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Simran Kaur

Updated on 17th April, 2024 , 10 min read

MBA Eligibility: Criteria, IIM, DU, IGNOU, Exams, Abroad 2024

Course

The full form of an MBA is a Master of Business Administration. It is a two-year postgraduate degree. MBA provides a comprehensive study of the various areas of business administration. The course covers topics such as business communication, finance, human resource management, economics, and operations. 

Since MBA is a popular program, universities, and colleges seek the right candidates. MBA eligibility plays a crucial role in determining if the candidate is eligible for the course or not. MBAs have no upper age limit; however, some entrance exams have an age limit. 

MBA eligibility requires an undergraduate degree with at least 50% marks for application. Students must pass an entrance exam such as the CAT, XAT, or GMAT. Finally, the candidates must participate in a group discussion and personal interview to secure seats.

All about MBA: 

Online MBA Courses

MBA Entrance Exams

MBA Admission 2024-25

MBA Specializations

MBA Salary

Government Jobs After MBA

MBA Subjects and Syllabus

Jobs after MBA

Distance MBA

MBA vs PGDM

TIER-1 MBA Colleges

Advantages of MBA

MBA Eligibility: College-wise

More than 5000 institutions in India offer MBAs. Given below is an overview of the top MBA colleges, along with their eligibility and fees: 

University/College

Eligibility

Fees (in INR)

Symbiosis, Pune

A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST).

Final-year students can apply.

A valid score in the Symbiosis National Aptitude (SNAP) Test.

INR 24,00,000

Christ University, Bangalore

A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks.

A valid score in MAT, CAT, CMAT, XAT, ATMA, GMAT or GRE.

INR 9,50,000

Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi

A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST).

Final-year students can apply.

INR 1,92,000

G.D Goenka University, Gurugram

A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks.

A valid score in MAT or G.D Goenka Aptitude Test, followed by a personal interview.

INR 9,00,000

XLRI, Jamshedpur

A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks.

Minimum 5 years of managerial/supervisory experience by March 31, 2024.

A valid score in XAT, GMAT, or GRE (taken from December 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023).

INR 24,80,000

 

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi

A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PWD).

No age limit.

A valid score in CAT or GMAT.

INR 21,77,314

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Kolkata

A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PWD).

No age limit.

A valid score in CAT or GMAT.

INR 20,97,314

Management Development Institute, Gurugram

Minimum 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in both classes 10th and 12th.

A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks.

Final-year students can apply.

A valid score in CAT.

INR 24,17,000

S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai

Minimum 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in high school.

A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks.

Diploma holders with 10 years of experience can apply as well.

Minimum 5 Years of work experience after graduation.

A valid score in CAT or GMAT.

INR 9,00,000

Also Read: MBA List of Group Discussion Topics Do’s & Don’t & Tips

MBA Eligibility: IIMs

IIMs are a popular choice among students who want to pursue an MBA. These institutions provide quality education, experienced faculty, and many placement opportunities. The average fee for pursuing an MBA in IIMs is between INR 8 lakhs and INR 25 lakhs.

Some common MBA eligibility criteria that are applicable all over the IIMs are given below:

  • Students must have passed 10+2 in any stream with 60% marks from a recognized board.
  • A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks for general and 45% for SC/ST/PWD.
  • A valid score in the Common Admission Test (CAT) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required for international students.
  • Final-year students awaiting their results can apply.
  • Shortlisted students are called for further rounds such as a written ability test (WAT), group discussion (GD), and personal interview (PI).

Read more: IIM Ahmedabad MBA Course & Fee Structure 

MBA Eligibility: Delhi University 

Delhi University is a prestigious institution offering a 2-year postgraduate MBA course with 4 semesters. The branches of Delhi University that offer MBAs have been listed below:

University/College

MBA Specialization

Eligibility

Fees (in INR)

Faculty of Management Studies (FMS)

 

MBA Full-time

A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST).

Final-year students can apply.

INR 1,92,000

Department of Finance and Business Economics (DBE)

MBA Business Economics

A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks.

Mathematics/ Business Mathematics in class 12.

INR 97,000

Delhi School of Economics (DSE)

MBA International Business

MBA Human Resource Development

A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks.

Final-year students can apply as well.

INR 30,392

School of Open Learning (DU SOL)

 

MBA Distance mode

A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks.

Work experience is preferred

INR 1,03,940

Read more: IIM Bangalore Fee Structure 

MBA Eligibility: IGNOU

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers a 2-year MBA program through distance learning. This model is designed for students and working professionals who are unable to pursue an MBA on a full-time basis. This course is recognized by AICTE. It can be pursued anywhere in India and in a few selected locations abroad. The fee for this course is INR 33,000.

The MBA eligibility for IGNOU is given below:

  • Students must have passed 10+2 in any stream with 50% marks from a recognized board.
  • A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks for general and 45% for SC/ST/PWD.

Further Reading: MBA in IGNOU

MBA Eligibility: CAT

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a popular entrance exam for MBAs. It is a computer-based test (CBT). The exam is conducted annually on a rotating basis by one of the 20 IIMs. 

Given below are the eligibility criteria for CAT 2024: 

  • A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks for general and 45% for SC/ST/PWD.
  • Final-year students can apply. 
  • There is no age limit for CAT. 

Further Reading: Tips for CAT

MBA Eligibility: XAT

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is the second-most popular entrance exam for MBAs. It will be conducted on January 7th, 2024. XLRI conducts the exam every year on behalf of XAMI. The XAT score is used by more than 160 institutions. 

Given below are the eligibility criteria for XAT 2024:

  • A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks for general and 45% for SC/ST/PWD.
  • Final-year students can apply.
  • There is no age limit for XAT.

Further Reading: Best books for XAT

MBA Eligibility: MAT

The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) has been conducted since 1998 by the All India Management Association. The MAT score is used by more than 600 institutions to select students. Candidates can choose to take the computer-based test or the pen-and-paper-based test.

Given below are the eligibility criteria for MAT 2024:

  • A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks for general and 45% for SC/ST/PWD.
  • Final-year students can apply.
  • The minimum age of the candidate must not be less than 20 years.

Further Reading: Tips for MAT Exam

MBA Eligibility: CMAT

The Common Admission Test (CMAT) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is an online computer-based test. More than 1000 institutions accept the CMAT as an entrance exam.

Given below are the eligibility criteria for CMAT 2024:

  • Candidates applying for CMAT must have Indian citizenship.
  • A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks.
  • Final-year students can apply.
  • There is no age limit for CMAT. 

Further Reading: CMAT Score vs Percentile 

MBA Eligibility: ATMA

The AIMS Test for Management Admissions (ATMA) is administered by the Association of Indian Management Schools. More than 500 institutions accept the ATMA as an entrance exam. ATMA is conducted multiple times a year. 

Given below are the eligibility criteria for ATMA 2024:

  • A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks for general and 45% for SC/ST/PWD.
  • Final-year students can apply.
  • There is no age limit for ATMA.

MBA Eligibility: GMAT 

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer adaptive test (CAT). It is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). It is accepted in more than 2,300 business schools around the world.

Given below are the eligibility criteria for GMAT 2024:

  • A bachelor's degree in any discipline.
  • English proficiency is required.
  • A candidate must be 18 years of age or older to apply for the exam without consent.
  • Ages 13–17 are also eligible to apply for the GMAT but require a consent form from their legal guardians.
  • The number of attempts for this exam is not more than 5 times in 12 months and 8 times in total.

Further Reading: GMAT Score

MBA Eligibility: NMAT

The Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test (NMAT) is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). This exam is used as an entrance exam in India, South Africa, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Morocco. It is a computer adaptive test (CAT). 

Given below are the eligibility criteria for NMAT 2024:

  • A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks. 
  • Final-year students can apply.
  • There is no age limit for NMAT. 
  • The number of attempts for this exam is 3. 
  • Work experience is preferred. 

Further Reading: Last minute tips for NMAT

MBA Eligibility: SNAP

The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) grants admission to the 15 Symbiosis universities across India. It is a computer-based test (CBT) that lasts for only an hour. SNAP is being conducted in 84 cities. 

Given below are the eligibility criteria for SNAP 2023:

  • A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks for general and 45% for SC/ST/PWD.
  • Final-year students can apply.
  • Students who have a foreign university degree must obtain an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

Further Reading: NMAT vs SNAP

MBA Eligibility: MAH CET

The Maharashtra Health and Technical Common Entrance Test (MAH CET) is a state-level entrance examination. It is conducted by the Directorate of Technical Education. The MAH MBA CET score is valid for admission to over 300 business schools in Maharashtra.

Given below are the eligibility criteria for MAH CET 2024:

  • A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks for general and 45% for SC/ST/PWD.
  • Final-year students can apply.
  • The minimum age of the candidate must not be less than 21 years.
  • If a candidate has a valid CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, ATMA, or GMAT score, then they're eligible to apply for All India seats. 

MBA Eligibility: TANCET 

The Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCETis a state-level entrance examination. It is conducted by the Anna University every year. More than 200 colleges in Tamil Nadu accept the TANCET score for admission. 

Given below are the eligibility criteria for TANCET 2024:

  • A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks for general and 45% for SC/ST/PWD.
  • Final-year students can apply.
  • Only candidates with a full-time degree are eligible.

MBA Eligibility: IBSAT

The ICFAI Business Studies Aptitude Test (IBSAT) is conducted by the ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education. It is a computer-based test (CBT) that is used for admissions to IBS Bengaluru and IBS Hyderabad. The duration of this examination is 2 hours. 

Given below are the eligibility criteria for IBSAT 2024:

  • A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks for general and 45% for SC/ST/PWD.
  • Final-year students can apply.
  • A TOEFL, NELT, or IELTS score is required if a candidate does not meet the English proficiency criteria. 

Further Reading: IBSAT Exam Preparation 

MBA Eligibility: PGCET

The Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET) is a state-level entrance exam that is conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA). The exam is administered in offline mode. 

Given below are the eligibility criteria for PGCET 2024:

  • A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks for general and 45% for SC/ST/PWD.
  • Final-year students can apply.
  • Minimum work experience must be at least 3 years as of July 31st, 2023. 

Further Reading: Top MBA Colleges in India 

MBA Eligibility: Abroad 

Pursuing an MBA abroad can be a transformative experience. It offers a global perspective and access to high-quality education. Given below are the MBA eligibility criteria for the top countries for Indian students who want to study abroad:

Country

Eligibility Criteria

United Kingdom (UK)

A bachelor's degree in any discipline.

Minimum 3 years of full-time work experience.

A valid GMAT score.

IELTS score of at least 6.0-6.5.

United States of America (USA)

The USA requires 16 years of education.

4 year’s bachelor’s degree.

A valid GMAT score.

A valid TOEFL/IELTS score.

Some universities require 2-3 years of work experience.

Canada

A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 60% marks.

A valid GMAT score.

A valid TOEFL/IELTS score.

Some universities require 2-3 years of work experience.

Germany

A bachelor's degree in any discipline.

A valid GMAT/GRE score.

A valid TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score.

Some universities require 2-3 years of work experience.

Some universities may conduct their own MBA entrance examination.

Australia

A 3-year undergraduate degree in any discipline.

Minimum 3 years of full-time work experience.

A valid GMAT score.

A valid TOEFL/IELTS score.

France

A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks.

Minimum 3 years of full-time work experience.

A valid GMAT/GRE score.

A valid TOEFL/IELTS score.

Netherlands

A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks.

A valid GMAT/GRE score.

A valid TOEFL/IELTS score.

Some universities require 2-3 years of work experience.

Singapore

A bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

A valid GMAT/GRE score.

A valid TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score.

Some universities require 2-3 years of work experience.

Spain

A bachelor's degree in any discipline.

Minimum 3 years of full-time work experience.

A valid TOEFL/IELTS score.

A valid GMAT score.

Italy

A bachelor's degree in any discipline.

Minimum 3 years of full-time work experience.

IELTS score of at least 6.0-6.5.

A valid GMAT score.

Further Reading: GMAT vs GRE 

MBA Eligibility: Types of MBA

Given below is an overview of MBA eligibility across various types of MBAs: 

Type of MBA

Eligibility Criteria

Regular MBA

A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks for general and 45% for SC/ST/PWD.

Final-year students can apply.

A valid entrance exam score in CAT, XAT, or GMAT, etc.

Distance MBA

A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks for general and 45% for SC/ST/PWD.

Final-year students can apply.

A valid entrance exam score.

Executive MBA

Minimum of 50% marks in 10+2.

A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks for general and 45% for SC/ST/PWD.

Minimum 2 – 5 years of work experience.

Final-year students can apply.

A valid entrance exam score in CAT, XAT, or GMAT, etc.

Online MBA

A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks for general and 45% for SC/ST/PWD.

Final-year students can apply.

A valid entrance exam score in CAT, XAT, or GMAT, etc.

MBA Abroad

A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks.

Minimum 2 – 5 years of work experience.

A valid score in GMAT or NMAT.

A valid score in TOEFL/NELT/IELTS.

MBA Courses:

MBA International Business

MBA Finance

MBA Hotel Management

MBA Banking and Finance

MBA Business Analytics

MBA Aviation Management

MBA Digital Marketing

MBA Biotechnology

MBA Data Science

MBA Agriculture

MBA General Management

MBA Marketing Management

MBA Event Management

Executive MBA

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is MBA eligibility?

MBA eligibility requires an undergraduate degree with at least 50% marks for application. Students must pass an entrance exam such as the CAT, XAT, or GMAT. Finally, the candidates must participate in a group discussion and personal interview to secure seats.

Can a BA student do MBA?

Yes. MBA eligibility requires an undergraduate degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks for the application to begin.

What is the MBA age limit?

MBA has no upper age limit; however, some entrance exams have an age limit.

Can I join MBA directly?

Yes. A few schools provide direct admission into their MBA programs.

What are some of the MBA Entrance exams?

CAT, XAT, MAT, NMAT, SNAP, TANCET, MAH MBA CET, ATMA, IBSAT and GMAT are some of the MBA entrance exams.

Does DU offer MBA?

Yes. DU offers MBA through Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Department of Finance and Business Economics (DBE), Delhi School of Economics, Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce and School of Open Learning (DU SOL).

Is OPENMAT required for MBA in IGNOU?

No. As of 2023, IGNOU does not require OPENMAT.

Is CAT compulsory for MBA?

No. CAT is the official entrance exam for IIM's all over India and is accepted in a few other colleges. However, many other colleges accept other entrance exams like NMAT, SNAP, XAT, MAT etc.

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