Introduction
If IIM Kozhikode (IIMK) and Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies (SSCBS) are both possibilities for your undergraduate business program in 2025, plenty of people are facing the same dilemma. They are well-regarded schools for management studies, but their admission, fees, curriculum, exposure and outcomes are not the same at all.
To help you pick, we will look at all the main differences between the platforms.
About IIM Kozhikode (IIMK)
Background
IIMK is known as one of the best Indian Institutes of Management and was founded in 1996. The school established the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) in 2021 to help high school students develop leadership skills.
Courses Offered
- Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) offered over a period of 5 years
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Programs for those with an Executive or Doctorate degree
Ranking (2025)
Ranked 3rd in the country by NIRF 2025, IIM Kozhikode follows only IIMA and IIMB.
About SSCBS (Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies)
Background
SSCBS is the premier business college in the University of Delhi. From the year 1987, it’s regularly recognized as the number one undergraduate management institute in the country.
Courses Offered
- BMS (Bachelor of Management Studies)
- BBA (FIA)
- B.Sc. (CS)
Ranking (2025)
In 2025, India Today and Outlook have ranked SSCBS #1 for BBA/BMS programs.
Admission Process
IIMK (IPM)
- Through IIMK BMS test
- The exam will consist of Sections called QA (MCQ) and VA.
- The Initial Process: You Must Appear for an Aptitude Test Followed by a Personal Interview
SSCBS
- Exam: CUET UG 2025
- Criteria: CUET Score + Personal Interview (varies by course)
- Admission via Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS)
Difficulty Level: IPMAT is more competitive and quantitative in nature than CUET.
Structure of the Course and the Difficulty Level
IIMK IPM
- First 3 years cover both the arts and the basics of management.
- For the last 2 years: Taught MBA level courses along with PGP students
- Different opportunities to work and study overseas, as well as research projects
SSCBS BMS/BBA(FIA)
- Emphasize important management topics.
- Classes in finance, marketing and analytics
- Internship-oriented learning
The curriculum at IIMK has a more complete and international focus.
Faculty and Teaching Approach
IIMK
- Doctors of Philosophy (PhD) from top Indian, foreign and B-Schools
- Harvard case studies, simulations and research were heavily used.
SSCBS
- Experienced professors from the business world
- Apply theories to actual cases, but don’t focus much on teaching methods from other countries
Campus Infrastructure
IIMK
- 112 acres of campus are on a hilltop in Kozhikode, Kerala
- Accommodation, place to exercise, sports facilities and an electronic library are all found here.
SSCBS
- Rohini, Delhi is where the urban campus is located.
- Small but modern, no hostel is available.
Placement Opportunities
IIM Kozhikode (PPGP-India Program outcomes)
- The average cost to the company in 2025 will be ₹28.9 lakhs per annum.
- Boston Consulting Group (BCG), McKinsey & Company and Goldman Sachs are the top recruiters.
Preparation and interviews for an IPM placement will be similar to the PGP experience.
SSCBS (2024-2025 stats)
- Most employees earn an average of ₹10.5 lakhs per year.
- Bain, KPMG, Deloitte, EY and Zomato are the top Recruiters.
Brand Value and Alumni Network
- IIMK has both the IIM reputation and is recognized worldwide.
- In the community, SSCBS is known for being well respected at Delhi University and among businesses.
IIM graduates are leaders in management and consulting everywhere and SSCBS graduates have an advantage in startups and Indian corporations.
Fees and ROI
| Parameter | IIMK BMS (5 Years) | SSCBS BMS (3 Years) |
| Total Fees | ₹35–38 Lakhs | ₹75,000–90,000 |
| Average Package | ₹28.9 LPA (PGP level) | ₹10.5 LPA |
| ROI (Avg Package/Fee) | High (after 5th year) | Very High (short-term) |
SSCBS wins on short-term ROI, but IIMK has long-term global returns.
Peer Group and Campus Life
- All over India, students come to IIMK through the IPMAT entrance exam.
- Most of the students studying at SSCBS come from Delhi and face very high competition.
They both have many fests, clubs and startup-related events.
Location Advantage
- Lesser corporate exposure is seen among IIMK students due to the location in Kozhikode.
- Delhi (at SSCBS) is about internships, forming a network and learning from guest lecturers.
SSCBS takes the lead with its urban location.
Recognition on a Worldwide Scale
- IIMK has gained accreditations from the AACSB and EQUIS.
- SSCBS is not well-known outside the region because it does not have important international accreditations.
Who Should Choose What?
Choose IIMK if any of these points describe where you are today:
- Need a leading brand + an intensive MBA-style education
- Has the ability to pay the fees.
- Strive to work in consulting, I-Banking or global MBAs.
Choose SSCBS if you are interested in:
- Aiming to reach your ROI goals when you’re working on a tight budget
- Like spending time in Delhi.
- Try to apply for an MBA at IIMs at a later stage.
Conclusion
It’s not possible to give a single answer about which is better between IIM Kozhikode IPM and SSCBS. Simply put, it depends on what you want to get from your bachelor’s degree.
If gaining an IIM tag, career achievements and opportunities abroad is your goal, IIMK is the place to consider.
If you want to save, plan your studies in advance or think an MBA is in your future, the SSCBS is just for you.
FAQs
- Should a student in management choose IIM Kozhikode over SSCBS?
Yes,in terms of brand reputation, future earnings and the classes. Still, SSCBS is more affordable and lets students see various careers sooner.
- Where does SSCBS generally rank in 2025?
SSCBS Placement Cell’s 2025 report puts it at ₹10.5 LPA.
- Is it possible to do an MBA after having completed SSCBS?
Absolutely! A number of SSCBS students pass the CAT exam and become students at IIMs.
- Are hostels provided by SSCBS for students?
SSCBS does not have on-campus hostels available.
- How easy or hard is it to take IPMAT compared to CUET?
The quantitative section of IPMAT is what makes it much more difficult than most similar tests. CUET does not have the same amount of difficulty as competing exams.
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