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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Greetings! Here's a detailed response to your query:-
Determination of the best time to start the journey of CAT examination is based on individual factors like your current skill level, knowledge ,potential, learning pace and availability. To give yourself the best chance of success on the CAT exam , which usually takes place in November, it's advisable to begin studying between January and March of that same year. This 8 to 12-month preparation window is widely recommended by experts. But if you're managing your college along with the CAT preparations make sure you start from 2nd year onwards. It will hep you manage stress and you'll have ample amount of time to get along with the syllabus , pattern and various practice and mocks .
You'll be able to build a strong foundation in each sections and be able to know your strengths and weaknesses in different topics. The CAT syllabus is extensive, and early preparation allows for thorough coverage. Assess your learning speed and adjust your preparation timeline accordingly.
Essentially, while the ideal start time is subjective, beginning your CAT preparation well in advance is generally considered the most effective strategy for achieving optimal results.
The CUSAT CAT previous year question papers are available on the Careers360 website. You can find question papers from 2012 to 2023, which can be downloaded in PDF format HERE
Additionally, the official website of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) also provides previous year question papers. To access them, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the CUSAT official website - admissions.cusat.ac.in.
- Click on the resources tab from the homepage.
- Select the previous year's question papers from the drop-down menu.
- Select the Common Admission Test (CAT) question papers link.
- Now click on the B.Tech course.
By practicing with these previous year question papers, you can get familiar with the exam pattern, identify important topics, and improve your time management skills.
Hey Shathvika, that's a great question! So, you're wondering about MBA entrance exams besides the CAT , right? Absolutely, there are quite a few others you can consider in India. Here's a rundown: Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) : XLRI Jamshedpur runs this one, and over 150 B-schools across India accept it. You'll usually find it in January. What's cool about the XAT is that it often includes sections on Decision Making and sometimes even an Essay Writing part. Management Aptitude Test (MAT) : This is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA). A lot of schools – over 600 in India – take MAT scores. The best part? You can take it four times a year: February, May, September, and December. Plus, you can choose between Paper-Based (PBT), Computer-Based (CBT), and even Internet-Based (IBT) options. Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) : If you're eyeing a Symbiosis institute for your MBA, this is the one. Symbiosis International (Deemed University) conducts it, and it's usually in December. SNAP's also known for having a somewhat unique way of scoring. Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) : The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the CMAT. AICTE-approved institutions all over India will accept it. This one's also typically held in January. It checks you on things like quantitative skills, logical thinking, how well you understand language, and your general knowledge. NMAT by GMAC : The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is behind this exam. NMIMS and quite a few other management schools accept it. What’s interesting is that you have a 75-day window, usually from October to December, to take it. And, you can even retake it up to three times if you want to improve your score! Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Exam : NTA also conducts this one. If you are keen on IIFT Delhi and Kolkata, this is your ticket. Expect to take it in December. This exam puts a little more weight on questions about international business and trade. MICA Admission Test (MICAT) : MICA Ahmedabad uses this for its PGDM-C program. They hold it twice a year, generally in December and January. MICAT looks at how creative you are, how well you write, and your general abilities. Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) : GMAC runs the GMAT as well. Many B-schools in India, and even more worldwide, accept GMAT scores. You can take it pretty much any time of the year. People often go for the GMAT if they're thinking about executive MBA programs or schools with a focus on international business. Lovely Professional University National Entrance and Scholarship Test (LPUNEST) : LPU conducts it for admissions into its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It's held multiple times throughout the year. It also works as a scholarship test, so doing well can get you some financial aid. So, there you have it! Each of these exams has its own quirks when it comes to structure, who can take it, and the scores you need. It’s worth digging into each one a bit to see which one fits best with what you've studied and where you want to take your career. Good luck!
Hello Ayush,
K.R. Mangalam University utilizes a blend of MCQs, descriptive formats, and practical assessments to evaluate student performance. The continuous evaluation system ensures that students are assessed regularly throughout the semester, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of their academic progress.
Hello,
Here are some simple tips to prepare for the CUSAT CAT exam:
1. Focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Maths (PCM).
2. Give equal time to all subjects.
3. Use NCERT Books as they are best for basics.
You can refer to following study materials for better practice :-
Hope it helps !
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