BIMTECH PGDM Admissions 2026
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How to get into an MBA with a low GPA? It is probably the most encountered question among MBA aspirants. With the soaring CAT cutoff rising every year, the already existing competition for top B Schools is already much more intensified. On top of that candidates with low overall GPAs can find it difficult to decide about how to proceed with their MBA journey. However, there are still ways for MBA aspirants to get into MBA admission at B schools. This article contains methods following which candidates with low GPA can make sure they get into top management colleges across the country.
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GPA might not be the most important metric for getting into an MBA. But it still is important as justified in the eligibility criteria for the MBA programs. The candidates will still need at least 50% or equivalent GPA for top B Schools like IIMs, XLRI, NMIMS, etc (45% or equivalent GPA for reserved category candidates). For other MBA colleges, a lower GPA might also be sufficient for admission.
Candidates can select the MBA college as per their preference. However, certain factors should be considered like programs offered, batch size, MBA admission process, eligibility, MBA entrance exam scores accepted, etc. The list of best MBA colleges with low GPA in India along with the fees is given in the table below.
Best MBA Colleges with low GPA in India | MBA Fee* |
| Rs. 21 lakhs | |
| Rs. 14 lakhs | |
| Rs. 21 lakhs | |
| Rs. 14 lakhs to Rs. 28 lakhs | |
| Rs. 14 lakhs | |
| Rs. 21 lakhs | |
| Rs. 15 lakhs | |
| Rs. 16.67 lakhs | |
| Rs. 15 lakhs to Rs. 24.20 lakhs | |
| Rs. 16.10 lakhs | |
| Rs. 8.26 lakhs | |
| Rs. 22.32 lakhs | |
| Rs. 17.34 lakhs | |
| Rs. 21.85 lakhs | |
| Rs. 14 lakhs | |
| Rs. 8.25 lakhs |
*The above MBA course fees are tentative. Check out the official website of institutes for the actual fee structure.
Candidates can still make it to the top MBA colleges across the country despite having a lower GPA. Candidates can use the tips given below to get into an MBA with a low GPA.
Candidates can also choose to go for a few alternatives to a conventional MBA. Some of these programs have a low to almost no emphasis on the GPA of candidates. Programs like CA, CFA, and FRM can be great MBA alternatives to go for candidates with a low GPA. There are also specialized master’s programs with specializations just like regular MBA programs. In addition to these professional certifications like CM (Certified Manager), PMP (Project Management Professional), and CFP (Certified Financial Planner) can also be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As per sources, minimum GPA for MBA in India is 50%.
To overcome a low GPA or pursue an MBA follow the following steps.
No, IIMs do not have any management quota, unlike some private institutions. Admission to IIMs only happens through the Common Aptitude Test (CAT) examination.
Getting into IIM with bad academics is possible. Candidates with low academic scores can make it up by scoring exceptionally well in the CAT exam. A great candidate profile is what an IIM demands. Candidates with low academic performance should focus on building a great individual profile.
Academics might not play a very important role if a candidate focuses enough on other important aspects like entrance exam scores, personal achievements, etc. Even with poor academic performance candidates can still get into MBA at good management colleges.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
Here are some top colleges accepting XAT and CAT exams :
Top colleges accepting CAT:
IIMs (All Indian Institutes of Management)
FMS Delhi
SPJIMR Mumbai
MDI Gurgaon
IIT Bombay (SJMSOM)
IIT Delhi (DMS)
IIFT
IMT Ghaziabad
JBIMS Mumbai
Top colleges accepting XAT:
XLRI Jamshedpur
XIMB Bhubaneswar
IMT Ghaziabad
Great
Hi there,
A female candidate with a CAT percentile of 67.97 and low sectional scores should target private and tier-2/3 B-schools that accept overall CAT scores in the 60–70 percentile range and have flexible sectional criteria.
Some suitable options include AIMS Institute Bangalore, Doon Business School Dehradun, Christ Institute of
Hi there,
Yes, you are eligible for XISS Ranchi with a CAT percentile of 67.60.
According to recent admission trends, the CAT cutoff for the PGDM in Human Resource Management for the general category has been around 60 percentile. For other programs such as Marketing, Finance, and Rural Management, the
Hi there,
Careers360 offers a wide range of eBooks and study materials to assist with CAT preparation. You can access past CAT question papers with solutions to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level. Additionally, there are quantitative aptitude handbooks, cheat sheets, and section-specific practice sets for arithmetic, algebra, and
Hi there,
The minimum eligibility criteria for a general candidate to receive a call from IIM Sambalpur are as follows:
VARC: 65%ile
QUANTS: 65%ile
LRDI: 65%ile
Overall: 90%tile
Keep practising and aim to improve your score. You can also focus on other management exams where you may secure a strong
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