Aspiring MBA students often look to the GMAT as a gateway to prestigious business schools. However, with countless options available, choosing the right institution can be overwhelming. This article highlights the top 10 GMAT accepting colleges in India, detailing their unique strengths, programs, and admission criteria to help you make an informed decision about your management education. Let’s dive in!
Top GMAT Accepting Colleges in India
Many business schools in India – both private and public – accept the GMAT score as a criterion for admitting students into their MBA and other graduate management programs.
The GMAT serves as a standardized benchmark for assessing a candidate’s potential and readiness for advanced business studies.
Below is the list of top GMAT accepting colleges in India that you can aim for in 2024 and beyond.
Public Business Schools
| NIRF Rank | College | Average GMAT Cutoff | Average Fees |
| 1 | Indian Institute of Management – Ahmedabad | 740 | ₹24 Lakhs |
| 2 | Indian Institute of Management – Bangalore | 730 | ₹24.50 Lakhs |
| 3 | Indian Institute of Management – Kozhikode | 720 | ₹22.5 Lakhs |
| 4 | Indian Institute of Management – Calcutta | 720 | ₹31 Lakhs |
| 6 | Indian Institute of Management – Lucknow | 710 | ₹26.25 Lakhs |
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Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
Established in 1961, the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad is widely regarded as the premier business school in India. IIM-A is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum, case study method of teaching, and strong industry connections.
The institute’s flagship two-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) is highly competitive, attracting the brightest minds from across the country.
IIM-A’s sprawling campus, designed by legendary architect Louis Kahn, provides a conducive environment for learning and personal growth.
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Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore
Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM-B) has carved a niche for itself as a center of excellence in management education and research since its inception in 1973.
Located in India’s Silicon Valley, IIM-B has strong ties with the tech industry and is known for its innovation and entrepreneurship focus.
The institute offers a diverse range of programs, including the popular Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) and the Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP).
IIM-B’s faculty is recognized globally for their research contributions and teaching excellence.
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Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode
Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode (IIM-K), founded in 1996, has rapidly risen to prominence in the Indian management education landscape.
Situated in the scenic hills of Kozhikode, Kerala, IIM-K is known for its innovative approach to management education. It was the first IIM to offer a full-time MBA program for working executives and pioneered the use of interactive learning platforms in India.
The institute is also recognized for its efforts in promoting diversity, with one of the highest percentages of female students among Indian B-schools.
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Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta
Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIM-C), established in 1961, was the first IIM to be set up in India. Located in Joka, Kolkata, IIM-C is renowned for its finance and economics programs. The institute’s Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) is highly sought after, and its alumni network is one of the strongest in the country.
IIM-C is also known for its research output and houses several centers of excellence, including the Financial Research and Trading Laboratory.
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Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow
Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow (IIM-L) was established in 1984 and has two campuses – the main campus in Lucknow and a satellite campus in Noida. IIM-L is known for its strong focus on sustainability and responsible management practices.
The institute offers a wide range of programs, including the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) and the unique Agri-Business Management program. IIM-L’s Center for Marketing in Emerging Economies is recognized globally for its research in emerging market contexts.
Private Business Schools
| NIRF Rank | College | Average GMAT Cutoff | Average Fees |
| 9 | XLRI-Xavier School of Management | 700 | ₹14.95 Lakhs |
| 13 | Management Development Institute | 680 | ₹8.95 Lakhs |
| 20 | S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research | 680 | ₹17.40 Lakhs |
| 28 | Amity University | 550 | ₹15.56 Lakhs |
| 30 | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | 500 | ₹11.20 Lakhs |
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Xavier School of Management
Xavier School of Management (XLRI), founded in 1949 in Jamshedpur, is one of the oldest business schools in India. XLRI is renowned for its Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations programs, consistently ranking among the best in Asia. The institute’s strong emphasis on ethics and social responsibility sets it apart from its peers. XLRI’s alumni network is highly influential across various sectors of the Indian economy.
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Management Development Institute
Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon, established in 1973, has emerged as a leading B-school in India. MDI is known for its industry-oriented curriculum and strong focus on research.
The institute offers several full-time and part-time programs, including the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) and the National Management Programme (NMP). MDI’s Energy Management Centre is recognized for its contributions to sustainable energy practices.
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S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research
S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai, founded in 1981, has built a reputation for its innovative curriculum and non-conventional approach to management education.
SPJIMR’s unique Abhyudaya program, which connects students with underprivileged children for mentoring, reflects its commitment to social responsibility. The institute is also known for its strong industry connections and practice-oriented teaching methodology.
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Amity University
Amity University, headquartered in Noida, is one of India’s leading private universities with a pan-India presence.
Amity’s business school offers a wide range of management programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The university is known for its emphasis on practical learning, international collaborations, and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Amity’s flexible credit system and focus on entrepreneurship have made it popular among students seeking a comprehensive business education.
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Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, a multi-campus, multi-disciplinary research university, has its School of Business spread across Coimbatore, Bengaluru, and Kochi. The business school is known for its value-based education approach, blending management principles with ethics and sustainability.
Amrita offers various management programs, including an MBA and PhD, with a focus on developing socially responsible business leaders.
The university’s strong research orientation and international collaborations provide students with a global perspective on business management.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal business school is a pivotal step in your MBA program journey. This article has highlighted the top ten GMAT accepting colleges in India, each offering unique academic strengths and opportunities. As you explore these institutions, consider your career goals, program specialization, campus culture, and financial considerations.
Remember, while the GMAT is a crucial component, it’s essential to craft a well-rounded application that showcases your potential as a future business leader.
