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Do IIMs Accept GMAT? It is a very prominent question among many MBA aspirants. Several Indian Institutes of Management welcome GMAT scores, though they typically expect 700+ for their prestigious programmes. The bar remains high with an average admission score of 715 or above at IIMs.
GMAT score for IIM Ahmedabad stands at 720, while the GMAT score for IIM Calcutta stands at 701. IIM Bangalore’s expectations go even higher at 709+. Most candidates worldwide score between 400-600 on the GMAT’s 205-805 scale. This showcases these institutions’ selective nature. The GMAT’s reach extends beyond IIMs – more than 140 Indian institutions offer 200+ programmes that accept these scores.
The blog gives a detailed account of the IIMs that accept GMAT scores in 2025, along with programme-specific cutoffs and eligibility criteria. The application process deserves careful attention. The GMAT scores stay valid for 5 years, which is a key factor to remember when planning applications to these competitive MBA programmes.
Which IIMs Accept GMAT Scores in 2025?
Several top IIMs started accepting GMAT test-takers in 2025, mainly for executive programmes and international applicants. GMAT provides a different path to India’s premier business schools compared to the traditional CAT exam route. Let’s take a closer look at which IIMs accept GMAT scores and their requirements.
| IIM | Program | Eligibility |
| IIM Ahmedabad | MBA-PGPX EPGD | Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in any discipline |
| Minimum Age of 25 years | ||
| Minimum 4 years of full-time work experience | ||
| Valid GMAT score | ||
| Minimum of 2 years of work experience | ||
| Bachelor’s degree | ||
| Valid GMAT Score | ||
| IIM Indore | EPGP | Minimum 4 years of Graduation with 50% marks |
| 5 years of work experience | ||
| Valid GMAT score (5 years) | ||
| IIM Bangalore | PGP EPGP PGPEM | Only international candidates can apply through GMAT |
| Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks | ||
| Minimum 5 years | ||
| Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks | ||
| Minimum of four years of full-time work experience | ||
| Valid GMAT score | ||
| IIM Lucknow | PGPWE | Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks |
| 3 years of work experience | ||
| Valid GMAT Score | ||
| IIM Calcutta | Executive MBA | 5 years of work experience |
| A graduation in any subject | ||
| Valid GMAT Score | ||
| IIM Kozhikode | EPGP | A Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline |
| 3 Years of managerial/ entrepreneurial/ professional experience | ||
| Valid GMAT Score (3 years) |
Also Check: MBA Scholarships in India 2025
IIMs Accept GMAT for Executive MBA
Executive MBA programmes at IIMs are a great way to get accelerated management education for mid-career professionals. These one-year intensive programmes need GMAT scores instead of CAT:
| Institution | Programme | Min. GMAT Score | Work Experience Requirement | Programme Fee (Approx.) |
| IIM Ahmedabad | PGPX (Post Graduate Programme for Executives) | 720 | Minimum 4 years | ₹25 Lakhs |
| IIM Calcutta | PGPEX (Post Graduate Program for Executives) | 701 | Minimum 5 years | ₹27 Lakhs |
| IIM Bangalore | EPGP (Executive Post Graduate Programme) | 709+ | 5–12 years | ₹21.19 Lakhs |
| IIM Lucknow | IPMX (International Programme in Management for Executives) | 680+ | Minimum 5 years | ₹14.16 – ₹23.80 Lakhs |
| IIM Indore | EPGP (Executive Post Graduate Programme) | 700+ | Minimum 5 years | ₹16.10 – ₹16.50 Lakhs |
| IIM Kozhikode | EPGP (Executive Post Graduate Programme)** | 700 | Minimum 3 years | ₹17.50 Lakhs |
Difference between CAT and GMAT for IIM Admissions
IIMs’ steadfast dedication to accepting GMAT shows their push toward student diversity and support for experienced professionals and international candidates in their prestigious programmes. The difference between these exams helps candidates make better choices:
| Aspect | GMAT | CAT |
| Validity | Scores are valid for 5 years | Scores are valid for 1 year |
| Difficulty Level | Considered easier; even the toughest GMAT questions are often easier than CAT’s medium | Considered harder; questions are tougher and more complex |
| Testing Flexibility | Year-round testing slots, ideal for working professionals | Held once a year on a fixed date |
| Recognition | Accepted by 7,000+ business programmes globally (incl. IIMs, many top global schools) | Recognised mainly in India, primarily by IIMs and some B-schools |
| Application Focus | Best for candidates with international MBA/career goals | Best for those aiming to study and work in India |
Eligibility Criteria for IIM Admission via GMAT
Getting into IIMs through GMAT starts with meeting their eligibility requirements. Each IIM has its own set of criteria that students need to meet before they can apply.
| Criteria | Details |
| Minimum Academic Qualifications | – Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university- Minimum 50% marks or equivalent CGPA for general category- Minimum 45% for SC, ST, PwD categories- Degree must be at least 3 years after 10+2 or equivalent |
| Final Year Students | – Can apply provisionally if:- Meet the minimum percentage in completed exams- Complete degree by June 30 of the admission year- Submit final marksheet & degree certificate by Dec 31 of admission year- Provisional admission gets cancelled if the conditions are not met |
| Age Requirements | – Standard 2-year PGP: Minimum 19 years old by June 30 of the admission year- IIM Ahmedabad PGPX: Minimum 25 years, no upper limit |
| Nationality Categories | – Indian nationals residing in India (mainly CAT route)- Overseas Indians (Indian passport holders abroad)- Foreign nationals (foreign passport holders) |
| Overseas Indian Criteria | – Must have lived, worked, or studied outside India continuously for at least 12 months before the deadline |
Work experience requirements
Regular PGP programmes accept GMAT scores with little or no work experience from international candidates. Executive programmes require substantial work experience after graduation. Different programmes need different amounts of work experience:
| Programme Type | Institute | Minimum Work Experience | Maximum Recommended |
| PGPX/Executive MBA | IIM Ahmedabad | 4 years | Not specified |
| EPGP | IIM Bangalore | 5 years | 12 years |
| PGPEX | IIM Calcutta | 5 years | Not specified |
| EPGP | IIM Indore | 5 years | Not specified |
GMAT Score Requirements and Cutoffs for IIMs
GMAT cutoffs are the minimum scores you need to qualify for IIM admissions. Students who get in usually score much higher than these minimums. Here’s what you should know about expected score ranges and requirements for 2025 admissions.
Top IIMs Accept GMAT Score Range
GMAT scores worldwide range from 205-805, but IIMs set their bar much higher. Students need a minimum of 715 to get into IIMs. Top schools, such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta, typically look for scores above 700.
Premier institutes have strict requirements for their executive MBA programmes:
- IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX): 700-730
- IIM Bangalore (EPGP): 710-730
- IIM Calcutta (MBAEx): 700-720
Newer IIMs accept slightly lower scores between 650-700, depending on their programmes and applicant quality.
Also Check: IIM MBA Fees 2025
Programme-specific GMAT cutoffs
Each IIM has set different cutoffs based on its programme needs:
| Institution | Programme Type | Minimum GMAT Score |
| IIM Ahmedabad | PGPX (Overseas) | 720 (previous format) / 665 (Focus Edition) |
| IIM Mumbai | All programmes | 700 with IR ≥ 5 |
| IIM Ranchi | Fellow Programme | 670 |
| IIM Raipur | Executive Fellow Programme | 680+ |
| IIM Rohtak | Doctoral Programme | 650+ |
IIM Bangalore GMAT Cutoff
IIM Bangalore accepts GMAT scores for its Executive MBA and international applicants to the PGP program. Knowing the expected IIM Bangalore GMAT cutoff is essential for knowing the competition in one of India’s top B-schools.
| Programme | GMAT Cut-Off | Typical Work Experience |
| EPGP (Executive MBA) | 709+ | 5–12 years |
IIM Kozhikode GMAT Cutoff
IIM Kozhikode considers GMAT scores primarily for its PGP and international candidates. Understanding the IIM Kozhikode GMAT cutoff helps aspirants with their admission chances to this highly reputed IIM.
| Programme | GMAT Cut-Off | Typical Work Experience | Notes |
| PGP (MBA) | 560 | 3+ years | GMAT is valid for 3 years |
IIM Indore GMAT Cutoff
IIM Indore accepts GMAT scores for its EPGP and foreign nationals applying to the PGP. Knowing the IIM Indore GMAT cutoff is key to evaluating your chances at one of India’s leading management institutes.
| Programme | GMAT Cut-Off | Typical Work Experience | Notes |
| EPGP (Executive MBA) | 700+ | 5+ years | GMAT is valid for 5 years |
IIM Lucknow GMAT Cutoff
IIM Lucknow accepts GMAT scores for its International applicants to the PGP program and candidates applying to its Executive MBA programs, like IPMX. Understanding the IIM Lucknow GMAT cutoff is crucial for assessing your competitiveness for admission to this top-tier IIM.
| Programme | GMAT Cut-Off | Typical Work Experience | Notes |
| IPMX (One-year MBA) | 660–680+ | 5+ years | Official cut-off varies; 660 is the minimum, 680+ is more competitive |
IIM Calcutta GMAT Cutoff
IIM Calcutta accepts GMAT scores primarily for its MBAEx (Executive MBA) program. Knowing the expected IIM Calcutta GMAT cutoff helps candidates evaluate their admission prospects at one of India’s most prestigious B-schools.
| Programme | GMAT Cut-Off | Typical Work Experience | Notes |
| MBAEx (One-year MBA) | 720+ (avg: 728) | 5+ years | Higher GMAT scores preferred |
IIMs Accept GMAT: Fees, Work Experience, and Salary
IIM Ahmedabad accepts only test centre GMAT scores. Online or take-home exam scores are invalid. Both traditional GMAT and the new GMAT Focus Edition exam scores find acceptance at institutions like IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Mumbai.
| Institution | Programme | Minimum Work Experience | Programme Fee (Approx.) | Average CTC (INR) |
| IIM Ahmedabad | PGPX | Min. 4 years | ₹33–35 Lakhs | ₹32.5 Lakhs p.a. |
| IIM Bangalore | EPGP | 5–12 years | ₹31.05 Lakhs | ₹34.33 Lakhs p.a. |
| IIM Calcutta | PGPEX | Min. 5 years | ₹31 Lakhs | ₹26.98 Lakhs p.a. |
| IIM Lucknow | IPMX | Min. 5 years | ₹26 Lakhs | ₹26.47 Lakhs p.a. |
| IIM Indore | EPGP | Min. 5 years | ₹22.11 Lakhs | Not specified |
| IIM Kozhikode | PGP – Business Leadership | Min. 3 years | ₹22.50 Lakhs | ₹29.23 Lakhs (BL) |
| IIM Shillong | PGP Ex | Not specified | ₹22.76 Lakhs | Not specified |
| IIM Mumbai | MBA Programmes | Not specified | ₹21 Lakhs | Not specified |
How to interpret the data for your profile
Your profile evaluation against these programmes needs several significant factors:
- Cost-to-return ratio: The programme’s ROI becomes clear when you compare fees against average salary packages. IIMB’s EPGP offers the highest average CTC at ₹34.33 LPA with a fee of ₹31.05 Lakhs.
- Work experience arrangement: Executive programmes match specific experience levels. IIM Ahmedabad needs a minimum of 4 years of full-time post-graduation experience. IIMB expects 5-12 years.
- GMAT score competitiveness: Admitted students typically score 20-30 points higher than minimum cutoffs. A stronger application needs scores above the stated minimums.
- Score validity: Most IIMs require GMAT scores within the five-year validity period. Some 2025 admissions still accept test dates from September 2020.
How to Apply to IIMs with a GMAT Score
Getting into IIMs through GMAT needs careful planning and precise execution. A well-executed application process can boost your chances of getting into these prestigious institutions.
Step-by-step application process
The IIM application process happens in several stages:
- Take the GMAT exam – Book your test early since Pearson VUE must report scores directly
- Research programme options – Pick programmes that match your career goals and qualifications
- Complete online application – Use the application portal on each IIM’s official website
- Pay application fees – You’ll need to pay non-refundable fees ranging from ₹17,461.60 for IIM Mumbai to USD 150 for international candidates at IIM Calcutta
- Submit required documents – Send all needed documentation
- Await shortlisting – Selected candidates get interview invitations
- Attend interviews – These usually have a Personal Interview (PI) and sometimes an Analytical Writing Test (AWT)
- Receive final decision – Schools announce admission offers 4-6 weeks after interviews
IIM Ahmedabad’s PGPX programme runs three application rounds with specific deadlines and interview schedules.
Also Check: Top 10 MBA In Finance Colleges In India
Documents Required
| Document Type | Details | Special Instructions |
| GMAT Score Report | Official scorecard | Pearson VUE must report it |
| Academic Records | Certificates and mark sheets | Send self-attested scanned copies |
| Work Experience Proof | Joining letter, relieving letter, salary slips | Include the first and last month’s payslips from each employer |
| Statement of Purpose | Career objectives and programme fit | Explain your reasons for joining the specific programme |
| Recommendation Letters | Two letters required | Best if from current employer or supervisor |
| Passport Details | For international applicants | Submit pages with official entries |
Tips for a strong application
A compelling application needs attention to detail and good planning:
- Start early – Give yourself 4-8 weeks minimum to create a quality application
- Craft a cohesive narrative – Your resume, essays, and interview answers should tell one story
- Be authentic – Show your real self rather than trying to impress
- Seek feedback – Ask mentors or professional consultants to review before you submit
- Prepare for interviews – You should expect questions about current affairs and your future plans
- Track deadlines – Early round applications have better admission chances
Many candidates don’t realise how much time they need to build a strong application. Starting early gives you enough time to handle unexpected challenges.
Conclusion
Taking the GMAT route to get into a prestigious IIM is an alternative to the traditional CAT path. To answer the question, Do IIMs accept GMAT? Yes, many IIMs accept GMAT scores, especially for executive MBA programmes and international students. The competition is fierce all the same, and top schools usually want scores above 700 plus solid work experience.
Your specific situation and career goals will help you choose between the CAT and the GMAT. The GMAT comes with some clear benefits – scores stay valid longer, you can take the test any time of year, and thousands of business schools worldwide accept it. On top of that, IIM’s executive MBA programmes give experienced professionals a faster way to boost their management credentials without spending two full years in school.
Getting into IIMs through GMAT isn’t easy, but the rewards make it worth trying if you qualify. You’ll get access to world-class teachers, strong alumni networks, and great career options. favor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get into IIM with GMAT?
Yes, you can get into several IIMs with a GMAT score. IIMs accept GMAT scores, such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode, and others for their executive management programs and, in some cases, for international or non-resident Indian applicants to their flagship MBA courses. The required GMAT scores are typically competitive, often above 700, and candidates must also meet work experience and academic requirements. Therefore, if you have a strong GMAT score and fulfil the additional criteria, you can pursue admission to top IIMs, as many IIMs accept GMAT as a valid entrance test for specific programs.
2. What is the GMAT score validity period in IIMs?
Most IIMs accept GMAT scores, which are valid for five years from the application deadline. IIM Calcutta’s PGPEX wants scores from within 36 months of application. Many IIMs now accept both traditional GMAT and new GMAT Focus Edition scores. Top IIMs usually look for 700+ scores in their executive programmes.
3. Which IIMs accept GMAT scores for admission in 2025?
Several IIMs accept GMAT scores, primarily for executive MBA programmes and international applicants. These include IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Indore, and IIM Kozhikode, among others.
4. Â How does work experience factor into IIM admissions via GMAT?
Work experience requirements vary by programme. Executive MBA programmes typically require 4-5 years of post-graduation work experience, with some accepting candidates with up to 12 years of experience. Regular MBA programmes may have minimal or no work experience requirements for international applicants.
5. What are the key differences between CAT and GMAT for IIM admissions?
MAT scores are valid for 5 years compared to CAT’s 1-year validity. GMAT offers year-round testing and is generally considered easier than CAT. While CAT is primarily recognised within India, GMAT opens doors to international business schools as well.
