IIM Lucknow MBA-ABM, MBA-SM & PGPWE Through CAT 2026: Eligibility, Admission Process & Selection

The CAT 2026 Notification has been released, allowing candidates to apply for various management programmes offered by the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow). Apart from its flagship MBA, the institute offers specialised programmes such as the MBA in Agribusiness Management (MBA-ABM), MBA in Sustainable Management (MBA-SM), and the Post Graduate Programme for Working Executives (PGPWE).

Each programme is designed for a specific academic background and career stage. Before applying, you should understand the eligibility criteria, accepted entrance examinations, work experience requirements, and selection process for your preferred programme.

IIM Lucknow MBA-ABM, MBA-SM & PGPWE: Programme Overview 

Before you explore each programme in detail, here is a quick comparison of the MBA-ABM, MBA-SM, and PGPWE programmes at IIM Lucknow. This overview will help you understand their duration, mode of study, and eligibility requirements. 

MBA in Agribusiness Management (MBA-ABM) at IIM Lucknow

The MBA in Agribusiness Management (MBA-ABM) is a two-year full-time residential programme. It is designed for students who want to build careers in agribusiness, rural management, food processing, agricultural marketing, supply chain management, and related sectors.

The programme focuses on developing professionals who can contribute to agribusiness organisations, agro-based enterprises, startups, and policy-related roles. Students who successfully complete the programme are awarded the Master of Business Administration (Agribusiness Management) degree.

Key Highlights of IIM Lucknow MBA-ABM

• Two-year full-time residential programme

• MBA degree in Agribusiness Management

• Focus on agribusiness and agro-based industries

• International orientation

• International exchange opportunities

• Placement support after programme completion

IIM Lucknow MBA-ABM Eligibility

You can apply for the MBA-ABM programme if you meet any one of the following eligibility conditions.

Option 1

You should have a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates) in agriculture or allied disciplines such as:

• Agriculture

• Agricultural Engineering

• Animal Husbandry

• Dairy Science

• Forestry

• Food Technology

• Horticulture

• Rural Studies

• Rural Sociology

• Rural Banking

• Biology

• Biotechnology

• Biochemistry

• Botany

• Home Science

• Life Science

• Zoology

• Veterinary Science

The bachelor's degree must be of at least three years after Class 12.

Option 2

You can also apply if you hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates) along with:

• At least two years of experience in agriculture or allied sectors, or

• A strong interest in agriculture and allied sectors.

If you apply through this route, you must submit the Special Form for PGP-ABM during the interview stage. 

Students appearing in the final year of their bachelor's degree can also apply, subject to fulfilling the institute's eligibility requirements.

IIM Lucknow MBA-ABM Admission Process

Your admission to the MBA-ABM programme is based on multiple stages that assess your academic profile, CAT performance, work experience, and interview performance. 

The selection process includes:

• CAT score

• Academic performance

• Relevant work experience

• Group Discussion (GD)

• Personal Interview (PI)

The final merit list is prepared using the overall performance in these stages.

IIM Lucknow MBA-SM

The MBA in Sustainable Management (MBA-SM) is a two-year full-time postgraduate programme designed for students and professionals who want to build careers in sustainability, ESG, public policy, and responsible business management. The curriculum combines core management education with environmental, social, and policy-focused subjects. 

The curriculum includes management subjects along with specialised areas such as:

• Systems Thinking

• Social Entrepreneurship

• Public Policy

• Stakeholder Management

• Externalities

• Life Cycle Management

The programme is suitable if you want to build a career in sustainability consulting, ESG, corporate sustainability, public policy, and social enterprises.

Key Highlights of IIM Lucknow MBA-SM

• Two-year full-time programme

• MBA degree in Sustainable Management

• International immersion opportunities

• Sustainability-focused curriculum

• Placement assistance

IIM Lucknow MBA-SM Eligibility

To apply for MBA-SM, you should have:

• A bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates)

• At least two years of professional work experience

Shortlisted candidates are also required to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) during the admission process.

IIM Lucknow MBA-SM Admission Process

Admission is based on several components.

The selection process includes:

• CAT score

• Academic profile

• Professional work experience

• Written Ability Test (WAT)

• Personal Interview (PI)

Candidates are shortlisted before the WAT and PI rounds.

IIM Lucknow PGPWE

The Post Graduate Programme for Working Executives (PGPWE) is a two-year management programme offered at the IIM Lucknow Noida Campus. It is designed for professionals who want to continue working while pursuing management education.

Earlier known as the Working Managers' Programme (WMP), PGPWE helps experienced professionals strengthen their leadership and managerial skills.

Students who successfully complete the programme receive an MBA degree.

Key Highlights of IIM Lucknow PGPWE

• Two-year programme

• Conducted at the Noida Campus

• Designed for working professionals

• Continue working while studying

• International immersion component

• MBA degree on successful completion

IIM Lucknow PGPWE Eligibility

To apply for PGPWE, you should meet the following requirements.

Educational Qualification

You should have:

• A bachelor's degree (10+2+3 or 10+2+4 pattern) with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA.

Entrance Test

You should have a valid score in any one of the following:

• GMAT

• GMAT Focus Edition

• GRE

• CAT 2023 or CAT 2024

• GATE 2024 or GATE 2025

• PGPWE Entrance Examination conducted by IIM Lucknow

Work Experience

You must have at least three years of full-time work experience after graduation as on the prescribed eligibility date.

Internships, training, freelance work, and project work completed as part of your academic programme are not counted as eligible work experience.

IIM Lucknow PGPWE Selection Process

The selection process considers several factors, including:

• Entrance test score

• Academic profile

• Work experience

• Performance in the institute's selection process

Eligible candidates are shortlisted based on these parameters before the final admission decision.

Reservation Policy at IIM Lucknow

Admissions to these programmes follow the Government of India reservation policy.

Reservation is available for the following categories:

• Scheduled Caste (SC)

• Scheduled Tribe (ST)

• Other Backward Classes - Non-Creamy Layer (NC-OBC)

• Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)

• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD)

Candidates claiming reservation should ensure they satisfy the applicable eligibility requirements and submit valid supporting documents during admission.

Which IIM Lucknow Programme Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on your academic background and career plans.

The specialised programmes offered by IIM Lucknow cater to candidates with different educational backgrounds and professional experience. Whether you are interested in agribusiness, sustainability, or executive management, selecting the right programme depends on your academic profile, career goals, and work experience. Before submitting your application, carefully review the official eligibility criteria, accepted entrance examinations, and selection process for your preferred programme.