% CTC (LPA) |
2021 | 67 | ₹46.14 | ₹24.20 | ₹20.47 | ₹45.9 | ₹31.53 |
2022 | 60 | ₹69.3 | ₹29.06 | ₹25.00 | ₹58.95 | ₹37.91 |
2023 | 64 | ₹43.92 | ₹29.23 | ₹25.00 | ₹42.90 | ₹36.32 |
2024 | 60 | ₹46.35 | ₹27.11 | ₹24.96 | ₹38.34 | ₹33.40 |
Top Recruiters Hiring from IIM Kozhikode PGP-BL
The program attracts leading companies across consulting, IT, BFSI, sales & marketing, and operations. Some of the top recruiters include:
Consulting: McKinsey & Co., BCG, Bain & Co., Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG
IT & Analytics: Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Accenture, Cognizant
Finance: Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Citi, Morgan Stanley
General Management: Tata Group, Reliance, RPG Enterprises, Aditya Birla Group
Sales & Marketing: Unilever, P&G, Nestle, ITC
Sector-wise Placement Breakdown (2024):
Consulting & Strategy – 41.9%
IT & Analytics – 25.8%
Sales, Marketing & Business Development – 22.6%
Finance – 6.5%
General Management & Operations – 3.2%
Key Trends:
Increase in consulting roles, with over 40% of students placed in top consulting firms
Higher salary packages for women, averaging ₹30.41 LPA
Growth in international placements for roles in Product Management, Strategy Consulting, and Senior Management
IIM Kozhikode PGP-BL Fees & Financial Assistance
The cost of the program is an important consideration for prospective applicants. IIM Kozhikode PGP-BL is competitively priced compared to similar one-year MBA programs at ISB and IIM Ahmedabad.
Total Programme Fees: ₹22,50,000
Breakdown of Costs:
Tuition Fee: ₹18,00,000
Books & Study Materials: ₹1,00,000
Hostel & Accommodation: ₹1,50,000
Global Immersion (Excluding Travel Costs): ₹1,00,000
Other Miscellaneous Charges: ₹1,00,000
Education Loans & Scholarships:
Banks Providing Loans: SBI, PNB, Indian Bank, Axis Bank
Merit-based scholarships for top-performing students
Corporate sponsorships available for candidates from select companies
Is IIM Kozhikode PGP-BL Worth It?
Key Advantages of PGP-BL:
High ROI: With an average CTC of ₹27+ LPA, it offers strong returns on investment.
Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Designed to meet leadership and strategic decision-making needs.
International Exposure: A global immersion module at a top international business school.
Top Recruiters: McKinsey, Microsoft, Unilever, Tata, and Goldman Sachs actively recruit from the program.
Strong Alumni Network: Access to industry leaders, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities.
For professionals with 3-7 years of work experience looking to transition into leadership roles, IIM Kozhikode PGP-BL is a high-value program with strong industry backing.
IIM Kozhikode PGP-BL vs. Executive MBA from IIM Kozhikode: A Comparative Analysis
Feature | IIM Kozhikode PGP-BL | |
Duration | 1 year | 2 years |
Mode | Full-time, Residential | Part-time, Online with periodic campus visits |
Eligibility | Minimum 3 years of work experience, Bachelor's degree | Minimum 3-5 years of work experience, Bachelor's degree |
Program Focus | Business Leadership, Strategy, Global Exposure | Executive Management, General Management, Leadership Development |
Global Immersion | Yes, 2-week international immersion | No, but includes industry interactions and live projects |
Average CTC Post Graduation | ₹27.11 LPA | Varies, depends on self-driven career progression |
Target Audience | Mid-career professionals seeking leadership roles | Senior executives and professionals looking to upskill while working |
Delivery Mode | On-campus, rigorous | Blended mode with online classes and campus modules |
Program Fees | ₹22,50,000 | ₹14,70,000 |
Placement Support | Yes, with structured recruitment | No, career progression is self-driven |
The PGP-BL is ideal for professionals looking for a career transition or leadership roles, whereas the Executive MBA is better suited for working professionals who want to upskill without leaving their jobs.
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Frequently Asked Questions About IIM Kozhikode PGP BL:
Who is eligible for PGP BL at IIM Kozhikode?
Candidates must have a minimum of 50% in graduation (any discipline), at least 3 years of full-time work experience, and a valid GMAT/GRE/CAT score. The program is designed for professionals aiming for leadership roles in business.
What is the PGP BL course in IIM?
The Post Graduate Programme in Business Leadership (PGP-BL) is a one-year, full-time MBA at IIM Kozhikode, focusing on leadership, strategic decision-making, and global business exposure. The course includes core business fundamentals, electives, industry immersion, and an international immersion module.
What is the GMAT score for IIM K PGP BL?
While IIM Kozhikode does not specify an official GMAT cutoff, a GMAT score of 650+ or a GRE score of 310+ is considered competitive for PGP-BL admissions. Candidates should also showcase strong leadership potential and career progression.
What is the ranking of IIM K PGP BL?
IIM Kozhikode is consistently ranked among the top 5 business schools in India. While specific rankings for PGP-BL are not published separately, the one-year MBA program at IIMK is recognized for its strong industry connections, high placements, and leadership focus.
What is the fees of IIM Kozhikode PGP-BL?
The total program fee for IIM Kozhikode PGP-BL is INR 22,50,000, which includes tuition, study materials, and international immersion coordination. However, mess and personal expenses are additional.
Is IIM PGP same as MBA?
Yes, the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) at IIMs is equivalent to an MBA. However, IIMs use the term PGP instead of MBA due to historical regulations. PGP-BL at IIM Kozhikode is a specialized one-year MBA designed for experienced professionals.
What is special about IIM Kozhikode?
IIM Kozhikode is known for its scenic campus, focus on leadership and diversity, and innovative pedagogy. The institute pioneered gender diversity in IIM admissions, has a strong research culture, and offers one of India's top executive education programs.
Which is better PGP or PGDM?
Both PGP (Post Graduate Programme) and PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) are equivalent to an MBA. However, PGP is offered by IIMs and is more prestigious due to their autonomy and brand reputation.
What is the salary after PGP from IIM?
Graduates from IIM Kozhikode’s PGP-BL program secure an average CTC of ₹27.11 LPA with top recruiters such as McKinsey, Amazon, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs. The highest CTC recorded was ₹46.35 LPA.
What is the CAT cut off for IIM Kozhikode business leadership?
While IIM Kozhikode does not announce a fixed CAT cutoff, a 90+ percentile in CAT is typically competitive for the PGP-BL program. Applicants can also apply using GMAT (650+) or GRE (310+) scores.
What is the flagship program of IIM Kozhikode?
The flagship program of IIM Kozhikode is its two-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), equivalent to an MBA. However, the PGP-BL is a premium one-year MBA designed for experienced professionals seeking leadership roles.
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