MBA admissions guide
MBA eligibility: who can apply
Most two-year MBA and PGDM programmes in India need at least 50% in graduation (45% for SC, ST and PwD candidates) and accept final-year students. IIT management schools ask for 60% (55% for SC, ST and PwD). ISB needs about 2 years of full-time work experience, and the IIM Mumbai executive MBAs need 2 years except Creative Industries.
Updated 2 Nov 2026 · Data from official college pages and 2026 IIM disclosures
Eligibility
MBA eligibility: who can apply
| Most colleges | 50% in graduation (45% for SC, ST, PwD). Final-year students can apply. |
| IIT management schools | 60% in graduation (55% for SC, ST, PwD). |
| ISB | Valid GMAT or GRE and 2+ years of full-time work experience. |
| IIM Mumbai executive MBAs | Degree plus 2 years of experience (none for Creative Industries). IMAT, CAT, GMAT or GRE. |
| JBIMS | MAH-CET through Maharashtra counselling; home-state seats. |
| Reserved categories | IIMs and IITs shortlist SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS and PwD candidates at lower percentiles. |
Selection
How colleges select students
| College | Selection process | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | Interview shortlist: 65% CAT and 35% profile (academics, work experience, gender). Final: personal interview 50%, written test 10% and the composite score 40%. Women get 3 extra points before the interview. | 414 |
| ISB Hyderabad / Mohali | Needs a valid GMAT or GRE score (taken at a test centre), at least 2 years of full-time work experience as on 31 March of the intake year, essays and interviews. | – |
| IIM Calcutta | Final weights: CAT 30%, personal interview 48%, written test 8%, work experience 8%, academic diversity 6%. Women get extra points before the interview. | 479 |
| IIM Bangalore | Interview shortlist score: CAT 55, academics 30 (Class 10, Class 12 and graduation 10 each), work experience 10, gender diversity 5. The final score then adds the written test and personal interview. | 541 |
| IIM Lucknow | Interview shortlist: CAT 60, Class 12 10, graduation 10, work experience 10, diversity 10. Final: CAT 30, interview 40, written test 10, academics 10, work experience 5, diversity 5. | 500 |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | Selection is profile-led: academics, relevance of work experience and versatility, and you must meet the qualifying score. The final selection combines profile, academics, CAT or GMAT, work experience and two group interviews. Weights are not published. | 240 |
| FMS Delhi | Shortlist: CAT sectional score (VARC 40%, DILR 30%, QA 30%), with 5 extra marks for women. Final: CAT 50, Class 10 10, Class 12 10, SOP discussion 10, extempore 5, interview 15. There is no group discussion. | 251 |
| XLRI Jamshedpur BM | XAT 60%, group discussion and interview 25%, and about 15% for essay, academics, work experience and general knowledge. | – |
| XLRI Jamshedpur HRM | Same process as the XLRI business management programme. | – |
| MDI Gurgaon | Interview shortlist (2026-28): CAT 70, work experience 10, Class 10, 12 and graduation 5 each, diversity 5. Final: CAT 35, interview 20, group discussion 10, work experience 10, written test 5, aptitude test 5, graduation 5, and 10 for diversity, region and sports. | – |
| IIM Kozhikode | Interview shortlist: CAT 50, Class 10 15, Class 12 20, diversity 15, work experience 5. Final: CAT 35, interview 35, written test 20, resume 10. Work experience counts only if you have 6 months or more. | 499 |
| IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) | The interview shortlist uses CAT, academics and work experience. The final score combines CAT, academics, work experience and the personal interview. Weights are not published. | – |
FAQ
Common questions
Can freshers and final-year students apply?
Yes. Most two-year programmes accept both, with 50% in graduation (45% for SC, ST, PwD) and 60% at the IIT schools. ISB needs about 2 years of work experience.
Which exam should I take: CAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT, NMAT, SNAP or IMAT?
CAT opens every IIM, FMS Delhi and the IIT schools. Add XAT for XLRI and XIMB, SNAP for Symbiosis, NMAT for NMIMS, and CMAT or MAT as backups. GMAT suits ISB. IMAT is for IIM Mumbai’s executive MBAs where CAT, GMAT or GRE is accepted instead.
Is my CAT, XAT or NMAT score valid next year?
No. These scores are valid for one admission cycle. GMAT is valid for five years.
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