PGDM Admission Process in India: Eligibility, Entrance Tests, GD, PI and How to Get into MABS

A complete guide to PGDM admissions: qualification, eligibility, entrance exams, GD and PI rounds, plus the MABS PGDM admission process and scholarships.

Getting into a good PGDM program is a multi-step journey, not a single exam. This guide explains each stage, then walks through the admission process at MABS.

Qualification and eligibility

Most AICTE-approved PGDM program in India expect:

• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Engineers, commerce graduates, science and arts graduates are all eligible.
• A minimum aggregate score in graduation, commonly around 50% (with relaxation for reserved categories as per applicable norms).
• A valid score in an accepted management entrance test.
• Final-year students can often apply, provided they complete their degree within the time the institute specifies.

Work experience is not compulsory for most two-year PGDM program, though it can strengthen your profile in the personal interview.

Entrance tests accepted for PGDM

• CAT: the most widely recognized exam, conducted by the IIMs.
• XAT: conducted by XLRI, widely accepted by PGDM institutes.
• CMAT: conducted by the National Testing Agency.
• MAT: conducted several times a year.
• ATMA: accepted by many private institutes.
• GMAT: accepted by many institutes, including for candidates with international exposure.
• State-level common entrance tests, where applicable.

Almost every test checks quantitative ability, verbal ability and reading comprehension, and logical reasoning or data interpretation. Start preparing at least six months ahead, take regular mock tests and analyze your errors.

The selection stages after the test

After your score is considered, institutes shortlist candidates for further evaluation:

1. Written Analysis Test (WAT) or Written Ability Test: a short essay or case analysis that tests structure, clarity and reasoning.
2. Group Discussion (GD): assesses communication, listening, leadership and how well you build on others’ points. Quality matters more than volume. Read widely on business, economy, technology and current affairs.
3. Personal Interview (PI): assesses your motivation, academic and work background, awareness and clarity about career goals. Be ready to answer why management, why this institute and where you see yourself in five years.

Tips to prepare

• Revise your graduation fundamentals, since interviewers often start there.
• Build a habit of reading the business news daily.
• Practice GDs with peers and record yourself.
• Prepare honest answers about your strengths, weaknesses, projects and internships.
• Be clear about your preferred specialization and your reasons.

MABS PGDM admission process

MABS follows a process designed to identify candidates with sound academic foundations, managerial potential and strong communication skills.

Academic eligibility: a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks.

Accepted entrance exams: CAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA, MAT, GMAT or applicable state-level common entrance examinations. The stated minimum entrance exam cut-off is the 60th percentile; shortlisting criteria may vary by admission cycle.

Selection stages: shortlisted candidates may be assessed through a Written Analysis Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI).

Application fee: ₹1,200.

Program fee (PGDM 2027-29): ₹8,90,000 for the two-year program, plus a refundable security deposit of ₹20,000. The fee covers academic and examination components, industry-linked learning and certifications, digital learning platforms, the Global Immersion Program (travel, visa, accommodation and meals included, subject to program terms), domestic industrial visits, library and book bank, IT and LMS access, and a placement preparatory program. Hostel accommodation is charged separately.

Scholarships at MABS

MABS recognizes merit through entrance-exam-based scholarships:

In addition, the Founder Chairman’s Rolling Scholarship recognizes the top 5% of students in the cohort, with an award of ₹36,000 per eligible student for the relevant trimester-based award, subject to a minimum Trimester Grade Point Average (TGPA) of 3.0 and other prescribed rules.

Eligibility, cut-offs, dates and scholarship terms can change between cycles. Please refer to the latest official admission notification and policy on the MABS website.

How to apply

1. Register for and take an accepted entrance exam.
2. Fill in the application form at https://apply.mabs.ac.in/ and pay the application fee.
3. Appear for WAT, GD and PI if shortlisted.
4. Receive your offer and complete the admission formalities.

For guidance, write to admissionhead@mabs.ac.in or call +91 93119 24828 / +91 96671 94704.