Top B-Schools in Chennai – Best Rankings, Courses & Faculty

Looking for Top B-Schools in Chennai? The vibrant economy and industry of Chennai have very much made it a bee-hive of MBA aspirants in search of the great MBA institutes in Chennai. Chennai provides the best B-schools in Chennai with a mixture of both academic and practical exposure as it is a home to technologically advanced tech parks, manufacturing sector, and other global companies.

Regarding AICTE- and NBA-recognized programs as well as degree MBA courses in specific subjects (e.g. Digital Marketing), these top management colleges in Chennai prepare students to become a leader in the most rapidly developing economy in the world. Be it searching best B-school in Chennai, best university in Chennai to do MBA or best MBA college in Chennai, this article talks in detail about the market of MBA in Chennai with 10 best MBA programs, market trends, and topmost admission tips to B-schools of Chennai.

TL;DR – Quick Takeaways

• Digital Scholar tops the list with its 1-Year AI-powered MBA in Digital Marketing.
• Chennai is home to some of the best management colleges in India, including IIT Madras and Great Lakes.
• Fees range from ₹1 lakh to ₹18 lakhs based on the college and program format.
• CAT, XAT, GMAT, and direct admission options available.
• Specializations include Digital Marketing, AI, Finance, HR, Business Analytics, and Strategy.

Market Insights: Why B-Schools in Chennai Are Booming

Chennai has rapidly evolved into one of India’s most sought-after MBA destinations, blending academic legacy with digital innovation. Home to 100+ MBA B-Schools in Chennai, the city offers hybrid education infused with AI, startup ecosystems, and global mentorship.

Top B-Schools in Chennai are now redefining management education by integrating AI tools, experiential projects, global marketing labs, and cross-border collaborations. Institutions like Digital Scholar are setting the benchmark with real-world marketing execution, international faculty, and outcome-based learning that prepares students for a future of AI-driven business leadership.

When you are seeking the best institute for MBA in Chennai or when you are checking the best MBA universities in Chennai, 2025 has an unmatched variety. The programs are on par with the current digitalisation, marketing strategy, analytics, and global leadership, which guarantees the graduates a competitive solving of problems in the modern world.

The most progressive institutions (such as Digital Scholar) provide MBA degrees (an MBA with increased attention towards the actual industry results offered with the support of AI) and, as a result, the MBA B-Schools in Chennai have become a universal attraction of ambitious learners, digital marketers, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Comparison: Top 10 MBA & PGDM Programs in Chennai

Comparison Table: Top 10 B-Schools in Chennai

Top b-schools in Chennai	Duration	Total Fees	Avg. Placements
Digital Scholar	1 Year	₹3.5 Lakhs (after scholarship)	₹6–12 LPA
Great Lakes	2 Years	₹17–18 Lakhs	₹12.5 LPA
IIT Madras	2 Years	₹8–9 Lakhs	₹13 LPA
Loyola Institute	2 Years	₹12–13 Lakhs	₹10 LPA
Anna University	2 Years	₹1–1.5 Lakhs	₹5–6.5 LPA
SRM University	2 Years	₹5–6 Lakhs	₹6 LPA
VIT Business School	2 Years	₹6–8 Lakhs	₹7 LPA
SSN School of Mgmt	2 Years	₹7 Lakhs	₹6.5 LPA
DG Vaishnav College	2 Years	₹2.5’4 Lakhs	₹4.5’5.5 LPA
HITS	2 Years	₹5’6 Lakhs	₹5.5 LPA

1. Digital Scholar – 1-Year MBA in Digital Marketing

Program Details: full-time 1-year MBA in Digital Marketing, with the affiliation to Woolf University, UK. Dense, industry-guided program in digital strategy, search engine optimization, search engine marketing, social media and AI applications (ChatGPT, Google Ads AI) via live assignments.

Accreditation: It is an affiliate of a UK university (Woolf), which is known to be equivalent in India as MBA. Specific segment program (Digital Marketing).

Eligibility Criteria: Graduate degree (any stream) with 50-60 % marks. 

Entrance Exam: No CAT and GMAT are required. only GDPI and WAT

Total Fees: The total fees of Digital Scholar is Rs.7 lakhs (with a 50% scholarship upto 3.5 lakhs)

Unique Selling Point: AI tools, real client campaigns, personal branding, freelancing, 20+ certifications.

Placement: 100% Placement Assistance and ₹6–12 LPA average package.

Application deadline: Admission for the upcoming September batch 2025 are closing soon

Digital Scholar
Address: 1B, Sapna Trade Centre, 135, Poonamallee High Rd, Purasaiwakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600084.
Phone: 095136 32705.
Email: info@digitalscholar.in

2. Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai

Program: A Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) (Marketing, Finance and Analytics) of two-year duration, and recognized by AICTE. It also provides 1-year PGPM (professionals with experience). Focus on analytics, leadership and innovation.

Eligibility: The student should graduate with 50-+; Usually CAT/MAT/TANCET scores are accepted. New graduates and experienced personnel (0-3 years work experience) are accepted.

Admission Test: CAT/MAT/XAT (TANCET to the state of Tamil Nadu). Even academics, ex, are taken into consideration during shortlisting.

Total Cost: 15-16 lakhs on 2-year PGDM 

Placements: Avg. 15.1 LPA (highest 37 LPA). The major industries: Consulting, BFSI and IT/Analytics.

Application deadline: Applications will most probably start at the end of year 2025 onwards and will close by Jan or Feb 2026. CAT / MAT deadlines are available at the official site.

3. Department of Management Studies, IIT Madras (DoMS IIT Madras)

Program Details: 2 year full time MBA in Operation, Finance, Marketing, HR/OB, Analytics Specialisations. IIT Tech based research learning.

Eligibility: Bachelor (10+2+3) 60% (55% SC/ST/PwD). Special consideration: IIT graduates whose CGPA is 8.0 are exempted in CAT.

Examination: Compulsory CAT (Willing to accept GMAT [NRI/Foreign]). The option is via composite CAT score + PI + profile.

Total Fees: 8 lakh .

Placement: Highest 29.65 LPA and the average 16.93 LPA. 

Date of application: The deadline to take admission through CAT is normally in the month of Feb every year. March should be interview rounds, May should be results.

4. Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA), Chennai

Program Details: Full time residential PGDM (2 year, est. 1979).

Eligibility: UG degree (10+2+3) 50%+. Scores of CAT/XAT are held by many students.

Entrance Exam: It accepts CAT or XAT. Has its own shortlisting and GD- PI. Good academics, diversity and work ex- is preferred.

Total fees: The total Paying pattern is around 17-18 lakh in total.

Placement: The usual average is 100%. The Class of 2024 earned an average of lakhs, highest 21 LPA. Recruiters will be EY, KPMG, HDFC Bank, Crisil, etc. Placement drives were visited by more than 50 companies.

Deadline: Joining cycle coincides with XAT/CAT; final selection by Jan-Feb. (Based on dates notified year to year; usually XAT in Jan.)

5. Department of Management Studies, Anna University (Chennai)

Program Details: Traditional MBA (2-year, est. 1981) under Anna University (state public). Covers Marketing, Finance, HR, Systems, and electives like Quant Finance and Banking.

Eligibility: UG degree with 50%

Entrance Exam: TANCET (Tamil Nadu CET); top rankers admitted via counseling. (CAT/MAT scores may be considered for management quota).

Total Fees: Very affordable (~₹0.6 L per year; many sources list around ₹1.2L total). (Public university funding).

Placement: Average ₹6–8 LPA, with peak ₹10+ LPA.

Deadline: TANCET application in mid-year by Aug–Sept.

6. SRM Institute of Science and Technology – School of Management, Chennai

Program Details: MBA offered by SRMIST (Kattankulathur campus), a large private university. Specializations include Finance, Marketing, HR, Operations, and new-age fields like Business Analytics and Finance (with IBM).

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (10+2+3) with 50%+; entrance via SRMEEE (Management) or TANCET/CAT.

Entrance Exam: TANCET (or SRMJEEE MBA entrance), CAT for newer programs. Also considers MAT/CMAT/GMAT.

Total Fees: ₹7.5 lakh total for 2 years.

Placement: Very strong track record: Highest package ~₹55 LPA, average ~₹6.5 LPA.

Deadline: Applications close by Feb for next batch. TANCET cutoff usually top 20 percentile for SRM campus seats.

7. VIT Business School, Chennai Campus

Program Details: 2-year MBA (est. 1994). Offered at VIT Vellore main campus and VIT Chennai.

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with ≥60%.

Entrance Exam: Accepts CAT/XAT/MAT/NMAT/GMAT/CMAT. Selection includes PI/GD.

Total Fees: ₹6.97 lakh total (₹3.485L/year). Modest for a private university with good placement.

Placement: Consistently high – recent average ~₹6.5–7 LPA with highest up to ₹20 LPA+.

Deadline: Admission portal open in Sept–Feb; counselling by April.

8. SSN School of Management, Chennai

Program Details: SSN (part of SSN College of Engg) MBA (est. 1999).

Eligibility: UG degree with ≥60%.

Entrance Exam: CAT/XAT/MAT/CMAT or TANCET. SSN requires CAT 90+ percentile (approx). Shortlisting also values performance in PI.

Total Fees: ₹7.0 lakh (including tuition, hostel, and all amenities). Fee covers single-room boarding and books.

Placement: Average ~₹7 LPA, top 25% ~₹11 LPA.

Deadline: Applications open in July–Jan; CAT shortlists in Mar; finals by April. Scholarships for CAT 95+.

9. DG Vaishnav College – MBA/PGDM, Chennai

Program Details: MBA in HR, Finance, Marketing comprising the practical learning modules.

Eligibility: Bachelor degree in any; emphasis on entire profile.

Entry Exam: There is no need to have entry and admissions are taken on a merit and interview basis.

Total Fees: 2.5-4 Lakhs, which qualifies it to be one of the most affordable B-Schools in Chennai.

Placements: The average salary is 4.5-5.5 LPA in the marketing profile and HR.

Application Deadline: August 2025, though earlier it is recommended to apply with a scholarship in mind.

10. Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS) – School of Management, Chennai

Program Details: MBA program offered by HITS, a private university (QS Stars rated, est. 1994).

Eligibility: UG degree with 50%+; TANCET or national exams accepted. Also accepts CMAT/MAT/ATMA.

Entrance Exam: Typically TANCET, though national scores and university exam considered. Also admits foreign nationals (based on GMAT).

Total Fees: ~₹7.0 lakh (including hostel and amenities). (SSN notes ~7L including single-room hostel).

Placement: ₹4.5 LPA average and highest around ₹12 LPA.

Deadline: Admissions open Sep–Nov; TANCET cutoff around Feb.

Why Digital Scholar Leads Among Top B-Schools in Chennai

Digital Scholar stands out among the top B-Schools in Chennai for its unmatched blend of AI-powered education, global credentials, and practical learning outcomes. Recognized as the best institute for MBA in Chennai, it is co-created with Woolf University (Europe), ensuring global academic rigor and credibility. This MBA B-school in Chennai is designed for modern marketers who want to build real-world skills — from crafting marketing funnels to running live ad campaigns using 50+ AI tools. With hybrid delivery (offline in Chennai and online access globally), 20+ certifications, and an average placement of ₹6–12 LPA, Digital Scholar leads with EEAT strength, future-ready curriculum, and high ROI — making it a top choice not just in Chennai, but across India for outcome-driven learners.

How Digital Scholar Is Different from Traditional B-Schools in Chennai

• 1-year vs Traditional MBA: Why Digital Scholar is ahead of the Transition
• 1-Year Format vs 2-Year Traditional Path: With the intensive program of Digital Scholar, you will complete your education and start gaining in a shorter period of time.
• Actual Client vs case studies only: our students have the practical experience of working on real campaigns and brand strategy.
• AI-Driven & Digital Marketing Core vs Generalist MBA: Prospective-oriented marketing, automation and data-driven strategy.
• Personal Branding + Freelance Income Modules: These will help you to craft your portfolio and acquire clients and earn on the way.
• No CAT Required – Skill-Based Selection: It is a merit and passion based selection process that uses personal interview as a criterion rather than test scores.

Why Chennai Is the Best City for Future-Ready MBA Education

If you’re seeking the best university for MBA in Chennai, this city offers more than just education – it offers transformative career acceleration. With top hiring partners, industry-backed curriculum, and innovation-led programs, Chennai B-Schools consistently outperform the national average in MBA outcomes. At the forefront is Digital Scholar, the #1 ranked business school offering a 1-Year AI-powered MBA in Digital Marketing. With global accreditation, hands-on learning, and placements up to ₹12 LPA, Digital Scholar exemplifies why Chennai has become a global hub for management excellence.

Final Word: Choosing the Best B-School in Chennai for 2025

If you’re aiming to be a future-ready business leader, Chennai is your launchpad. And at the top of that list stands Digital Scholar, combining AI, digital execution, and global credentials.

• Best ROI  
• Modern Curriculum 
• Global Access

Apply to Digital Scholar’s 1-Year MBA today and fast-track your business career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Which Top B-Schools in Chennai is better?

A. Digital Scholar is the ultimate B-School in Chennai when compared with others due to the AI powered MBA in Digital Marketing. In comparison to the traditional college learning, such as Loyola Institute or IIT Madras, Digital Scholar is an integration of global certifications, personal branding, and work in the real industry. For students that are keen on ROI, industry-relevance, and future-enabled skills, Digital Scholar is the most appropriate out of the best B-schools in Chennai.

Q. Which is the No. 1 Top B-Schools in Chennai in India?

A. While IIM Ahmedabad often ranks #1 nationally, in Chennai, Digital Scholar is #1 for its AI-integrated MBA, followed by IIT Madras and Great Lakes. For students seeking the best B-school in Chennai focused on marketing leadership and modern business transformation, Digital Scholar is the clear winner.

Q. Which Top B-Schools in Chennai has the highest package?

A. Across India, ISB and IIMs record the highest packages. But in Chennai, Digital Scholar offers placements between ₹6–12 LPA, competing with IIT Madras and Great Lakes. The unique factor is that Digital Scholar enables students to earn even while pursuing their degree, thanks to its freelancing and real client work model.

Q. Which Top B-Schools in Chennai is better?

A. The “better” business school depends on your career goals. For digital marketing, AI, and business innovation, Digital Scholar is the best B-school in Chennai. If you’re focused on general management or public sector roles, IIT Madras or Anna University may be preferred. Choose based on specialization and career outcomes.

Q. What is the No. 1 Top B-Schools in Chennai in Chennai?

A. For B-school aspirants, Digital Scholar is the No. 1 school in Chennai for an MBA in Digital Marketing. It leads in placement ROI, real-time client work, and AI marketing tools. For general academic excellence, IIT Madras also ranks among the top.

Q. Which school has the highest fees in Chennai?

A. Among B-schools in Chennai, Great Lakes has one of the highest fee structures at ₹17–18 lakhs. In contrast, Digital Scholar offers a high-value MBA at just ₹3.5 lakhs with scholarships, making it both affordable and high-impact for ambitious students.

Q. Which are the top 5 colleges for MBA in Chennai?

A. The top 5 MBA colleges in Chennai for 2025 are:

1. Digital Scholar (AI-powered MBA in Digital Marketing)
2. Great Lakes Institute of Management
3. IIT Madras
4. Loyola Institute of Business Administration
5. Anna University

Q. Can I join an MBA without a CAT?

A. Absolutely! Digital Scholar does not require a CAT score. Admissions are based on interviews and profile reviews. Many B-schools in Chennai, like SRM University and Saveetha Institute, also offer alternatives to CAT through their own exams or direct admissions.

Q. Is it compulsory to write a CAT for an MBA?

A. Not at all. Many top MBA colleges in Chennai, including Digital Scholar  allow direct admission without CAT, based on your academic background and personal interview.

Q. Can I get admission in MBA without entrance exam in Chennai?

A. Yes. Colleges like Digital Scholar, Saveetha Institute, and a few private MBA colleges in Chennai offer direct MBA admissions without an entrance exam. However, eligibility may include a UG degree and performance in a personal interview.

Q. What is the best college for digital marketing MBA in Chennai?

A. Digital Scholar is the undisputed #1 choice for an MBA in Digital Marketing in Chennai. It combines classroom learning, agency simulation pods, real brand campaigns, 50+ tools, and placement support, making it the most comprehensive marketing MBA in the city.

Q. Can I join an MBA directly?

A. Well, yes particularly in schools such as Digital Scholar that do not take CAT or MAT results but directly allow students to enter the MBA program. Admission requirement is founded on academic history, personal interview, and portfolio.

Q. Can I do an MBA without IIM?

A. Absolutely. Many top colleges including Digital Scholar, SRM Institute, and Anna University offer excellent MBA programs in Chennai without needing an IIM background. The key is to choose a program that aligns with your career goals and industry readiness.

Q. Is MBA without a CAT worth it?

A. Yes, particularly if you choose a program like Digital Scholar’s MBA in Digital Marketing. With a strong focus on AI tools, freelancing, and placements, it offers more practical ROI than many CAT-based programs. Choose outcome over just brand.

Q. Can I do an MBA after 12th?

A. MBA typically requires a bachelor’s degree. However, if you’re a 12th pass student, you can start with a BBA or relevant UG program and then apply for Digital Scholar’s MBA or other top programs in Chennai.

Q. Can we join an MBA without an entrance exam?

A. Yes, Digital Scholar and other private colleges in Chennai like Saveetha or SRM allow direct MBA admissions based on academic scores and interviews. This simplifies the MBA admission process in Tamil Nadu.

Q. Which college does not need an entrance exam for an MBA in Chennai?

A. Digital Scholar tops the list of colleges in Chennai offering MBA admissions without any entrance exam. Others include Hindustan Institute and Saveetha Institute. These colleges evaluate candidates on personal interview and merit.

Q. How to join an MBA in Chennai?

A. You can apply online or visit campus offices. For Digital Scholar, fill out the application form, attend a personal interview, and get evaluated on your profile. Direct admissions are open for students passionate about marketing, business, and AI.

Q. Can I apply directly to an MBA?

A. Yes. Most MBA B-schools in Chennai, including Digital Scholar, SRM University, and Saveetha Institute, offer direct admission. It’s ideal for those not appearing for CAT or MAT exams.

Q. Can I get direct admission in MBA after 12th?

A. No, an MBA requires a graduation degree. But you can pursue BBA first, then move to Digital Scholar’s MBA program in Chennai for an AI-powered, career-focused journey.

Q. Can an MBA be done privately?

A. Yes. Digital Scholar is a private B-school offering one of Chennai’s top MBA programs focused on digital marketing, AI, and real business outcomes. Other private colleges include SRM Institute and Saveetha University.

Q. Which MBA is the cheapest?

A. While government colleges like Anna University are affordable, Digital Scholar offers unmatched ROI with an MBA under ₹4L, industry certifications, real brand work, and placements. Value matters more than just low cost.

Q. Can I do an MBA at low cost?

A. Yes. Several colleges in Chennai like Digital Scholar, Saveetha, and Madras University offer affordable MBA options. Digital Scholar’s program stands out for combining low tuition fee with top-tier placement support.

Q. Which MBA is best for money?

A. Digital Scholar’s MBA in Digital Marketing offers the best value — blending global mentorship, practical experience, and real job opportunities. It’s one of the most outcome-driven B-schools in Chennai.

Q. Which country is best for MBA with the lowest fees?

A. Countries like Germany and Poland offer low-cost MBA options. But in India, especially Chennai, Digital Scholar provides international-grade education at a fraction of global costs, without visa hassles.

Q. Which MBA course is best?

A. If you’re looking at the future of business, Digital Scholar’s MBA in Digital Marketing is among the best. It’s built around AI, marketing strategy, freelancing, and career transformation.

Q. How to reduce MBA fees?

A. Look for scholarships, payment plans, or colleges with high ROI. Digital Scholar offers up to 50% scholarships and internship stipends that make education affordable while you learn and earn.