MBA or Master of Business Administration is a 2-year postgraduate degree program that equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in managing a business and develops expertise in fields like, finance, marketing, human resources, operations and strategy, and equips graduates to work as business leaders in different fields.
In India, MBA admission in the top MBA colleges in India typically commences with the applicants appearing at national-level, state-level or university-level entrance tests such as CAT, XAT, MAT, JEMAT, SNAP, and others. Once the results of the entrance exam are announced, colleges select the applicants on the basis of their scores in the exam and academic profiles, after which several more stages, including group discussions, written ability tests, and personally conducted interviews, are typically used. The last choice is based on overall performance by the candidate during these rounds, and other factors.
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MBA Admission: Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for pursuing MBA course are as follows:
- Passed a bachelor’s degree in any stream with 50% marks from a recognised board.
- Qualified in national, state or university-level entrance examinations.
- Few institutions may conduct personal interviews or group discussions to grant admission.
MBA Admission: Entrance Exams 2025
To pursue an MBA course in any discipline, applicants are required to qualify in certain entrance examinations. These examinations are conducted at national level, state level or university level, which play a key role in granting admission to reputed MBA institutions in India. These entrance examinations evaluate the basic aptitude and knowledge of the students, whether they are capable of completing the course and getting a job or not. The most famous entrance exams for pursuing MBA in India are given below:
National-Level Entrance Exams for MBA
Some of the top national-level entrance exams for pursuing an MBA in India from top MBA colleges are given below:
Check the eligibility criteria of the CAT exams
State-Level Entrance Exams for MBA
Some of the state-level entrance exams for pursuing an MBA from some of the best MBA colleges in India are given below:
University-Level Entrance Exams for MBA
Few of the university-level entrance exams for pursuing an MBA from top MBA colleges in India in different states of India are given below:
If you are confused about which specialization to opt for MBA, check the MBA Marketing Management
MBA Admission Process 2025
The admission process for MBA courses is similar in all the colleges or universities offering the course. For reference, the admission process at IIM Ahmedabad has been given below:
Step 1: The first step is to register and take the Common Admission Test (CAT), which is the entrance exam that Indian candidates must take when enrolling in an MBA at IIM Ahmedabad. A validated GMAT score replaces CAT in cases of international or overseas Indian candidates.
Step 2: IIM Ahmedabad will shortlist candidates with reference to CAT scores, including overall and subject-wise percentiles announced after CAT result declaration. Academic records at Class 10, Class 12 and graduation are also considered in the shortlisting process which also considers work experience and diversity as part of profiles.
Step 3: Short listed candidates are further invited to take Analytical Writing Test (AWT) and Personal Interview (PI) sessions. The AWT measures how the candidate can examine problems and formulate rational arguments, the PI evaluates communication styles, the definition of long-term career goals, the personality, and general fit to the program.
Step 4: IIM Ahmedabad produces a final merit list based on a composite score after these assessments. The CAT performance, the AWT and PI scores, academic records, work experience (where relevant) and diversity factors are used to arrive at this score as per institute guidelines.
Step 5: Admitted students are required to accept the offer of admission by meeting all necessary formalities, such as verification of documents and payment of fees, within the deadline.
Step 6: Once the admission is confirmed and the necessary formalities have been completed, the candidates are expected to attend the induction program organized by IIM Ahmedabad. After being inducted, students would formally enroll in their two-year full-time MBA program.
FAQs
Is an entrance exam before MBA admission compulsory?
Yes, admission to full-time and executive MBA programs in most leading business schools in India requires an entrance exam. Before applying candidates should inquire the exams accepted by their desired institutions
Do MBA students in India receive scholarships?
Yes, there are numerous institutions with merit-based as well as need-based scholarships. MBA students also have access to government, bank and corporate and institution-sponsored scholarships.
Which documents do I need to submit when applying to MBA?
Candidates usually require academic transcripts, entrance exam score sheets (like CAT or GMAT), resume, recommendation letters, statement of purpose/essays, work-experience certificate (where necessary), and identity proof. A few institutes may also demand category certificates in reserved categories.
Is it possible to submit applications to two or more MBA schools simultaneously?
Applicants can usually apply for admission to more than one MBA college at a time. Colleges will have their own application form and procedure and therefore it is important to note the deadlines and the requirements of each college.
Do I need work experience to apply to an MBA?
Most two-year MBA programs in India do not require work experience but can add to your profile. Some executive or one-year MBA programs may demand a minimum years of work experience.
