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Top B-schools in India accept GMAT scores to admit Indian students to their premier MBA/BGP program. Some of these are 2-year MBA/PGDM programs, while others are 1-year programs. Notable exceptions to the list of top business schools in India that accept GMAT scores for new Indian students are IIMs, SoM, IITs, and XLRI. IIMs and IITs also accept CAT scores to admit Indian students to their 2-year MBA/PGP program. The GMAT accepting colleges in India cutoff ranges from 500 to 720. Read this article to know more about the list of top MBA colleges in India accepting GMAT exam focus edition India scores, and their cutoffs.
There are over 200 programs in over 140 top MBA colleges in India that accept GMAT scores. GMAT accepting B-schools in India generally attract candidates with work experience, thus defining their target candidate as more than the average CAT candidate.
Some B-schools admit Indian students with no work experience to their flagship PGP/MBA programs. Below is a list of GMAT accepting colleges in India with cut off according to the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) ranking.
Following is the list of top Indian B-schools which accept the GMAT scores.
GMAT Colleges | Average GMAT Cutoff | Programmes |
720 | MBA-PGPX | |
720 | EPGP | |
720+ | Executive MBA | |
710+ | MBA for Working Executives | |
700+ |
| |
700+ | Executive MBA | |
680+ |
| |
680+ | Executive MBA | |
680+ | PhD program in Management | |
650+ | Doctoral Program in Management (DPM) |
Here are the GMAT cutoffs for the top 10 MBA colleges
GMAT Colleges | Cutoff | Programmes |
630-720 | Business and General Management Programs | |
660 | Executive MBA | |
700 | MBA | |
500 | MBA and PGP Management | |
630 | MBA | |
80% (Verbal & Quant) | Business programs | |
550 |
| |
650 | Postgraduate Program of Management (PGPM) | |
650 | MBA | |
600-65 | Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) |
Most of the MBA colleges that admit freshers through the GMAT route also admit students with work experience. For those with work experience, especially Indian students with more than 5 years of experience, the list of business schools in India that accept GMAT scores expands to include the following top B schools in India.
No work experience is required for an MBA in top Bschools in India with a GMAT. More than a dozen Indian MBA colleges accept GMAT scores to admit freshmen to their flagship MBA/PGP programs.
If you are an international applicant or an Indian studying or working abroad and want to apply for the IIM Ahmedabad 2-year MBA-PGPX program in India, you can submit your GMAT score.
There are over 200 programs in over 140 top MBA colleges in India that accept GMAT scores, such as IIMs, SoM, IITs, and XLRI.
GMAT scores are valid for up to five years after the test date but can be reported as a score attempt for up to ten years to any institution.
FMS accepts GMAT only from a foreign national, and they must have a minimum score of 650; for Indian nationals, CAT is mandatory.
Yes. The SP Jain accepts both GMAT and CAT scores. However, candidates should score within the range of 650-700.
Although Symbiosis primarily relies on SNAP for MBA admissions, it also accepts GMAT scores for non-resident Indians (NRIs).
XLRI is India's leading management institute that accepts GMAT scores for MBA admission. Also, it accepts XAT exam.
Check out some of the top B-schools in India accept GMAT.
Top B-schools generally have GMAT cutoff in the range to 650 to 740. If a candidate able to secure that much marks in GMAT can pursue MBA from good bschool.
Yes, many B-schools in India offer MBA admission based on GMAT scores including ISB and IIMs, particularly for international applicants and those unable to take the Common Admission Test (CAT).
While work experience is beneficial for MBA admission, however, it is not mandatory for GMAT based on MBA programs in India, especially for traditional MBA programs. Certain B-schools have MBA programs designed for fresh graduates.
Hello Divya,
Yes, candidates with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT provided that the degree is from a recognized (UGC approved in India or accredited abroad) institution. The leading B-schools in both India and abroad do not look down upon online degrees as long as the degree is from a recognized body, they will mostly be looking at your test scores, academic performance, work experience, and profile holistically. What matters is the legitimacy of the institution and how you showcase your abilities, not whether your degree was obtained online or in-person.
Yes, someone with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT, provided the degree is from a UGC recognized university. Top B-schools in India (like IIMs) and abroad generally accept online degrees if they are valid, and you won’t be marked down just because it’s online. What matters more is your entrance exam score, academic record, work experience, and overall profile.
Hii,
No, not all MBA programs require these tests. These are merely entrance exams that are accepted by a lot of universities. Depending on the college you wish to attend, you can take any of them (such as MAH CET, MAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT, or ATMA).
Additionally, some universities have entrance exams of their own. Therefore, for the majority of MBA admissions, you only need to take one appropriate exam. To find out which tests the college accepts, always visit their website.
No, IIMs or Indian Institutes of Management and IITs or Indian Institutes of Technology generally do not accept GMAT scores for admission to their flagship two-year MBA programs for fresh graduates with Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees. IIMs primarily consider the Common Admission Test (CAT) for admission to their flagship MBA programs. IITs also primarily consider the CAT for admission to their management programs.
However some IIMs in India do accept GMAT scores for admission to their flagship MBA programs, primarily for the foreign students.
All the very best
That’s a great question and shows you’re thinking carefully about your future. It's important to consider both options carefully, especially with your background. When considering whether to pursue an MBA abroad or in India, especially with poor academics and no work experience, the decision requires careful evaluation of your goals, financial situation, and career aspirations.
When comparing an MBA in India versus one abroad, there's no definitive winner—it ultimately depends on a student’s aspirations and willingness to invest financially for potentially greater returns. Each option offers its own distinct benefits, which can be better understood through a detailed discussion. Both options have their merits and challenges. Let’s break it down to help you make an informed decision.
An MBA (Master of Business Administration) equips students with:
Leadership and management skills: To lead teams and organizations effectively.
Strategic thinking abilities : To solve complex business problems.
Career advancement opportunities : To secure roles in management, consulting, or entrepreneurship.
Networking: To build connections with industry professionals and peers.
The value of an MBA depends heavily on the program's quality, your goals, and the level of effort you put into leveraging its benefits.
Pros:
Global Exposure: Study in a multicultural environment and gain insights into international markets.
Top-Quality Education: Renowned universities provide cutting-edge curriculum and resources.
Networking Opportunities: Build a global professional network.
Higher Earning Potential: Graduates from top programs often secure higher salaries, particularly in developed economies.
Prestige: Degrees from institutions like Harvard, INSEAD, or Wharton carry global recognition and respect.
Cons:
High Cost: Tuition fees and living expenses are substantial. Scholarships are competitive.
Work Visa Challenges: Securing post-MBA work permits can be difficult in some countries.
Work Experience Requirement: Most top MBA programs abroad require 2-5 years of professional experience.
Risk: Without a strong profile, you may not gain admission to top schools, reducing the ROI (return on investment).
Who Is It For?
Those aiming for international roles or exposure to global markets.
Students with a clear plan for their post-MBA career .
Cost-Effective: Tuition fees and living costs are significantly lower than in most foreign programs.
Reputed Institutions: Top Indian MBA programs (e.g., IIMs, ISB, XLRI) are highly regarded, especially for roles in Indian and Asian markets.
Local Relevance: Focus on Indian business contexts and networks.
Shorter Duration: Many MBA programs in India are completed in 1-2 years.
Flexible Entry: Some private universities and tier-2 colleges accept candidates with weaker academics or no work experience.
Cons:
Less Global Exposure: International experience and networks may be limited.
High Competition: Admission to top-tier institutes like IIMs is extremely competitive and requires strong CAT/GMAT scores.
Brand Value: While prestigious in India, Indian MBA degrees may lack global recognition compared to programs abroad.
Who Is It For?
Candidates targeting the Indian job market or local companies.
Students looking for a cost-effective education with high-quality outcomes.
Fresh graduates or those who prefer programs without stringent entry requirements.
Since you mentioned having poor academics and no work experience, both options have specific challenges:
MBA Abroad Challenges :
Admission Requirements: Most top-tier schools abroad require a strong academic record and work experience. Without these, securing admission to a reputed institution can be difficult.
Cost and ROI: The financial investment is high. Without admission to a top program or a clear plan for career advancement, it may not provide a good return.
Limited Opportunities in Top Programs: Schools like IIMs and ISB value academic consistency and work experience.
Lower Exposure: Compared to studying abroad, Indian MBAs may not offer the same level of global exposure.
Conclusion: Based on your current situation, a good approach may be to gain some work experience, improve your academic profile, and then decide whether to pursue an MBA in India or abroad.
Focus on Skills: Irrespective of the choice, focus on acquiring key skills such as leadership, communication, and analytical thinking, which are crucial for a successful career in business.
An MBA is a significant investment in your future, and careful consideration of these factors will help you make an informed decision.
Feel free to reach out if you need further guidance or have more questions!
A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services.
A Business Development Executive identifies and pursues new business opportunities to drive company growth. They generate leads, build client relationships, develop sales strategies, and analyse market trends. Collaborating with internal teams, they aim to meet sales targets. With experience, they can advance to managerial roles, playing a key role in expanding the company’s market presence and revenue.
Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.
A Sales Manager leads a sales team to meet targets, formulates strategies, analyses performance, and monitors market trends. They typically hold a degree in management or related fields, with an MBA offering added value. The role often demands over 40 hours a week. Strong leadership, planning, and analytical skills are essential for success in this career.
A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable.
A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns.
Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes.
In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
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