Top Indian Colleges Accepting GMAT Scores (2025)

CL Team August 21 2025
19 min read

This means with just one exam, you can target Indian B-schools and international universities simultaneously. And unlike the CAT, which is conducted once a year, the GMAT is available year-round — offering flexibility in planning your MBA journey.

At Career Launcher Noida, we guide hundreds of aspirants every year who use the GMAT as a smart route to secure admissions in both Indian and international programs.

 


 

Why Choose GMAT for Indian B-Schools?

  • One Exam, Global & Indian Options – Apply to leading Indian institutes and international universities.

  • Year-Round Availability – Take the GMAT whenever you’re ready, not just once a year.

  • Executive MBA Advantage – India’s top one-year MBAs like ISB, IIM PGPX, and XLRI GMP accept GMAT.

  • Profile-Based Admissions – Institutes consider your work experience, academics, and leadership roles, not just test scores.

 


 

Indian B-Schools Accepting GMAT: Two Categories

In 2025, GMAT-accepting Indian B-schools can be grouped into:

  1. For Freshers – No prior work experience required.

  2. For Experienced Professionals – Designed for candidates with 3–5 years of work experience.

 


 

Category 1: GMAT-Eligible Colleges for Freshers

If you’re a recent graduate or in your final year, these programs let you start your MBA journey right away.

College / Institute

Program

ISB (Hyderabad & Mohali)

PGP (Early Entry / YLP)

IIM Ahmedabad

PGP

IMI – New Delhi

PGDM

IMT – Ghaziabad

PGDM

IMI – Kolkata

PGDM

IMI – Bhubaneswar

PGDM

MDI – Murshidabad

PGDM

LBSIM – Delhi

PGDM

Goa Institute of Management

PGDM

Highlights:

  • ISB YLP & Early Entry: Secure admission early, join after a short work stint.

  • IIM Ahmedabad PGP: Limited GMAT seats (primarily for NRI/International applicants).

  • IMI & IMT: Strong corporate exposure in Delhi NCR.

  • Goa Institute of Management: Known for healthcare & analytics-focused programs.

 


 

Category 2: GMAT-Eligible Colleges for Experienced Professionals

For working professionals with 3–5 years of experience, these one-year and executive MBAs offer career acceleration, leadership exposure, and global opportunities.

College / Institute

Program

ISB (Hyderabad & Mohali)

PGP

IIM Ahmedabad

PGPX

IIM Calcutta

MBAEx

IIM Indore

EPGP

IIM Lucknow

IPMX

IIM Kozhikode

PGP-BL

SPJIMR – Mumbai

PGPM

XLRI – Jamshedpur

GMP

MDI – Gurgaon

PGDM / PGDM-BM

Great Lakes – Chennai

PGPM

Highlights:

  • ISB PGP & IIM Ahmedabad PGPX: Among Asia’s top-ranked one-year MBA programs.

  • IIM Calcutta MBAEx: Popular for its finance expertise & alumni network.

  • SPJIMR PGPM: Ideal for mid-senior professionals targeting leadership roles.

  • XLRI GMP: Strong curriculum in HR & general management.

 


 

GMAT Score Benchmarks (2025)

While admissions are profile-based, here’s a general idea of GMAT requirements for Indian colleges:

  • Top programs (ISB, IIM A PGPX, IIM B EPGP): 700+

  • Other reputed schools: 650+

  • Exceptional work achievements or extracurriculars can compensate for slightly lower scores.

 


 

How to Select the Right Program

  • Fresh Graduate / Final-Year Student? → Choose Category 1 programs.

  • 3–5 Years of Work Experience? → Target Category 2 executive/one-year MBAs.

  • 💡 Pro Tip from Career Launcher Noida: Always align your MBA program choice with long-term career goals — freshers should aim for foundational MBA programs, while working professionals can leverage one-year MBAs for leadership roles.

 


 

Final Thoughts

The GMAT is no longer just for international applicants — it’s a strategic gateway into India’s best management programs. Whether you’re a fresher looking to begin your career or an experienced professional seeking rapid career growth, there’s a GMAT-accepting B-school in India for you.

Your GMAT success formula:

  1. Identify your category (Freshers vs. Experienced).

  2. Aim for a competitive GMAT score.

  3. Apply smartly to both Indian and global programs.

 


 

Kickstart Your GMAT Journey with Career Launcher Noida

At Career Launcher Noida, we specialize in GMAT coaching for both fresh graduates and working professionals. Our expert mentors, structured study plans, and adaptive practice tests ensure you score high and secure admission to your dream B-school.

👉 Enroll now with Career Launcher Noida and take the first step towards an MBA that transforms your career.