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

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

Ongoing Event

CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 20 Sep' 25

Team Careers360Updated 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.

LiveCAT 2025 Registration LIVE: IIM Kozhikode extends registration till September 20; MBA admission criteriaSep 13, 2025 | 9:43 PM IST

Candidates applying for CAT 2025 should keep their documents, including Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, a valid photo ID, graduation certificate, work experience proof (if applicable), and any other relevant papers, ready as these will be required during the registration process.

Read More

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.

Great Lakes - PGDM & PGPM Admissions 2026

Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024

IBSAT 2025-ICFAI Business School MBA/PGPM 2026

IBSAT 2025-Your gateway to MBA/PGPM @ IBS Hyderabad and 8 other IBS campuses | Scholarships worth 10 CR

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.
CAT 2025: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages
Comprehensive CAT prep guide with focused practice on Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
Download Now

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: 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 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: 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.

Articles
|
Certifications By Top Providers
Online MBA Business Analytics
Via Centre for Distance and Online Education, Anna University, Chennai
Corporate Law
Via National Law University, New Delhi
The Science and Business of Biotechnology
Via Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
Online MBA
Via Centre for Distance and Online Education, Anna University, Chennai
Management of Commercial Banking
Via Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Strategic Management
Via Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
Udemy
 703 courses
Edx
 467 courses
Swayam
 236 courses
Emeritus
 231 courses
Explore Top Universities Across Globe
University of Essex, Colchester
Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
Oxford Brookes University, Oxford
Headington Campus Oxford OX3 0BP UK
Northumbria University, Newcastle City Campus
Sutherland Building, Northumberland Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff
Llandaff Campus, Western Avenue, Cardiff, CF5 2YB
University of Reading, Reading
Whiteknights PO Box 217 Reading Berkshire RG6 6AH
Bristol Baptist College, Bristol
The Promenade, Clifton Down, Bristol BS8 3NJ

Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

Hello Aspirant,

Since your payment status shows "S" , it means your payment is successful. The "payment unsuccessful" message on the form is likely a temporary system error or a delay in updating.

Do not make another payment.

Making a second payment could cause a double debit, which is difficult to get a refund for. You should:

  1. Wait 24-48 hours for the status to update automatically.

  2. Download and save a copy of your form and a screenshot of the "S" payment status as proof.

  3. Check your bank statement to confirm the money has been debited.

  4. If the issue is not fixed after 48 hours, contact the official CAT helpdesk immediately with your transaction details.

Hello

The CAT 2025 exam is a national-level MBA entrance test for IIMs and top B-schools in India. It will be held on 30th November 2025 in computer-based mode across ~170 cities.
The registration is open from 1st August to 13th September 2025 on iimcat.ac.in .
Admit cards will be available from 5th November 2025 onward.
Graduates with at least 50 marks (45 for SC/ST/PwD) are eligible to apply.
The exam tests English, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude in three timed sections.

Yes, you can pursue an MBA at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, through the CAT exam.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.

  • Entrance Exam: A valid CAT score is required for admission.

Admission Process:

  1. Application: Register online through the BBAU admission portal.

  2. Entrance Exam: Appear for the CAT exam and obtain a valid score.

  3. Counseling: Shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling based on their CAT scores.

  4. Document Verification: Submit necessary documents for verification.

  5. Fee Payment: Complete the fee payment to confirm admission.

Course Details:

  • Duration: 2 years (full-time).

  • Specializations: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, among others.

Placement Opportunities:
BBAU has a strong placement record, with top companies recruiting MBA graduates.

For more details and to apply, visit the  official BBAU MBA admission page

Hello Amgothu

With 305 marks in ICAR PG and being from ST category, your chances of getting an AIEEA (CAT) seat is good, especially in plant sciences and less competitive subjects