Chandigarh University Admissions 2026
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An online MBA from IIMs is one of the most sought-after management qualifications and also the best professional upskilling without a career break. With the rise in digital education, many IIMs have introduced blended and online MBA programmes that can help students earn their degree from the convenience of their homes.
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However, the common question is: which entrance exams are required to secure admission to IIMs for online MBA programmes? The acceptance of entrance exams depends on the IIMs and their programmes. While CAT (Common Admission Test) remains the preferred route, other exams like GMAT, GRE, or institute-specific tests (like IAT and IIMU Test) are also accepted.
Below is a detailed look at the accepted entrance exams and eligibility criteria for IIM online MBA programmes.
Professionals now have the option to pursue an online Executive MBA from IIMs. The online MBA from IIM for working professionals is delivered through live online or blended mode. The entrance exam for IIM online MBA programmes varies across institutes, with most accepting CAT, GMAT, or GRE, while some conducts institute-specific tests like IMAT, IAT, or EMAT.
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| IIM | Programme Name | Accepted Entrance Exams | Institute-Specific Entrance Test |
|---|---|---|---|
Online MBA | CAT/ GMAT/ GRE (Score valid for the last 5 years) | IIM Mumbai Admission Test (IMAT) | |
Online MBA | CAT (score valid for the last 5 years); GMAT/GRE Score taken within the last 5 years | IIMA Admission Test (IAT) | |
EMBA | CAT/ GMAT/ GRE/ GATE | IIM Amritsar Admission Test (IAAT) | |
Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP) – Online | CAT/ GMAT/ GRE | IIM Indore (EAT) | |
PGPWE | CAT (≥50 percentile) or GMAT (≥500 score) | Working Executive Management Aptitude Test (WEMAT) | |
Blended MBA for Working Professionals (bMBA) | CAT/ GMAT/ GMAT Focus/ GRE (valid scores within last 5 years) | - | |
Executive MBA (Blended/Online Mode) | CAT/GMAT/EMAT | Executive Management Aptitude Test (EMAT) | |
Executive MBA (Online) | CAT/GRE/GMAT | Executive Management Aptitude Test (EMAT) |
While the entrance exam plays the major role in most of the IIMs’ admission process, the following can also be considered based on the university:
A bachelor's degree with or an equivalent of 50% or a CGPA
2-5 years of work experience is considered for executive or professional online MBAs
Students with strong communication and analytical skills are also considered
Students who fulfilled the institute's specific pre-requisites for that institute were also considered.
Students who are planning to study an online MBA from IIMs should carefully check the eligibility criteria, exam requirements and UGC approval of that programme. Below is the table with more such key aspects.
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Exam Options | CAT, GMAT, GRE, or institute-specific test (IMAT/IAAT). |
Validity | Test scores are valid for up to 5 years (varies by IIM). |
Work Experience | Often mandatory for online MBA applicants. |
UGC Recognition | |
Alternative Entry | Some IIMs allow internal aptitude tests for professionals. |
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Every IIM has its own set of guidelines that need to be followed while attending them. These guidelines help applicants to verify everything that they need to know.
An online MBA from an IIM is an excellent way for professionals to advance their careers while continuing to work. Although CAT remains the primary entrance exam, many IIMs also accept GMAT, GRE, or institute-specific tests such as IMAT and IAAT.
Since each IIM has unique eligibility and exam criteria, applicants should review the official notifications on respective IIM websites before applying. Ensuring the programme’s UGC recognition, work experience requirements, and score validity will help candidates make a well-informed decision and strengthen their chances of admission into India’s top management institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To apply for an IIM online MBA, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks and usually have 2–5 years of work experience, depending on the programme.
Most IIMs accept CAT, GMAT, or GRE scores for their online MBA programmes, while some also conduct institute-specific tests like IMAT, IAAT, or EMAT.
No, CAT is not compulsory for all online MBAs. While some IIMs prefer CAT, others accept GMAT, GRE, or their own aptitude tests for admission.
Yes, several IIMs allow admissions through GMAT, GRE, or institute-level tests, making it possible to pursue an MBA without a CAT score.
IIM Kozhikode, IIM Indore, and IIM Lucknow are among the top choices for online MBAs due to their global recognition, strong faculty, and flexible learning models.
On Question asked by student community
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Getting into top business schools like IIM Ahmedabad or IIM Bangalore is highly competitive and admission decisions are based on various factors which includes CAT scores, academic performance, work experience, and more. While having a very good score in CAT is important, it's not the only criteria for admission.
Yes, scoring above 99.9 percentile in CAT significantly increases your chances of getting a call from IIM Bangalore, with your academic background. Here's why:
High CAT Score: A score exceeding 99.9 percentile is exceptional and puts you amongst the top candidates vying for admission. IIM Bangalore prioritizes CAT scores heavily
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) is one of the best B-schools in India. IIM Bombay is an Institute of National Importance and it is a Government institute. The course of MBA & MBA Business Analytics course is offered on the basis of CAT , GMAT . Both the courses
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