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

Top B-schools in Chennai are redefining business education by blending traditional management with AI, digital marketing, and tech-first strategies.

Leading the transformation is Digital Scholar, ranked as the #1 B-school in Chennai, offering India’s only 1-year offline MBA in Digital Marketing & AI, globally accredited by Woolf University (UK).

In this blog, we’ll compare the top 10 B-schools in Chennai, covering course details, fees, faculty, placements, and how each institution is preparing students for the future of business.

Below is an overview comparison of the Top 10 B-Schools in Chennai:

Now let’s look at each of these top B-schools in Chennai in more detail:

1. Digital Scholar – MBA in Digital Marketing

Programs & Accreditation: 

Offers a 1-year full-time MBA in Digital Marketing & AI (offline at Chennai’s Sapna Trade Centre campus). The degree is granted through a global partnership with Woolf University (UK), following the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). 

This international accreditation means the MBA is recognized across 50+ countries. (No CAT/MAT is required; admission is via an in-house test and interview.)

Fees: 

Approximately ₹7 lakh for the entire program (scholarships available up to 50%).

Unique Selling Points: 

India’s first MBA program dedicated entirely to digital marketing. The curriculum is AI-powered, training students on real marketing tools (e.g., Google Analytics, SEMrush, ChatGPT). Students work on live projects and client campaigns in a team-based, agency-style environment. 

It offers 100% placement assistance and 1-on-1 mentorship from industry leaders like Sorav Jain and Rishi Jain. Graduates also earn 20+ global certifications (Google, HubSpot, etc.) alongside their degree.

Faculty & Teaching: 

Taught by digital marketing veterans (the founder of this institute and other ex-agency professionals). This ensures practical, up-to-date training. Instead of textbook lectures, students learn from mentors with ₹300+ crore of ad-spend experience across top brands.

Curriculum Highlights: 

The program covers all digital channels – SEO, social media marketing, content marketing, Google & Facebook ads, affiliate marketing, e-commerce, and influencer marketing. Importantly, it integrates cutting-edge AI tools (ChatGPT, Midjourney, Zapier) to teach automation and data-driven strategy. Students build real websites and run live ad campaigns as part of learning.

Placement Support: 

100% placement guarantee. Over 300 corporate partners hire from Digital Scholar, including Amazon, Zoho, and Freshworks. Graduates enter roles like Digital Marketing Manager or Social Media Manager, with starting packages from around ₹3 LPA up to ₹15+ LPA.

This strong track record makes Digital Scholar stand out as the best institute for an MBA in Chennai for marketing careers.

Future-Ready: 

The MBA is built for the digital economy. Graduates master AI-driven marketing, mobile advertising, and performance analysis – skills any future business leader needs. 

Digital Scholar’s tech-integrated, marketing-first approach ensures students are on the cutting edge, ready for roles in agencies, tech companies, or their ventures.

Name: Digital Scholar

Address: 1B, Sapna Trade Centre, 135, Poonamallee High Rd, Purasaiwakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600084

Phone: 095136 32705

2. Great Lakes Institute of Management – Chennai Campus

Programs: 

Offers a 1-year PGPM for professionals (with work experience) and a 2-year PGDM/MBA for fresh graduates. Specializations include Marketing, Finance, Operations, HR, and a unique Family Business track.

Fees: 

About ₹15–20 lakh total (depending on the program and specialization).

Unique Selling Points: 

Accredited by AMBA and AACSB, and features a LEED Platinum green campus. Great Lakes Chennai emphasizes a blend of analytics and leadership. 

Its one-year PGPM is among India’s fastest programs, and the two-year MBA is known for experiential learning (simulations, projects, startup incubations). The institute prides itself on a strong global alumni network and foreign tie-ups.

Faculty & Teaching: 

The faculty team includes internationally experienced PhDs and industry veterans. For example, founder Dr. Bala Balachandran and marketing professor Dr. Sriram D. 

led the school’s programs. Teaching is highly interactive and case-based, with many visiting faculty from top business schools worldwide.

Curriculum Highlights: 

Beyond core management, Great Lakes’ curriculum offers electives in AI & Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics, Marketing Strategy, and Entrepreneurship. 

Students often work on projects with companies like Infosys and Bosch. The emphasis on data-driven decision making and global best practices keeps the curriculum forward-looking.

Placement Support: 

Great Lakes Chennai reports near-100% placement. In recent years, the average salary has been in the mid-15 LPA range. Recruiters include McKinsey, Deloitte, Accenture, Amazon, and more. The active alumni network further helps with internships and placements.

Future-Ready: 

By focusing on analytics, digital marketing, and innovation, Great Lakes equips students for the evolving business world. Its high-end infrastructure (modern computer labs, collaborative spaces) and accreditation make it one of the top management colleges in Chennai for a technology-driven career.

This is the Great Lakes Institute of Management’s Chennai campus. Great Lakes Chennai is a highly ranked private B-school known for its modern facilities and innovative programs.

3. IIT Madras – Department of Management Studies (DoMS) (Chennai)

Programs: 

A 2-year full-time MBA program, offered by IIT Madras. It also launched a separate MBA in Business Analytics program. Specializations include Operations, Finance, Marketing, HR, and Systems.

Fees: 

Very affordable – around ₹8–11 lakh total (much lower than private schools, due to IIT’s government funding).

Unique Selling Points: 

DoMS benefits from being part of IIT Madras. It has a tech-savvy, research-driven culture and strong ties to the engineering and tech industries. The IIT brand and rigorous entrance make it highly prestigious. Students are typically very bright

Faculty & Teaching: 

The faculty are top-tier academics with active research agendas, often collaborating on industry projects. Professors here are known for quantitative skills and global publications. Guest lecturers from tech companies and consulting firms are common.

Curriculum Highlights: 

The program blends management fundamentals with technology modules. Core courses in Strategy and Finance are complemented by tech-focused electives (e.g., Data Analytics, Internet of Things, and AI in Business). 

There is also a heavy emphasis on Operations Research and STEM projects. A mandatory summer internship connects students with cutting-edge companies (Google, TCS, etc.).

Placement Support: 

DoMS Chennai has a stellar placement record (close to 100% each year). Average packages are around ₹16–18 LPA. Top recruiters include Amazon, Cisco, Google, and major consulting firms. Graduates often go into tech management, analytics roles, or continue for PhDs.

Future-Ready: 

Given its analytics-first curriculum and IIT ecosystem, DoMS churns out tech-savvy MBAs. It is consistently ranked among the best institutes for an MBA in Chennai and is ideal for students targeting data-intensive and technical leadership roles.

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

Programs: 

Offers a 2-year full-time MBA (awarded by Madras University) with specializations in Marketing, Finance, HR, and Systems.

Fees: 

Around ₹16–19 lakh for the full two years. Scholarships are available for high achievers.

Unique Selling Points: 

A Jesuit-run institution, LIBA emphasizes values-based education and ethical leadership. It is NAAC A++ accredited. The atmosphere is highly disciplined, and the college focuses on producing socially responsible managers.

Faculty & Teaching: 

LIBA’s faculty includes experienced professors and researchers, many with advanced degrees from India and abroad. Class sizes are moderate, allowing personal attention. The Jesuit heritage also means international exchange programs and exposure to global perspectives.

Curriculum Highlights: 

In addition to core MBA subjects, LIBA includes courses on corporate ethics, sustainability, and leadership development. It has a strong marketing department (one of the best in Chennai). Students often participate in business consulting projects for NGOs and corporates.

Placement Support: 

LIBA has a very high placement percentage. The average salary is in the ₹10–12 LPA range. Top recruiters include EY, KPMG, ICICI Bank, and advertising firms. LIBA’s focus on internships and personality development also helps its students stand out.

Future-Ready: 

LIBA is gradually integrating digital modules (e.g., digital transformation strategies) into its curriculum. Its emphasis on holistic development and industry interaction makes it one of the best management colleges in Chennai for students seeking a well-rounded MBA.

5. Anna University – Dept. of Management Studies

Programs: 

A 2-year MBA program offered by the Department of Management Studies, located in the College of Engineering, Guindy (CEG) campus.

Fees: 

Extremely low – roughly ₹50,000 total (government-subsidized) for the entire MBA course.

Unique Selling Points: 

Anna University is a state-funded institution, giving it a strong academic foundation. Its MBA has an exceptional return on investment due to minimal fees. The program often collaborates with government agencies and PSUs for research and placements.

Faculty & Teaching: 

Professors at DoMS are seasoned academics with doctorates, many of whom have industry consulting experience. The teaching is rigorous and theory-backed, reflecting the university’s engineering heritage.

Curriculum Highlights: 

The MBA covers all core areas (Marketing, Finance, HR, Systems), with electives in analytics, digital marketing, and operations. There is also a requirement for summer internships or industry projects with local companies like TNSTC, Polaris, etc.

Placement Support: 

Anna University has an excellent placement cell. Virtually all students are placed (often with Infosys, TCS, Cognizant, and state government posts). Salaries average around ₹6–8 LPA. The guaranteed placements (including government roles) make this a safe choice.

Future-Ready: 

The curriculum has been updated to include more data analytics and soft skills training. Combined with its location in Chennai’s industrial hub, Anna University remains one of the best universities for an MBA in Chennai, especially for those seeking top ROI and stable careers.

6. Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME) – Chennai

Programs: 

Offers a 2-year full-time PGDM (equivalent to an MBA) with specializations in Marketing, Finance, and HR.

Fees:

 Approximately ₹8.5 lakh total.

Unique Selling Points: 

XIME’s Chennai campus is AICTE-approved and emphasizes entrepreneurship and innovation. It has an on-campus incubation center and strong industry linkages, especially in the IT and education sectors.

Faculty & Teaching: 

Faculty are a mix of academicians and industry experts. For example, professors like Dr. J. Philip focus on entrepreneurial training. Classes often include startup case studies and guest lectures by entrepreneurs.

Curriculum Highlights: 

Along with core management courses, XIME includes electives in analytics and startup management. It maintains a high degree of practical learning, including business plan contests and consulting projects.

Placement Support: 

XIME Chennai enjoys strong placements with an average around ₹8–9 LPA. Recruiters include PwC, Infosys, Deloitte, and local enterprises. Many students also opt to start their own ventures after graduation.

Future-Ready: 

With its modern facilities and entrepreneurial focus, XIME is among the top MBA colleges in Chennai for students looking to launch startups or join emerging tech companies. Its curriculum is well-aligned with digital business trends.

7. Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS) – School of Business (Chennai)

Programs: 

Offers a 2-year full-time MBA (with majors in Finance, Marketing, HR, etc.).

Fees: 

About ₹4–6 lakh total (varies by category).

Unique Selling Points: 

HITS is an engineering university, so its MBA benefits from high-tech infrastructure. It has international collaborations (MoUs with foreign universities) and often invites foreign faculty. The program uses case-study pedagogy.

Faculty & Teaching: 

Experienced faculty (like Dr. V. J. Philip in Finance) who bring real-world projects into the classroom. The MBA is NAAC-accredited, and professors often guide students through corporate simulations.

Curriculum Highlights: 

Core MBA subjects plus electives on global management and supply chain. HITS offers unique consultancy projects and industry visits (e.g., manufacturing plants). There is also a strong focus on communication skills and group work.

Placement Support: 

Around 90% placement rate. The average package is moderate (~₹4–5 LPA). Recruiters include Infosys, TCS, and various auto and manufacturing firms (due to HITS’s engineering ties).

Future-Ready: 

With its global exposure programs and technology labs, HITS preps students for international careers. It remains one of the reliable management colleges in Chennai, particularly for those who want an MBA in a tech-focused environment.

8. SRM Institute of Science & Technology – School of Management (Chennai)

Programs: 

A 2-year full-time MBA program.

Fees: 

Roughly ₹6–8 lakh in total.

Unique Selling Points: 

Part of SRM University, this program is known for its modern infrastructure and industry-aligned curriculum. It is NAAC-accredited and has a large, well-equipped campus.

Faculty & Teaching: 

Faculty include a mix of academic scholars and visiting industry professionals. For example, professors like Dr. V. M. Ponniah emphasize case-based teaching and use of industry software tools.

Curriculum Highlights: 

Along with traditional management courses, SRM’s MBA offers electives in digital marketing, business analytics, and e-commerce. The institute also requires multiple internships (often two summer internships), linking students directly with corporations.

Placement Support: 

Placements are strong, with an average around ₹6–7 LPA in recent years. Top recruiters include HCL, Wipro, Amazon, etc. The dedicated placement cell provides pre-placement training and interview coaching.

Future-Ready: 

SRM continuously updates its curriculum (e.g., new courses in AI and Fintech). The university’s global collaborations (exchange programs) further prepare students for multinational roles. It’s a solid choice among Chennai’s top management colleges for those seeking a balance of academics and modern industry skills.

9. VIT Business School – Chennai (VITB, Kelambakkam Campus)

Programs: 

A 2-year full-time MBA.

Fees: 

About ₹7 lakh total.

Unique Selling Points: 

Affiliated with VIT University (renowned in engineering), VITB emphasizes technology in management education. It is NAAC-accredited and features a high student-computer ratio.

Faculty & Teaching: 

Faculty are research-oriented with industry experience (e.g., Dr. S. Jayachandran). The school integrates case studies and projects with the teaching – for instance, students work on live marketing projects with corporates.

Curriculum Highlights: 

Covers all MBA basics with majors in Marketing, Finance, and HR. VITB is known for giving students practical training through business simulations and frequent workshops on emerging topics. The program also includes mandatory internships.

Placement Support: 

VIT Chennai has an excellent placement record (avg ~₹6–8 LPA). Leading recruiters include Deloitte, TCS, Amazon, and other tech/finance firms. Career services also help with resume-building and interviews.

Future-Ready: 

VIT’s high-tech environment (IT labs, innovation centers) means students gain strong digital skills. VITB produces industry-ready graduates, making it one of the best management colleges in Chennai for those looking to enter consulting, analytics, or tech-driven business roles.

10. SSN School of Management (Chennai)

Programs: 

A 2-year full-time MBA.

Fees: 

Approximately ₹6 lakh total.

Unique Selling Points: 

Known for its academic rigor and personalized attention. SSN has a strong research orientation – many faculty hold PhDs and encourage students to engage in research projects. The atmosphere is highly collaborative, and industry experts frequently interact with students.

Faculty & Teaching: 

Professors like Dr. S. Ramachandran (Marketing) and Dr. P. Ravanan (Analytics) are well-known researchers. Small class sizes allow for more discussion and mentoring.

Curriculum Highlights: 

Standard management curriculum (Marketing, Finance, HR) with electives on data analytics and social media marketing. SSN emphasizes learning by doing: students often undertake consulting projects for local businesses and NGOs.

Placement Support: 

SSN’s placement rate is high. Average packages are around ₹5–6 LPA. Recruiters include HUL, Cognizant, ICICI Bank, and other mid-to-large firms. The school’s strong industry ties in Chennai help ensure good placement opportunities.

Future-Ready: 

By focusing on analytics and the latest marketing trends, SSN keeps its students up-to-date. Its faculty support and industry mentorship stand out, making SSN one of the noteworthy B-schools in Chennai for a quality MBA education.

Why the Best B-Schools Are Now Marketing-First

The landscape of business education is shifting, and the top B-schools in Chennai are embracing a marketing-first approach. There are several reasons:

Digital Economy Demands: 

Businesses today must excel at digital branding and customer engagement. Leading MBA programs now include courses on SEO, social media strategy, content marketing, and data analytics. Graduates are expected to drive online growth from day one.

Data-Driven Strategy: 

Marketing decisions are increasingly made by analyzing consumer data. B-schools in Chennai have responded by teaching analytics tools and AI techniques. Students learn how to run targeted ad campaigns, track ROI, and optimize spend using real-time dashboards.

Practical Skill Development: 

Many management colleges have partnered with marketing agencies and tech firms. Students often work on live client projects, managing budgets and campaigns, mimicking a marketing agency environment. This hands-on learning makes them job-ready.

Career Opportunities: 

There’s a huge demand for managers with digital marketing expertise in Chennai’s corporate sector. Startups, IT companies, and MNCs all value MBAs who can drive online sales and branding. 

As a result, marketing-focused MBA programs guarantee strong placement opportunities.

Competitive Edge: 

B-schools like Digital Scholar have gained a competitive edge by specializing in marketing and AI. Their graduates fill a crucial gap in the industry. Even traditional programs (Great Lakes, LIBA, etc.) are adding marketing and AI electives to stay ahead.

In summary, the best management colleges in Chennai now view marketing and technology as core to their MBA curriculum. This “marketing-first” mindset ensures their graduates are prepared to lead in the modern business world.

How Digital Scholar Leads Chennai’s New Wave of B-Schools

Digital Scholar is at the forefront of this marketing-first shift. It brings three standout innovations to Chennai’s B-school scene:

AI-Integrated Curriculum: 

Digital Scholar’s MBA was built from the ground up with AI at its core. Students master tools like ChatGPT, automation platforms (Zapier), and analytics engines right alongside marketing concepts. 

This is the first MBA program in India to embed AI workflows as a fundamental part of every course.

Global Accreditation: 

Through its tie-up with Woolf University (UK), Digital Scholar’s MBA is globally recognized. It follows the European Credit Transfer system, making it equivalent to an international MBA while delivering specialized content. 

This global accreditation adds prestige and mobility to the degree.

Personalized Industry Mentorship: 

Each student is paired with industry experts, including well-known digital marketers like Sorav Jain and Rishi Jain. These mentors coach students one-on-one, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real business challenges.

Agency-Style Learning: 

The program is modeled on a real digital agency. Students are organized into “pods” and work on live branding assignments and advertising campaigns for actual companies. This immersive, project-based approach accelerates learning and mirrors what graduates will do in their careers.

Guaranteed Placements: 

Digital Scholar guarantees placement assistance to 100% of its students. Its robust industry network (over 400 hiring partners) ensures that every graduate has job opportunities, which is rare among MBA programs.

By integrating cutting-edge technology with a hands-on, student-centric approach, Digital Scholar has set a new standard. It’s a one-year offline MBA at the Chennai campus 

(1B, Sapna Trade Centre, Poonamallee High Road; Phone: +91 95136 32705) 

exemplifies the best institute for MBA in Chennai. It shows that MBA education can be modern, digital-first, and intensely practical, and other B-schools in the city are now following its lead.

FAQs about MBA and B-Schools in Chennai

Q: Which are the top B-schools in Chennai for an MBA?
A: The top MBA B-schools in Chennai include Digital Scholar (Chennai), Great Lakes Institute of Management (Chennai campus), IIT Madras – DoMS, LIBA (Loyola Institute), Anna University (DoMS), XIME (Chennai), 

HITS (Hindustan Tech & Science), SRM IST, VIT Chennai, and SSN School of Management. Each of these offers strong MBA/PGDM programs with good placement records.

Q: Which is the best institute for an MBA in Chennai?
A: Digital Scholar is considered the best institute for an MBA in Chennai for students interested in digital marketing and tech-integrated management, thanks to its specialized 1-year MBA and placement guarantee. 

For a traditional MBA, Great Lakes and IIT Madras are often rated the best due to their brand and placements. Anna University stands out for ROI, and Anna University students often rank it among the best universities for an MBA in Chennai.

Q: Which Chennai B-school is top for digital marketing?
A: Digital Scholar leads in digital marketing. Its entire MBA is built around digital marketing and AI. Other institutes (SRM, Great Lakes, and even LIBA) may offer electives in digital marketing, but Digital Scholar’s program is fully dedicated to it.

Q: What is unique about Digital Scholar’s MBA program?
A: Its 1-year duration, focus exclusively on digital marketing, AI-driven curriculum, partnership with a UK university for global accreditation, and guaranteed placements make it unique. 

Students handle real ad campaigns and get direct mentorship from industry leaders – features that are unmatched by other Chennai B-schools.

Q: Which Chennai college has the strongest placement support?
A: Digital Scholar offers a 100% placement guarantee. Great Lakes Chennai and IIT Madras are also known for 100% placement with high average salaries. Anna University (DoMS) provides guaranteed placements often in government roles, due to its established ties.

Q: Are there 1-year MBA programs available in Chennai?
A: Yes. Besides Digital Scholar’s 1-year MBA, Great Lakes Chennai offers a 1-year PGPM program for professionals. Most other colleges follow the standard 2-year MBA/PGDM format.

Q: What is the most affordable MBA college in Chennai?
A: Anna University’s MBA is by far the most affordable (total fees ~₹50,000). DG Vaishnav College (PGDM) and HITS (MBA) also have relatively low fees (around ₹2.5–6 lakh).

Q: Which Chennai B-school has the highest average salary?
A: Great Lakes (Chennai) and IIT Madras typically report the highest averages (around ₹15–18 LPA). Digital Scholar’s graduates earn competitive packages (₹3–15+ LPA) given its short program.

Q: What are the admission requirements for these B-schools?
A: Great Lakes, LIBA, and many others require scores from CAT, MAT, or TANCET. Digital Scholar does not require CAT/MAT – admission is via its aptitude test and interview, focusing on skills and mindset. Anna University admits through TANCET or equivalent state tests.

Q: What are the fees and curriculum for Digital Scholar’s MBA?
A: About ₹7 lakh for the 1-year program, covering 15+ core modules (SEO, content, analytics, etc.) and over 20 certifications. It is highly hands-on: students manage real ad budgets (₹10+ lakh), build websites, and learn AI tools like ChatGPT and automation software.

Q: Do these Chennai B-schools emphasize AI and digital skills?
A: Yes, especially the top ones. Digital Scholar integrates AI tools throughout its MBA. Great Lakes and IIT Madras include AI/data courses. 

Others like SSN, SRM, and XIME have added digital marketing and analytics electives. This reflects the trend toward tech-driven management education.

Q: Which B-school in Chennai is best for entrepreneurship?
A: XIME Chennai and Great Lakes (with its Family Business elective) are known for entrepreneurship focus. Digital Scholar’s practical agency approach also fosters startup thinking in marketing. Many colleges have entrepreneurship cells or incubators (e.g., HITS has international incubation support).

Q: Is Digital Scholar accredited or affiliated with a university?
A: Yes. Digital Scholar’s MBA is offered in partnership with Woolf University (UK) and is accredited under the European Credit Transfer System. This means the MBA is globally recognized as equivalent to a Western business degree.

Q: Which is the best B-school in Chennai for analytics/tech management?
A: IIT Madras (DoMS) is the clear leader for analytics/tech management. Great Lakes and Anna University also have strong analytics programs. Digital Scholar covers some analytics, but its focus is more on marketing.

Q: Are there international collaborations for Chennai B-schools?
A: Many have tie-ups. Great Lakes has international accreditations and exchange programs. IIT Madras and LIBA partner with foreign universities for student exchange. Digital Scholar’s partnership with Woolf provides a global link.

Q: Does any Chennai B-school provide 1-on-1 mentorship?
A: Digital Scholar is unique in offering guaranteed 1-on-1 mentorship from industry experts. Other schools have faculty mentors, but not typically one-on-one industry mentorship as a formal offering.

Q: Which B-schools in Chennai have an AI-driven curriculum?
A: Digital Scholar leads with a fully AI-integrated MBA. Great Lakes and IIT Madras include AI courses. LIBA and SRM have begun adding AI and machine learning electives. Even VIT and SSN cover AI topics in analytics modules.

Q: Which is the best university for an MBA in Chennai?
A: Anna University’s MBA program (DoMS) is often cited as the best university MBA in Chennai because of its strong reputation, government affiliation, and excellent ROI. Its combination of low fees and good placements makes it very attractive.

Q: What career services do Chennai B-schools offer?
A: All top B-schools in Chennai have active placement cells providing interview prep, resume workshops, and job fairs. Digital Scholar goes further by guaranteeing placement and arranging direct interviews with partner companies. They also support internships and projects during the course.

For MBA aspirants in Chennai, Digital Scholar’s focused program and stellar placement record make it a compelling choice, especially for a digital marketing MBA.

 However, the city’s traditional B-schools – like Great Lakes, IIT Madras, LIBA, and Anna University – remain excellent choices depending on one’s career goals. 

Choose the institute whose courses, culture, and placement support best align with your ambitions in management and marketing. Good luck with your search!