Entrance Exams for IIM MBA Online: CAT, GMAT, GRE, IAT, IMAT, Selection & Guidelines
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Entrance Exams for IIM MBA Online: CAT, GMAT, GRE, IAT, IMAT, Selection & Guidelines

Vivek KumarUpdated on 06 Jan 2026, 02:48 PM IST

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.

This Story also Contains

  1. Accepted Entrance Exam for IIM MBA Online
  2. IIM MBA Online: Additional Requirement
  3. IIM Online MBA: Student Guidelines and Eligibility Criteria
Entrance Exams for IIM MBA Online: CAT, GMAT, GRE, IAT, IMAT, Selection & Guidelines
Entrance Exams for IIM MBA Online: CAT, GMAT, GRE, IAT, IMAT, Selection & Guidelines

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.

Accepted Entrance Exam for IIM MBA Online

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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IIMProgramme NameAccepted Entrance ExamsInstitute-Specific Entrance Test

IIM Mumbai

Online MBA

CAT/ GMAT/ GRE (Score valid for the last 5 years)

IIM Mumbai Admission Test (IMAT)

IIM Ahmedabad

Online MBA

CAT (score valid for the last 5 years); GMAT/GRE Score taken within the last 5 years

IIMA Admission Test (IAT)

IIM Amritsar

EMBA

CAT/ GMAT/ GRE/ GATE

IIM Amritsar Admission Test (IAAT)

IIM Indore

Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP) – Online

CAT/ GMAT/ GRE

IIM Indore (EAT)

IIM Shillong

PGPWE

CAT (≥50 percentile) or GMAT (≥500 score)

Working Executive

Management

Aptitude Test

(WEMAT)

IIM Lucknow

Blended MBA for Working Professionals (bMBA)

CAT/ GMAT/ GMAT Focus/ GRE (valid scores within last 5 years)

-

IIM Kashipur

Executive MBA (Blended/Online Mode)

CAT/GMAT/EMAT

Executive Management Aptitude Test (EMAT)

IIM Visakhapatnam

Executive MBA (Online)

CAT/GRE/GMAT

Executive Management Aptitude Test (EMAT)

IIM MBA Online: Additional Requirement

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.

Important Note for Students

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 AspectDetails

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

Verify course validity on the official UGC website.

Alternative Entry

Some IIMs allow internal aptitude tests for professionals.


Resource Links:

IIM Online MBA: Student Guidelines and Eligibility Criteria

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.

IIMKey Highlights / Eligibility Guidelines

IIM Mumbai

Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwD) and minimum 3 years of work experience. Valid CAT/GMAT/GRE score or IMAT required.

IIM Ahmedabad

Working professionals with a bachelor’s degree (minimum 50%) and at least 3 years of full-time experience. A CAT score is mandatory for most candidates.

IIM Amritsar

Bachelor’s degree with a consistent academic record and 3 years of managerial/entrepreneurial experience. Accepts multiple exam options.

IIM Raipur

Minimum 60% (General/EWS/OBC) or 50% (SC) marks in graduation; 3+ years of work experience required.

IIM Indore

Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks or equivalent; valid CAT/GMAT; strong professional record.

IIM Kozhikode

Bachelor’s degree (min. 50%) with 3 years of managerial or professional experience.

IIM Shillong

Bachelor’s degree and professional experience required; accepts lower CAT/GMAT percentile for working executives.

IIM Lucknow

Bachelor’s degree (50%) and minimum 3 years of full-time work experience.

IIM Kashipur

Bachelor’s degree (50% for General category) and at least 3 years of managerial or professional experience post-graduation.

IIM Visakhapatnam

Bachelor’s degree with 50% (45% for reserved categories) and professional work experience required.


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)

Q: What are the requirements for IIM online MBA?
A:

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.

Q: Which entrance exam is required for an online MBA?
A:

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.

Q: Is the CAT exam compulsory for online MBA?
A:

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.

Q: Can I do MBA in IIM without CAT?
A:

Yes, several IIMs allow admissions through GMAT, GRE, or institute-level tests, making it possible to pursue an MBA without a CAT score.

Q: Which IIM is best for online MBA?
A:

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.

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