Top 10 GMAT Accepting Colleges in India

Recognized worldwide, this exam opens doors to prestigious business schools across 110 countries and nearly 2300 colleges, shaping futures with endless opportunities. Beyond academia, GMAT accepting colleges in India scores hold sway in international recruitment, reflecting candidates' aptitude and competence.

In India, the GMAT's prominence is evident, with around fifty colleges now accepting scores for management programs. This trend highlights the exam's growing appeal and the demand for a global perspective in education. In contrast, the CAT is confined to Indian business schools, underscoring the GMAT's advantage in accessing diverse educational avenues.

Top 10 GMAT Accepting Colleges in India

With the growing number of Indian students opting for the GMAT exam, students have a wide array of options. The following is a comprehensive list of Indian business schools that accept the GMAT. while searching in India, you can look at GMAT Accepting Colleges Abroad with this.

Top 10 GMAT-accepting public business schools in India

1. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad

• Located in Gujarat, IIM Ahmedabad stands as a beacon of management education excellence in India and globally. It ranks first among management schools in India in the 2023 IIRF Ranking.
• The MBA cohort typically comprises professionals with 1 to 2 years of work experience across diverse sectors such as IT, finance, and consulting.
• Graduates from IIM Ahmedabad often secure coveted positions in top companies like Boston Consulting Group (BCG), KPMG, and Goldman Sachs.
• GMAT scores from Indian candidates are accepted for its full-time Postgraduate Program in Management for Executives.

2.  Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore

• Situated in the southern part of India, IIM Bangalore boasts a diverse MBA class of 480 students and ranks 3rd in India and 52nd globally in the Financial Times 2023 Global MBA rankings.
• Students typically have 13-24 months of work experience, primarily coming from an engineering background.
• The institute accepts GMAT scores for its Executive Postgraduate Program in Management, catering to experienced professionals aiming for an MBA.

3. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta

• Nestled in West Bengal, IIM Calcutta is renowned for its picturesque 135-acre campus and robust academic programs.
• With a student body of 552, the institute offers a wide range of graduate, doctoral, and executive programs, with the MBA (or PGPM) being the most sought-after.
• GMAT scores are accepted for its various executive programs, catering to mid- to senior-level professionals seeking managerial education.

4. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow

• Located in north-east India, IIM Lucknow offers the Postgraduate Diploma in Management, attracting students with diverse work experiences ranging from 0 to 48 months.
• The institute offers a two-year MBA for working executives and an International Program in Management for Executives, both of which accept GMAT scores.

5. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode

• Positioned on the south-west coast, IIM Kozhikode is esteemed for its gender-diverse cohort and 100% placement rate.
• GMAT scores are accepted for its MBA programs in Business Leadership and Finance, accommodating international applicants and Indian candidates unable to take the CAT exam.

6.Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore

• Situated in northern India, IIM Indore holds the distinction of being the second IIM in the nation to receive triple crown accreditation.
• GMAT scores are accepted for its Executive MBA program and Doctoral Programs in Management, catering to a wide range of candidates including NRIs, PIOs, and Indian candidates residing outside India.

7. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Udaipur

• Located in Rajasthan, IIM Udaipur offers specialized MBA programs in Digital Enterprise Management and Global Supply Chain Management, both accepting GMAT scores.
• Applicants must have a bachelor's degree/equivalent qualification and a minimum of 36 months of full-time work experience post-graduation.

8. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Tiruchirappalli

• IIM Tiruchirappalli accepts GMAT scores for its Executive MBA program, offering a diverse range of electives alongside core courses.
• Candidates with a valid GMAT or CAT score are exempt from the written test but must fulfill other application requirements.

9. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur

• IIM Raipur offers a Ph.D. program accepting GMAT scores, with specializations in areas like Strategic Management, Finance, Marketing, and Operations Management.
• GMAT scores from the past two years are considered valid for admission.

10. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak

• Situated in the National Capital Region, IIM Rohtak offers the Doctoral Program in Management (DPM) accepting GMAT scores for entry.
• The full-time residential program spans four years, emphasizing academic excellence and research prowess.

Top 10 private business schools in India accepting GMAT

1. Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur

• XLRI, known for its excellence in management education, accepts GMAT scores for its full-time Business and General Management Programs.
• The Business Management program's 2023-2024 class comprises 232 students with an average of 19 months of work experience.
• It caters to Indian, non-resident Indian, and international candidates with a minimum of five years of work experience.

2. Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon

• MDI Gurgaon, a pioneer in management education, boasts a vast alumni network spanning 45 countries.
• With a 100% placement record, MDI attracts top recruiters, with 87 recruiters in 2022 placing 391 students.
• It offers full-time Executive MBA Programs in Business Management, Public Policy and Management, and Business Administration, and it accepts GMAT scores for Indian candidates.

3. SP Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai

• SPJIMR stands out with its unique program featuring a three-week international immersion program at globally top-ranked business schools.
• The 2021-2023 class saw an average Cost-to-Company (CTC) of INR 33.02 lakh per annum ($40,300), with strong recruitment from FMCG firms like Colgate-Palmolive and Unilever Limited.
• GMAT scores are accepted for applicants with a bachelor’s degree and up to five years of work experience.

4. Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad

• IMT Ghaziabad accepts GMAT scores for its MBA and PGP Management programs, fostering a diverse cohort with representation from 25 states in India.
• The 2021-2023 MBA class witnessed a 13.4% CTC increase, with BFSI and IT/ITES emerging as top recruiting sectors.
  Applicants need to have taken the GMAT within four years of application.

5. TA Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal

• TAPMI Manipal's MBA programs accept GMAT scores and boast a robust alumni network of over 5,000 professionals worldwide.
• Its Young Leader Program (YLP) focuses on leadership development through executive internships at reputed organizations.

6. MICA, Ahmedabad

• Located in the northwest of India, MICA Ahmedabad is one of the top business schools that accepts GMAT scores for its business programs.
• Renowned for strategic marketing and communication, MICA Ahmedabad accepts GMAT scores and offers excellent career opportunities.
• The most recent class enjoyed a 100% placement rate, with top sectors including analytics, BFSI, and consulting.

7. Xavier Institute of Management (XIM), Bhubaneswar

• XIMB has a diverse community of students from a range of backgrounds. The 2023 placement highlights has 356 students receiving placements in desirable sectors such as BFSI, IT, and consulting.
• Key roles offered were product manager, equity and credit analyst, and consultant. Applicants for the MBA or the EMBA can apply with the GMAT.

8. Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai

• Great Lakes Institute's Postgraduate Program in Management and Research attracts students with an average age of 26 and 3.4 years of work experience.
• Placement opportunities include prominent companies like Bank of America and Samsung, with GMAT accepted for entry to the program.

9. International Management Institute (IMI), New Delhi

• IMI New Delhi's business administration class draws candidates largely from engineering and commerce backgrounds.
• Over 100 companies participated in the 2021-2023 final placements, covering banking and e-commerce sectors.
  Applicants can apply with a GMAT score and academic record.

10. FORE School of Management, New Delhi

• FORE School's 2023 class featured 40% female students from diverse backgrounds, with strong representation in marketing, finance, and international business.
• Final placements included 152 recruiting companies, with GMAT scores accepted for application.

GMAT Accepting Colleges in India Score 700+ 

Students’ GMAT scores and general profiles are taken into account when applying to top business schools. A score of 700+ is equivalent to the 88th percentile, which is a pretty decent score that can enable students to apply to top-ranking universities in India and abroad. To get to know about GMAT scores  , you can check GMAT official website.

Here are the top colleges in India that require a GMAT score of 700+ marks:

1. Indian School of Business (ISB) 
2. Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A)
3. Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM-B)
4. Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow (IIM-L)

If you wish to prepare for the exam independently, you can refer to guides, apps and online GMAT forums. You can also use the official GMAT prep resources the GMAC offers or opt for unofficial courses offered by Manhattan Prep, Kaplan, and Magoosh , or you can use GMAT Focus Edition . 

GMAT Accepting Colleges in India Below 700

Firstly, if you score less than 700, you might think about retaking the exam if possible. A good GMAT score will enable you to target top business schools in India and abroad and stay one step ahead than others with lower scores. But if you are unable to sit for the exam again, you can target one of the below-mentioned business schools in India:

1. Indian Institute of Management, Indore (IIM-I)
2. Xavier Labour Relations Institute
3. Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode (IIM-K)
4. Indian Institute of Management, Rohtak
5. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies

These institutions offer excellent academic programs and opportunities for professional growth, even with GMAT scores below 700.

GMAT vs CAT

When embarking on the journey towards an MBA degree, students often find themselves at a crossroads, torn between the GMAT and the CAT exams. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a globally recognized entrance exam accepted by over 2100 universities worldwide. Meanwhile, the Common Admission Test (CAT), administered by Tata Consultancy Services, is a national exam embraced by Indian business schools.

Selecting the right exam hinges largely on one's future aspirations. Several factors differentiate the two tests, necessitating careful consideration:

 1. Validity

CAT: The score obtained in the CAT exam remains valid for only one year. If you wish to apply to business schools using your CAT score, you must do so within one year of taking the exam.

GMAT: In contrast, the score you achieve in the GMAT exam is valid for a significantly longer period of five years from the date you took the test. This extended validity period offers the advantage of flexibility. If you're unsatisfied with your GMAT score or wish to improve it, you can retake the exam at any time within those five years. GMAT Exam Dates can be vary, according to the testing center's availability, regional holidays, and demand from test-takers.

2. Exam pattern

The CAT (Common Admission Test) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are both standardized tests used for admissions into various management programs, but they have different exam patterns.

CAT Exam Pattern

• Sections: CAT typically consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
• Duration: The exam duration is usually around 2 hours or 3 hours, depending on the year.
• Question Types: CAT primarily contains multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and some non-MCQs (also known as TITA or Type In The Answer questions).
• Marking Scheme: Each correct answer typically carries 3 marks, while incorrect answers usually result in negative marking (usually -1 mark for MCQs).
  Difficulty Level: CAT is known for its high difficulty level and is designed to assess candidates' problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude.

GMAT Exam Pattern

• Sections: GMAT consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.
• Duration: The total duration of the GMAT exam is approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes.
• Question Types: GMAT includes various question types such as multiple-choice questions, analysis of arguments, data interpretation, sentence correction, critical reasoning, and reading comprehension.
• Marking Scheme: GMAT does not have a fixed marking scheme. The difficulty of questions encountered by a test-taker affects the final score.
• Adaptive Nature: GMAT is adaptive, meaning the difficulty level of subsequent questions is determined by the test-taker's performance on previous questions. With GMAT pattern can be quite in sections that you might need prepation tips.

3. Exam fees and attempts

CAT (Common Admission Test):  The CAT is conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in July and August. Aspiring candidates are required to pay a registration fee of rupees two thousand. It's imperative for students to stay updated with the registration deadlines and other crucial information released by the IIMs.

The CAT exam is held once a year, and it serves as a key entrance exam for various management programs offered by prestigious institutions in India.

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) :Unlike CAT, the GMAT offers more flexibility in terms of exam scheduling. Candidates can register for the GMAT online by creating an account on the official GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) website.

The registration fee for the GMAT is $250. This internationally recognized exam is widely accepted by business schools worldwide and is a popular choice for candidates aiming to pursue management education abroad. While you pay this amount for GMAT abroad, Cost of GMAT of India can be better option.

4. Difficulty level

GMAT: Adaptive Challenge

The GMAT stands out for its adaptive nature, meaning that as you progress through the exam, the difficulty level adjusts based on your performance. This adaptive format keeps test-takers on their toes, constantly challenging them with increasingly difficult questions. 

CAT: Predetermined Rigor

In contrast, the CAT follows a predetermined set of questions, offering a consistent level of challenge to all candidates. The quantitative section of the CAT is renowned for its brain-wracking complexity, often pushing test-takers to their limits with intricate problem-solving scenarios. 

Conclusion

Choice between the GMAT and the CAT is a pivotal decision for aspiring MBA students in India. With a five-year validity period, the GMAT provides candidates ample time to pursue their academic and professional goals without the pressure of immediate deadlines. 

Moreover, From top-tier public institutions like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) to renowned private business schools such as XLRI and SPJIMR, the GMAT opens doors to a diverse array of management programs, offering students access to world-class education and global career opportunities.