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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
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
Hi there,
With a B.tech in industrial engineering from IIT Roorkee and a CAT 2025 score of 98.89 percentile and strong sectionals your profile is solid for top B-schools. For the top IIMs like Ahmedabad and Bangalore, calls for engineers usually go to candidates with near perfect percentiles. Your score
Hello,
The IIT Guwahati cutoff for SC and EWS categories depends on the branch, year, and JoSAA counselling round, but you can get a general idea from recent trends.
For the SC category, closing ranks usually range from 4,000 to 9,000 for popular branches like CSE, ECE, and Mechanical, while
with this percentile, you can get into tier 2 or tier 3 college, the list of the few notable college is given below-
1) FLAME university, Pune
2) AIMS institute, Bangalore
3) Doon business school, Dehradun
4) Christ university, Bangalore
5) NIT Trichy
6) KIIT school of management, Bhuvneshwar
A CAT percentile of 99.64 is an excellent score and definitely places you in a strong position for top IIM calls, including IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta. However, admission to these institutes is not based on CAT score alone. Each of these IIMs follows a holistic selection process
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