Post Graduate Programme in Management [PGPM] (Liberal Studies)

IIM Kozhikode’s Post Graduate Programme in Liberal Studies and Management (PGP-LSM) is a 2-year full-time residential program integrating humanities, social sciences, and management education. Admission is through CAT 2026, GMAT, or GRE followed by WAT-PI. The total program fee is INR 24,17,000. PGP-LSM targets graduates who value the intersection of human and business perspectives in careers like marketing, HR, media, or social enterprise.

📋 Admission Status: Admissions expected to open January 2027 (Tentative).

Key Points

• Intake limited to 38 students for intensive seminar-style learning
• Develops emotional and cultural intelligence for people-centered management
• One of few IIM programs integrating humanities with business education

IIM Kozhikode PGP-LSM Fees 2026

• Seat confirmation deposit of INR 1,00,000 is required on offer acceptance, adjustable against fees.
• Educational loans are available through partner banks for enrolled students.

IIM Kozhikode PGP-LSM Admission 2026

• GMAT and GRE are accepted alternatives to CAT for PGP-LSM admission.
• PGP-LSM has a dedicated suitability score component in its shortlisting process.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Graduation with minimum 60% aggregate from a recognized university
• CA/CMA (ICWA)/CS holders with 50% aggregate are also eligible
• Valid CAT 2026, GMAT, or GRE score is mandatory for application
• Work experience is not mandatory but is valued in the selection process

Admission Process

• Register for CAT 2026 through the NTA portal (or submit GMAT/GRE scores from the 2026 test window)
• Complete the IIM Kozhikode PGP-LSM online registration after CAT 2026 results are announced in December 2026
• Stage 2 shortlisting is based on an Aggregate Index Score that includes exam scores, academics, and PGP-LSM suitability
• Shortlisted candidates appear for a Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI)
• Merit list prepared based on WAT, PI, exam score, academic record, and diversity criteria
• Accepted candidates pay INR 1,00,000 seat confirmation fee and complete registration by the specified date

✓ Opt for this if

• Background in humanities or social sciences and want an IIM MBA
• Targeting careers in media, HR, marketing, or social enterprise
• Prefer a small-cohort interdisciplinary program over a conventional MBA
• Value emotional intelligence and cultural literacy in management

✗ Skip if

• Targeting finance, consulting, or core analytics roles at top firms
• Prefer a large cohort with broad functional electives in finance or tech
• Need a widely recognized program name rather than a niche specialization

IIM Kozhikode PGP-LSM Scholarships 2026

• Scholarship applications require income certificates and ITRs by the Term 1 deadline.
• Gender and academic diversity are factored into the admission merit list.

As mentioned, IIM Kozhikode offers admission to PGP LSM Liberal Studies program based on CAT percentile. IIM Kozhikode CAT Cutoff 2025 percentile is 97 for the General category. Further, CAT cutoff percentile is 97 for OBC , 97 for SC , 97 for ST and 97 for EWS category. Check IIM Kozhikode Cutoff

IIM Kozhikode PGP LSM Liberal Studies Cutoff Year-wise Trends

The section below shows year-wise trends in IIM Kozhikode PGP LSM Liberal Studies Cutoff. According to year-wise trends, admission to the IIM Kozhikode PGP LSM Liberal Studies program in 2025 was closed at the 97 percentile , whereas in 2024, the closing percentile was 97 across all categories.

According to an external review site Ranking 2025, IIM Kozhikode ranks 8 out of 372 colleges in India and 1st in state Kerala for its PGP LSM Liberal Studies program.

• 4 out of 275 under India Today Management Ranking 2024.
• 65 out of 100 under Financial Times Management Ranking 2026.
• 3 out of 235 under The Week Management Ranking 2024.
• 3 out of 125 under NIRF Management Ranking 2025.
• 6 out of 26 under Outlook Management Ranking 2022.

Read more on IIM Kozhikode Rankings here

IIM Kozhikode PGP-LSM FAQs

Ques. How is PGP-LSM different from the regular PGP at IIM Kozhikode?

Ans. The PGP-LSM integrates liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences with core management subjects, preparing graduates for people-centered roles in marketing, HR, media, and social enterprise. Unlike the regular PGP, which follows a conventional MBA curriculum with broad functional electives, PGP-LSM has a small cohort of 38 students and emphasizes emotional intelligence, cultural literacy, and creativity as management competencies. The degree is equivalent to a 2-year MBA.

Ques. What is the intake size for IIM Kozhikode PGP-LSM?

Ans. The PGP-LSM cohort is limited to 38 students per batch, making it one of the smallest programs at IIM Kozhikode. This small cohort is intentional, enabling intensive seminar-style discussions, direct faculty interaction, and a close-knit peer network. The intimate setting is particularly suited to the interdisciplinary, discussion-heavy pedagogy that liberal studies education requires.

Ques. What is the total fee for IIM Kozhikode PGP-LSM?

Ans. The total 2-year program fee is INR 24,17,000, comprising tuition of INR 7,00,000 per year and other charges of INR 5,42,000 in Year 1 and INR 4,75,000 in Year 2. A seat confirmation deposit of INR 1,00,000 is required upon offer acceptance, adjustable against the fee. Educational loans from partner banks are available for enrolled students.

Ques. Is work experience required for PGP-LSM admission at IIM Kozhikode?

Ans. Work experience is not mandatory for PGP-LSM admission at IIM Kozhikode. Fresh graduates from any discipline are eligible, provided they meet the 60% aggregate requirement and have a valid CAT/GMAT/GRE score. However, work experience is valued in the holistic selection process. Candidates with backgrounds in humanities, arts, journalism, or social sciences are particularly well-suited for this program.

Ques. What careers do IIM Kozhikode PGP-LSM graduates typically pursue?

Ans. PGP-LSM graduates typically pursue careers in marketing and brand management, human resources, media and communication, social enterprise, healthcare management, and consulting. The program is designed for roles that require strong interpersonal, cultural, and strategic thinking skills. Graduates have been placed at companies in FMCG, consulting, media, NGOs, and public policy organizations, leveraging both their IIM credential and interdisciplinary education.

Ques. What scholarships are available for PGP-LSM students at IIM Kozhikode?

Ans. PGP-LSM students at IIM Kozhikode are eligible for the same institutional scholarships as other PGP programs. The Merit-cum-Means Scholarship provides a 50% tuition waiver for top 10% students with family income below INR 4.5 Lakhs. The Mirae Asset Foundation Scholarship offers INR 5 Lakhs for students with income below INR 8 Lakhs. SC/ST students with family income below INR 8 Lakhs may receive a full fee waiver.