Courses
MBA · PGDM · BBA
Duration
2 years (MBA / PGDM)
Eligibility
Any bachelor's degree
Entrance
CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT & more
The entrance exams
| Exam | Accepted by |
|---|---|
| CAT | IIMs and most top B-schools |
| XAT | XLRI and a large group of private B-schools |
| CMAT | AICTE-approved institutes across India |
| MAT | Many private colleges and universities |
| SNAP · NMAT · GMAT | Symbiosis institutes, NMIMS and others; GMAT for some programmes |
| State CETs | Colleges in that state (for example MAH-CET in Maharashtra) |
Most programmes ask for a bachelor's degree with around 50% marks (usually 45% for reserved categories). Final-year students can generally apply.
"Direct admission" in MBA, honestly
Unlike medicine, many private universities and autonomous institutes do admit students on their own test, a group discussion and interview, or graduation marks — sometimes alongside a management quota. That is legitimate. What matters is that the institute is approved, the fee is the published one, and you pay the institute directly with a receipt.
MBA or PGDM?
- MBA is a degree awarded by a university (or a college affiliated to one), recognised by the UGC.
- PGDM is a diploma from an autonomous institute approved by AICTE. Many top PGDMs are valued by recruiters exactly like an MBA.
- The name matters less than the institute's approvals, faculty and — above all — its verified placement record.
Popular specialisations
- Finance
- Marketing
- Human Resources
- Business Analytics
- Operations & Supply Chain
- International Business
- Digital Marketing
- Hospital & Healthcare Management
- Information Systems
- Aviation Management
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Entrepreneurship
Before you pay any B-school
- Check AICTE approval (PGDM) or UGC recognition of the university (MBA)
- Ask for the audited placement report — median salary and how many students actually took part
- Be wary of "100% placement" — ask what 100% means and at what salary
- Add up the full two-year cost, including hostel and one-time charges
How Padhai Likhai helps
- A shortlist that matches your exam scores, work experience and budget
- Guidance on specialisation, based on your background and career goals
- Applications, GD / interview preparation pointers, and deadlines tracked
- Education-loan paperwork and seat-booking guidance
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Many good institutes accept XAT, CMAT, MAT, SNAP, NMAT or their own test. Private universities often admit on their own test and interview. We match the route to your scores.
It can be. Private universities and autonomous institutes are allowed to run their own admission process. Make sure the institute is approved, the fee matches the published fee, and payment goes to the institute with a receipt.
Not for most Indian MBA / PGDM programmes. Some executive programmes and many international MBAs do require it.