How to Get Into An MBA With Low GPA in India?

How to Get Into An MBA With Low GPA in India?

Updated on 28 May 2025, 12:16 PM IST

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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This Story also Contains

  1. How to get into an MBA with a low GPA
  2. Best MBA Colleges with low GPA in India
  3. Tips to get into an MBA with a low GPA
How to Get Into An MBA With Low GPA in India?
How to Get Into An MBA With Low GPA in India?

How to get into an MBA with a low GPA

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.

Best MBA Colleges with low GPA in India

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.

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Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025

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Ranked among top 10 B-Schools in India by multiple publications | Top Recruiters-Google, MicKinsey, Amazon, BCG & many more.

Best MBA Colleges with low GPA in India

MBA Fee*

IMT Ghaziabad

Rs. 21 lakhs

Great Lakes Institute of Management Chennai

Rs. 14 lakhs

SPJIMR

Rs. 21 lakhs

XLRI

Rs. 14 lakhs to Rs. 28 lakhs

BIMTECH

Rs. 14 lakhs

NMIMS

Rs. 21 lakhs

Alliance University

Rs. 15 lakhs

LBSIM

Rs. 16.67 lakhs

SIBM

Rs. 15 lakhs to Rs. 24.20 lakhs

IRMA

Rs. 16.10 lakhs

ABS Noida

Rs. 8.26 lakhs

KJSIM

Rs. 22.32 lakhs

TAPMI

Rs. 17.34 lakhs

IMI Delhi

Rs. 21.85 lakhs

Welingkar Mumbai

Rs. 14 lakhs

RIMS Bangalore

Rs. 8.25 lakhs

*The above MBA course fees are tentative. Check out the official website of institutes for the actual fee structure.

Tips to get into an MBA with a low GPA

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.

  1. Excel in Entrance Exams: Scoring extraordinarily well in the MBA entrance exams can provide an edge to the candidates. The initial shortlisting of candidates happens based on their scores in the accepted entrance exams.
  2. Highlight Personal Achievements: Focus on other aspects of your application where you can shine. Strong professional experience, leadership roles, and accomplishments can help offset a low GPA.
  3. Craft a compelling statement of purpose: Use a personal statement to explain any extenuating circumstances that might be the reason for the low GPA. Emphasize what you have learned from the experience and how you’ve grown. Make sure to also highlight your career goals and why pursuing an MBA is important for achieving them.
  4. Gain Relevant experience: Work on projects, take on leadership roles and gain experience in areas relevant to your desired MBA focus. This experience can strengthen your application by showing your ability to contribute to and benefit from an MBA program.
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Alternatives 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)

Q: Can we buy a seat in IIM?
A:

No, IIMs do not have any management quota, unlike some private institutions. Admission to IIMs only happens through the Common Aptitude Test (CAT) examination.

Q: Can I get into IIM with bad academics?
A:

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.

Q: What is the minimum GPA for MBA India?
A:

As per sources, minimum GPA for MBA in India is 50%.

Q: How can I overcome my low GPA for an MBA?
A:

To overcome a low GPA or pursue an MBA follow the following steps.

  • Excel in MBA entrance exams.
  • Highlight Personal Achievements.
  • Craft a compelling statement of purpose.
  • Gain relevant experience.
Q: Can I do an MBA with poor academics?
A:

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.

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

Hello,

For a raw score of 56 in CAT 2025 Slot 3, your expected overall percentile is likely to be in the range of the 90th-95th percentile. The exact percentile can vary slightly on the final normalization process and the process and performance of all test-takers. In this article you'll find more about the CAT result.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello,
With a projected CAT percentile of 87% but not clearing sectional cutoffs, your chances at top IIMs are limited because they require both overall percentile and sectional minimums. However, you still have a good shot at other reputed management institutes and non-IIM B-schools. Consider colleges like NMIMS, SPJIMR, IMT, TAPMI, Great Lakes, and other well-ranked private or state-level B-schools that accept CAT scores and weigh your profile holistically. Your academic record, BSc in Animation with 80%, and 5 years of work experience at Ubisoft India are strong points and may help in institutes that value work experience in their selection process. Also, explore institutes that accept XAT, MAT, or CMAT, where your profile can be competitive.
Hope this helps you.

Good Morning,

NIT Rourkela CAT cutoff range is between 70-85 percentiles for the general category. 70 is the minimum percentile needed to apply, and 85 is the highest percentile. However, the maximum percentile depends on the particular year competition. It can be changed.

Thank You.

If you filled the UGC NET form under EWS but you don’t have a valid EWS certificate, then forget using the EWS category. They won’t accept it. You’ll automatically be treated as General category during document verification.


And no, this won’t make your form “invalid” or “illegal.” It just means you won’t get the EWS benefit.


So yes — you can still go for General category posts and Professor recruitment. Just don’t try to submit a fake/invalid certificate; that will get you disqualified.

Hello,
If your CAT admit card shows your surname first followed by your first name as entered in the form, it is correct. You do not need to worry about this format as long as it matches the details you provided. Ensure all other information on the admit card is accurate and carry it to the exam along with the required identification documents.
Hope this helps you.