FORE School of Management vs IMI Delhi: Which PGDM Should You Choose?

If you are targeting top PGDM colleges in Delhi NCR with strong placements and good ROI, FORE School of Management, New Delhi, and International Management Institute (IMI), New Delhi, will almost certainly show up in your shortlist.

Both institutes are AICTE approved, industry-recognised, and widely searched as top private MBA colleges in India. Yet they differ in fees, placements, batch size, academic culture, and long-term opportunities.

Here is a detailed, data-backed comparison from Prof. Route at MyCollegeRoute.com to help you make a clear decision.

1. Quick Snapshot: FORE vs IMI Delhi

Both institutes offer a 2-year full-time PGDM program and accept CAT, XAT, and GMAT scores for admission.

• FORE School of Management, New Delhi

  • Program: PGDM (flagship)
  • Approximate fees: around Rs. 23.24 lakh
  • Highest CTC in recent placement: about Rs. 29 LPA
  • Average CTC: roughly Rs. 16.4 LPA
  • Batch size: close to 600 seats
  • Entrance exams: CAT / XAT / GMAT

• IMI New Delhi

  • Program: PGDM (flagship)
  • Approximate fees: around Rs. 23.54 lakh
  • Highest CTC in recent placement: about Rs. 40.31 LPA
  • Average CTC: roughly Rs. 17.91 LPA
  • Batch size: around 420 seats
  • Entrance exams: CAT / XAT / GMAT

At a glance, both PGDM programs have similar fee levels and entrance gateways. IMI Delhi currently reports a higher average and the highest package, while FORE handles a larger intake with strong outcomes.

2. Brand Positioning & Reputation

FORE School of Management

FORE is well-known among aspirants searching for PGDM colleges in Delhi and MBA colleges in Delhi NCR. Over the years, it has developed a niche in:

• Marketing and Brand Management
• Finance and Banking roles
• International Business and Analytics

The institute is perceived as corporate-facing and student-driven, with plenty of conclaves, guest lectures, and live projects.

IMI New Delhi

IMI Delhi occupies a premium spot in the list of top private MBA colleges in India. Backed historically by corporate associations, it is respected for:

• A strong track record in consulting, BFSI, and corporate leadership roles
• Serious, academic culture and professional environment
• Good visibility among recruiters and alums across sectors

Among aspirants, IMI Delhi often carries a slightly more “elite” perception, especially among those seeking “top MBA colleges in India with high packages”.

Takeaway: Both names are powerful on a CV. IMI Delhi may enjoy a modest edge in perceived brand prestige, while FORE scores with a wider, vibrant student community.

3. Location Advantage

Both FORE and IMI are based in New Delhi, close to the central business districts. This urban location provides:

• Easy access to corporate offices for internships and live projects
• Regular visits from industry leaders for talks and workshops
• Exposure to a dense hub of top MBA and PGDM colleges in Delhi, leading to inter-college fests and competitions

If you are keen on studying in a metro environment rather than a distant, isolated campus, both institutes are well placed.

4. Program Structure & Academics

FORE School of Management PGDM

The PGDM program at FORE is structured to combine conceptual depth with application:

• In the first year, students cover core courses like Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management, Operations, Quantitative Techniques, Economics, IT, and General Management.
• Teaching pedagogy includes case studies, presentations, simulations, role plays, and group assignments.
• In the second year, students choose electives and often dual specialisations in areas such as Marketing, Finance, OB & HR, Operations & Supply Chain, International Business, and Business Analytics.
• Industry certifications, workshops, and live projects are woven into the curriculum.

FORE’s approach suits students who prefer flexibility in designing their PGDM path and a strong connection with the corporate world.

IMI New Delhi PGDM

IMI Delhi’s PGDM is also a full-time residential program, but with a slightly more structured, academically intensive feel.

• The first year focuses on building a rigorous base in all functional areas. Classroom work is demanding, with case discussions, quantitative analysis, and research-oriented assignments.
• In the second year, students opt for electives in Marketing, Finance, Strategy, Operations, HR, and Analytics.
• There may be options for international immersion or exchange, depending on the year and program.

IMI Delhi is ideal for students who enjoy formal academic rigour, discipline, and a competitive classroom environment.

Overall, both PGDM programs are comparable in terms of curriculum richness. The distinction is more in tone and culture—FORE is perceived as slightly more student-driven and experiential; IMI is more formal and academically intense.

5. Fees and ROI

From an investment standpoint:

• FORE charges around Rs. 23.24 lakh for its flagship PGDM.
• IMI Delhi charges around Rs. 23.54 lakh for its PGDM.

Since fees are nearly identical, the real difference lies in placement-driven ROI.

• FORE’s average CTC is about Rs. 16.4 LPA, with a recent highest package of Rs. 29 LPA.
• IMI Delhi’s average CTC is around Rs. 17.91 LPA, with the highest package touching Rs. 40.31 LPA.

This suggests that both institutes deliver strong ROI when compared to many MBA colleges in India charging similar or higher fees. IMI Delhi has a slight numerical edge in both average and peak salary, while FORE’s achievement is notable given its larger batch size.

If you are optimising purely for ROI and salary numbers, both colleges deserve to be on your “MBA colleges with best ROI in Delhi NCR” shortlist, with IMI a notch ahead in salary statistics.

6. Placements & Recruiter Landscape

FORE School of Management

Companies visiting FORE span multiple sectors:

• Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI)
• IT, Analytics, and Consulting
• FMCG, retail, and e-commerce
• Manufacturing, logistics, and operations

Roles offered include marketing management, business development, financial analysis, business analytics, consulting analyst, operations roles, and more. The institute has built a reputation for robust placements, especially in Marketing and Analytics.

IMI New Delhi

IMI Delhi attracts a potent mix of recruiters:

• Top consulting and advisory firms
• Large Indian and multinational banks and financial institutions
• FMCG and consumer companies
• Technology, telecom, and conglomerates

Students frequently secure roles in strategy, corporate finance, consulting, product management, marketing, and leadership tracks.

Placement takeaway:
IMI Delhi appears firmer in premium packages and high-end consulting/BFSI roles, while FORE offers broad-based opportunities across a large batch, particularly attractive for Marketing and Analytics aspirants.

7. Batch Size & Peer Group

Here, the difference is noticeable:

• FORE has an intake of around 600 seats across its PGDM programs.
• IMI Delhi has a batch size of about 420 seats.

A larger batch at FORE means:

• Greater diversity in classmates—more regions, academic backgrounds, and work profiles.
• A broader alum base, which helps in the long term.
• Higher internal competition for the top roles during placements.

A smaller batch at IMI Delhi means:

• Slightly more individual visibility with faculty and recruiters.
• Easier management of class participation and networking.
• A tighter-knit campus community.

Your personality matters here:

• If you enjoy networking with a large cohort and believe in standing out in a crowd, FORE’s size is an advantage.
• If you prefer smaller groups, closer faculty interaction, and a more compact campus feel, IMI may work better.

8. Admission Criteria and Entrance Exams

Both FORE and IMI are among the most sought-after PGDM colleges that accept CAT, XAT, and GMAT scores.

Common threads in the admission process:

• Shortlisting is primarily based on CAT/XAT/GMAT percentile, combined with academic history and work experience.
• Additional factors like gender, academic background, and regional diversity may get weightage.
• Final selection involves a Personal Interview, sometimes accompanied by a Group Discussion, WAT, or case analysis.
• Cut-offs usually lie in the high 80s to 90+ percentile range, depending on the program and year.

For aspirants searching for “how to get into FORE School of Management” or “IMI Delhi PGDM admission criteria,” the message is simple: target a strong percentile, build a well-rounded profile, and prepare well for PI and GD.

9. Learning Culture & Campus Life

Life at FORE

• Student bodies run multiple clubs and committees—marketing, finance, HR, operations, analytics, cultural, sports, and more.
• Regular corporate summits and conclaves ensure interaction with industry leaders.
• The atmosphere is described as dynamic and student-led, where initiatives and events are constantly in motion.

Life at IMI Delhi

• Campus life at IMI is structured and professional, mirroring a corporate environment.
• Academic work is rigorous, and deadlines are strict.
• There are student clubs and fests as well, but the overall tone remains formal and career-focused.

Your preference for campus culture—energetic and student-managed vs. sharp and disciplined—can guide your choice.

10. FORE vs IMI Delhi: Which PGDM Fits You Better?

Instead of asking “Which college is better?”, ask “Which college matches my goals and personality?”

Choose IMI New Delhi if:

• You want a slightly higher average salary and stronger top-end packages.
• You prefer a moderate batch size with more individual attention.
• You are targeting consulting, BFSI, corporate leadership, or high-end strategy roles.
• You are comfortable with a formal, academically intense environment.

Choose FORE School of Management if:

• You value large peer diversity and a vast alum network.
• You are inclined toward Marketing, Analytics, International Business, or Operations with solid metro exposure.
• You want strong placement outcomes even with a bigger intake.
• You enjoy a vibrant, student-run campus culture with many clubs, events, and leadership opportunities.

Both institutes are credible options among the top MBA colleges in India, especially in the Delhi NCR region, with strong ROI. Your final choice should align with your career plan, financial comfort, and working style.

11. How MyCollegeRoute Helps You Decide

With dozens of MBA and PGDM colleges in India claiming excellence, confusion is natural. MyCollegeRoute.com simplifies this with:

• Data-backed tools that compare FORE vs IMI Delhi and other colleges on more than 40 parameters.
• Verified information on fees, placements, ROI, intake, specialisations, and cut-offs.
• Personalised shortlisting support based on your CAT/XAT/GMAT score, budget, and career goals.

Prof. Route’s closing advice:

“Don’t chase brand names blindly. Use data, introspection, and guidance to choose a B-school where you can actually perform. That’s how you convert a PGDM into a long-term career advantage.”