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SupportMBA Eligibility Criteria in India: Age Limit, Percentage, All Details 2026
Last Updated on 11 Aug 2026
MBA eligibility criteria in India requires you to have a minimum of 3 years bachelor’s degree with most colleges asking for at least 50% aggregate in your UG.
In addition, 10th and 12th marks are considered by some top IIMs when calculating the final score for the merit list. Generally, the weightage is 10 to 15 per cent of 10th and 12th marks. But this depends entirely on the institute you apply to and the MBA entrance exam you take.
There are various national and state-level MBA entrance exams conducted by different institutes. Some of the highly competitive MBA entrances are CAT, XAT, MAT, and NMAT, among others. Some popular state-level MBA entrance exams include MAH MBA CET, TANCET, and KMAT. The admission criteria for these state-level MBA exams differ in age requirements, qualifications, and domicile criteria.
To help you understand the MBA eligibility, this blog brings you the detailed guidelines on what the requirements are to get into an MBA program through various entrance tests.
Table Of Contents
- CLAT PG: All About CLAT Postgraduate Exam for LLM
MBA Eligibility Criteria 2026: Highlights
There is no upper age limit for taking the MBA entrance exam in India. Check the important highlights in the table below:
| Parameters | Details |
|
Educational qualification |
Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institute. |
|
Minimum marks required |
A minimum of 50% in graduation for the general category |
|
MBA Age limit |
No age limit |
|
Eligibility for final-year students |
Final-year students eligible to apply. |
|
Entrance exams |
CAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT, MAT, NMAT, SNAP, TISSNET, IBSAT, and other state or university-level exams |
|
Work experience |
Not compulsory for full-time MBA program. Work experience required for Executive and allied MBA programs |
|
Reservation criteria |
As per the Government reservation policy |
MBA Eligibility Criteria Through CAT
CAT is conducted by IIMs on a rotational basis. With a CAT score, students can gain admission to IIMs. There are 22 IIMs in India that offer MBA programs based on the CAT score. In addition, 1600+ B-schools accept the Common Admission Test (CAT) score for the MBA programmes.
| CAT exam eligibility for MBA | Affiliation Required | Pass Percentage Required |
|
Engineering Degree – BTech/ BE |
Recognised by MHRD/AICTE |
50% for General/EWS/NC-OBC & 45% for SC, ST, PwD candidates |
|
Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from any University |
Recognized by UGC |
50% for General/EWS/NC-OBC & 45% for SC, ST, PwD candidates |
|
Students in their final year of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are also eligible to take the CAT exam |
Continuing graduation from a university recognised by MHRD/AICTE or UGC |
50% for General/EWS/NC-OBC & 45% for SC, ST, PwD candidates |
|
(CA/CS/ICWA/Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) |
Certification-granting organisation |
50% for General/EWS/NC-OBC & 45% for SC, ST, PwD candidates |
CAT Eligibility Criteria for Top 7 IIMs in India
IIMs are popular institutes for the MBA course in India. Check the age limit, minimum marks, and other eligibility below.
| NIRF Ranking Report 2025 | IIMs Accepting CAT Scores | IIM MBA Eligibility Criteria | Placements (2025) |
|
1 |
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad |
A minimum of 50% in graduation for general candidates (45% for SC/ST/PwD) - No age limit - Work Experience not mandatory but considered for merit |
- Minimum INR 15,99,996 - Maximum INR 71,12,700 |
|
2 |
A minimum of 50% in graduation for general candidates (45% for SC/ST/PwD) - No age limit - Work Experience not mandatory but considered for merit |
Median salary: 33.1 Lakhs Per Annum Mean salary: 35.5 Lakhs Per Annum |
|
|
3 |
Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode |
60% marks in graduation in any discipline. |
Highest CTC: 81 LPA Mean CTC: 28 LPA |
|
5 |
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow |
- 50% in bachelor’s degree for general candidates (45% for SC/ST/PwD) - No age limit - Work Experience not mandatory but considered for merit |
Highest Domestic CTC: INR 75 LPA Average CTC: INR 32.3 LPA |
|
6 |
Indian Institute of Management Mumbai |
- 50% in graduation for general candidates (45% for SC/ST/PwD) - No age limit - Work Experience is not mandatory, but considered for merit |
Highest CTC: 54 LPA Average CTC of top 10% candidates: INR 47.29 LPA (Placement report as per 2024 batch) |
|
7 |
Indian Institute of Management Calcutta |
A minimum of 50% in graduation for general candidates (45% for SC/ST/PwD) - No age limit - Work Experience not mandatory but considered for merit |
Highest Domestic CTC: INR 1.45 Crore Average CTC: INR 36.00 LPA (Placement report 2026) |
More important resources for CAT exam:
| CAT Eligibility Criteria | CAT Exam Pattern |
| CAT Syllabus | CAT Registration |
MBA Eligibility Through XAT
The XAT is a national-level MBA entrance exam held by XLRI, Jamshedpur. The XAT score is accepted by over 134 institutes in India for MBA programs. Unlike CAT, which requires at least 50% in graduation, the XAT exam has no minimum marks requirement. The MBA eligibility for XAT is as follows.
- A bachelor’s degree is required to appear for the XAT exam.
- Final-year candidates are eligible to apply on the condition that they provide the necessary documents during the admission period.
- The bachelor’s degree should be of 3 years' duration.
- There is no minimum or maximum age criterion for XAT.
- Candidates from any discipline can take the XAT exam.
- You can attempt it any number of times.
- XAT does not have any reservation policy, but institutions accepting XAT scores may apply reservation norms.
XAT Eligibility Criteria for Top 5 MBA Colleges in India
XAT score is accepted by 134 associate colleges and 10 XAMI members. The minimum eligibility is 50% marks in graduation in any discipline in most colleges. Check the XAT eligibility and placement report below.
| XAT Accepting Colleges | Minimum Eligibility Criteria | Latest Placement Report |
|
XLRI Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur |
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university. Note: This is the minimum eligibility. But the eligibility may vary for some courses. |
Highest CTC: INR 59 LPA Average CTC: INR 31.40 LPA |
|
Xavier Institute of Management, XIM University, Bhubaneshwar |
55% marks in graduation are mandatory. |
Highest CTC: 32.8 LPA Average CTC: 18.25 LPA |
|
IMT Ghaziabad |
A minimum of 50% marks in graduation in any discipline. |
Highest CTC: INR 46.17 LPA Average CTC: INR 18.15 LPA |
|
MICA Ahmedabad |
A minimum of 50% marks in graduation in any discipline. |
Highest CTC: INR 45.67 LPA Average CTC: 20.46 LPA |
|
SRM University-AP |
A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks. |
Highest CTC: INR 50 LPA Average CTC: INR 7.12 LPA (As per the latest report 2024) |
Know more about XAT Exam
| XAT Colleges | xat exam pattern |
| XAT Cut Off | XAT Marking Scheme |
MBA Eligibility Criteria for CMAT
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is conducted by the NTA. The eligibility criteria for CMAT are decided by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Here are the minimum eligibility requirements to appear for the CMAT exam.
- The applicants must be citizens of India.
- Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
- There is no minimum or maximum age limit for the CMAT.
CMAT Colleges Eligibility Criteria
CMAT scores are accepted by AICTE-approved institutions and colleges/institutions offering MBA programs. Some of the best CMAT colleges and their eligibility criteria are listed below
| CMAT Institutes | Eligibility Criteria | Average Placement Package (Approx) |
|
SIMSREE |
50% in graduation (45% for Maharashtra candidates from the reserved category). |
15 LPA |
|
K J Somaiya Institute of Management |
Minimum 50% in graduation from a recognised institute. |
21 Lakhs |
|
Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research, Mumbai |
At least 50% aggregate in graduation. |
11 LPA |
|
BIMTECH Greater Noida |
50% in graduation with PI and Extempore |
14 Lakhs |
|
XIME Bangalore |
Minimum of 50% marks in bachelor’s degree course in any discipline (45% for reserved category). |
10.25 LPA |
More important resources for CMAT exam:
| CMAT Colleges Cut Off | CMAT Syllabus |
| CMAT Exam Pattern | CMAT Preparation |
MBA Eligibility Criteria for SNAP
The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) is conducted by Symbiosis for admission to 17 institutes offering 30 MBA programmes. Here are the eligibility criteria for the SNAP test.
- A bachelor’s degree with 50% marks or equivalent.
- 45% is mandatory for SC/ST candidates in graduation.
- Work experience is required in some MBA courses offered by the Symbiosis institutes.
Here is the list of 17 participating institutes that accept SNAP scores for MBA programmes.
| Institute | Programme |
|
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM, Pune) |
|
|
Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies & Research (SICSR) |
|
|
Symbiosis Centre for Management & Human Resource Development (SCMHRD) |
|
|
Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB) |
|
|
Symbiosis Institute of Digital & Telecom Management (SIDTM) formerly Symbiosis Institute of Telecom Management |
|
|
Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS) |
|
|
Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication, Pune (SIMC) |
|
|
Symbiosis Institute of Operations Management, Nashik (SIOM) |
|
|
Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology (SCIT) |
|
|
Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences (SIHS) |
|
|
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Bengaluru (SIBM, Bengaluru) |
|
|
Symbiosis School of Banking & Finance (SSBF) formerly Symbiosis School of Banking Management |
|
|
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Hyderabad (SIBM, Hyderabad) |
|
|
Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences (SSSS) |
|
|
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Nagpur (SIBM, Nagpur) |
|
|
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, NOIDA (SIBM, NOIDA) |
|
|
Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts and Nutritional Sciences (SSCANS) |
|
Also Check out: MBA in HR Management
MBA Eligibility Criteria for MAT
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a national-level test for admission to MBA and other related programs at 600+ B-schools in India. Find the top MAT colleges, their eligibility and placement report below.
| MBA Colleges | Eligibility | Avg. Placement LPA (Latest Report) |
|
BIMTECH PGDM – Insurance Business Management |
50% in graduation with PI and Extempore |
10.59 |
|
Amrita School of Business, Coimbatore |
60% marks in 10th, 12th and UG course and PI. |
8.32 |
|
IPE, Hyderabad |
50% in graduation+Academic Record+PI+Weightage in Sport. |
7.02 |
|
Chandragupt Institute of Management – CIMP Patna |
A bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/differently abled), Preference to candidates with work experience. |
6.84 |
|
Delhi School of Business (DSB), Delhi |
A bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/differently abled), Preference to candidates with work experience. |
9.00 |
|
St. Joseph’s Institute of Management (SJIM), Bangalore |
At least 50% marks in graduation, 45% for SC/ST/DAP candidates. |
9.00 |
|
SCMS Cochin School of Business |
A minimum of 50% marks in graduation. |
7.80 |
MBA Eligibility Criteria for NMAT
The NMIMS Management Aptitude Test (NMAT) is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) to offer admission to MBA programmes at the Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Hyderabad, Indore, and Ahmedabad campuses. Check the course-wise eligibility criteria below.
| Courses | Eligibility |
|
MBA Mumbai / Bengaluru / Jadcherla (Hyderabad) / Navi Mumbai / Indore / Ahmedabad/ MBA HR Mumbai |
Graduation in any discipline with 50% marks. |
|
MBA - Business Analytics, Mumbai |
Bachelor's Degree with 50% marks in B.E, B.Tech, B.Sc. Maths, B.Sc. Statistics, B.Sc. Computer Science, B.Sc. Information Technology, B.Sc. Data Science/ Analytics, B.Sc. Economics, B.Sc. Finance. |
|
MBA(Digital Transformation), Mumbai |
Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 50% in B.E, B.Tech, B.Sc. Maths, B.Sc. Statistics, B.Sc. Computer Science, B.Sc. Information Technology, B.Sc. Data Science/ Analytics, B.Sc. Economics, B.Sc. Finance. |
|
MBA Pharmaceutical Management, Mumbai |
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm / M.Pharm), BDS, BHMS, BAMS, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, MBBS, Microbiology from a recognised University with a minimum of 50% marks in the aggregate |
Also Read: MBA in Pharmaceutical Management
MBA Eligibility Criteria for ATMA
The AIMS Test for Management Admission (ATMA) is a national-level MBA entrance test conducted by the Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS). The MBA programs offered through ATMA are MBA, PGDM and MMS. The ATMA test score is accepted by over 200 B-schools. Here is the eligibility for some of the top ATMA colleges.
| ATMA Score Accepting Colleges | Eligibility |
|
IPE |
50% marks in a bachelor’s degree in any discipline (45% for SC/ST candidates) |
|
XIME |
50% marks in a bachelor’s degree in any discipline (45% for SC/ST candidates) |
|
Welingkar |
A minimum of 50% marks in graduation. Preference given to academic performance and work experience. |
|
SPJIMR |
No minimum marks required. ATMA score, interview and the candidate’s profile will be considered for selection |
|
NSB Bangalore |
No minimum marks. Scholarship given to students for 75% marks or higher in graduation. |
GMAT Eligibility Criteria for MBA Admission
The GMAT, administered by GMAC, is another popular exam accepted by over 2,400 business schools worldwide. The following are the eligibility criteria for the GMAT exam (latest edition).
- The GMAT has an age criterion. A candidate’s minimum age to schedule the exam is 18 years. Candidates aged 13 to 17 must obtain consent from their parents or guardians before scheduling the test.
- According to the official source, there is no mention of minimum marks or qualifications required to take the GMAT. However, having a bachelor’s degree is desirable.
- Work experience is not mandatory to take the GMAT.
Top GMAT Colleges in India
GMAT is accepted by more than 140 institutes in India. Some of the best accepting colleges include IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, MICA Ahmedabad, and Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur. Here is a list of IIMs and private colleges accepting GMAT scores.
| IIMs Accepting GMAT in India | Private Colleges Accepting GMAT in India |
|
IIM Ahmedabad |
Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur |
|
IIM Bangalore |
Management Development School, Gurgaon |
|
IIM Calcutta |
SP Jain School of Management and Research, Mumbai |
|
IIM Lucknow |
Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad |
|
IIM Indore |
Ta Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal |
|
IIM Kozhikode |
MICA, Ahmedabad |
|
IIM Rohtak |
Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar |
|
IIM Raipur |
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai |
|
IIM Tiruchirapalli |
International Management Institute (IMI), New Delhi |
|
IIM Udaipur |
FORE School of Management, New Delhi |
Check more Details about GMAT Exam
| GMAT Cutoff | GMAT Online vs In-Person Exam |
| GMAT Syllabus | GMAT Preparation |
MBA Eligibility Criteria in India: A Comparison of Top Exams
50% is the minimum eligibility for most MBA entrances in India. Check the brief comparison below.
| MBA Entrance Exam | Educational Qualification | Minimum Marks Required | Final-Year Students Eligible | Age Limit |
|
CAT |
Bachelor's Degree |
50% (General), 45% (SC/ST/PwD) |
Yes |
No Age Limit |
|
XAT |
Bachelor's Degree |
50% (General), 45% (SC/ST/PwD) |
Yes |
No Age Limit |
|
MAT |
Bachelor's Degree |
50% (General), 45% (SC/ST/PwD) |
Yes |
No Age Limit |
|
CMAT |
Bachelor's Degree |
No Fixed Minimum |
Yes |
No Age Limit |
|
SNAP |
Bachelor's Degree |
Generally 50% |
Yes |
No Age Limit |
|
NMAT |
Bachelor's Degree |
Generally 50% |
Yes |
No Age Limit |
|
ATMA |
Bachelor's Degree |
No Fixed Minimum |
Yes |
No Age Limit |
|
GMAT |
Bachelor's Degree |
Depends on the Institute |
Yes |
Minimum 18 Years |
Compare Top MBA Colleges
Important Resources for MBA Aspirants
| MBA Fees | MBA Full Form |
Explore the top MBA Colleges
| MBA Colleges in Kolkata | MBA Colleges in Chennai |
| MBA Colleges in Coimbatore | MBA Colleges in Delhi |
| MBA Colleges in Nagpur | MBA Colleges in Bhopal |
FAQs on MBA Eligibility Criteria in India
Nidhi Priya
Nidhi Priya has over 6 years of experience in EdTech content and SEO. She specializes in content strategy, organic growth, and mentoring editorial teams, with previous experience at iQuanta, CollegeDekho, and Careers360.
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