Several Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) accept GMAT scores for selected management programmes, particularly programmes designed for experienced professionals and international candidates. However, GMAT acceptance varies by IIM, programme and applicant category.
This guide covers which IIMs accept GMAT scores, the programmes that use GMAT scores, eligibility requirements, indicative score expectations, work-experience requirements and other admission considerations. Candidates should check the latest admission notification of their target IIM before applying, as programme-specific criteria can change.
All the B-Schools in India use different entrance exams to shortlist candidates for their MBA courses. GMAT is one such MBA entrance exam. The Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) is a standardised MBA entrance exam conducted by GMAC for admission into a graduate business program. The question, "Which IIMs accept GMAT Scores in 2026?" can be found here.
The exam tests a candidate’s knowledge and proficiency in quantitative, verbal and critical thinking required to understand subjects of management studies. A question always stays with the candidate, Which IIMs Accept GMAT Scores GMAT. There are number of IIMs including that od IIM Lucknow, IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Calcutta which accept GMAT Scores. Being a standardised test, enables the business schools to evaluate candidates from different backgrounds on an equitable basis.
Yes, some IIMs accept GMAT scores for specific management programmes. However, GMAT acceptance is programme-specific, so candidates should not assume that a GMAT score can be used for every IIM MBA programme.
There are a number of IIMs that accept GMAT Score for IIM for admission to their management courses. Candidates can check the table below for a list of IIMs accepting GMAT Scores, their eligibility criteria and their MBA programs:
| IIM | Programme | GMAT Accepted? | Key Eligibility |
| IIM Ahmedabad | MBA-PGPX / relevant programme | Yes, for applicable programme | Degree + required work experience |
| IIM Bangalore | Relevant executive/PGP programmes | Programme-specific | Degree + programme-specific experience |
| IIM Calcutta | Executive MBA / relevant programme | Yes, for applicable programme | Graduation + required work experience |
| IIM Lucknow | PGPWE / relevant programme | Yes, for applicable programme | Degree + required work experience |
| IIM Indore | EPGP | Yes | Graduation + required work experience |
| IIM Kozhikode | EPGP | Yes | Bachelor's degree + required professional experience |
GMAT Scores typically fall within a range of 205-805, while candidates achieve an average score between 400-600 marks. However, IIMs mandate a high GMAT score for admission to MBA courses. The GMAT cut off for IIM is 715 or above. Prominent IIMs such as IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, and IIM Ahmedabad typically require GMAT scores exceeding 700 for their one-year PGPX program.
The minimum overall GMAT cut-off for IIMs is generally around a weighted average of 600 and more. However, specific criteria may vary for different colleges. Candidates can check the table below for the GMAT scores accepted by IIMs and the corresponding eligibility criteria, fee structure, work experience details:
|
GMAT Cut off for IIM Admissions |
|||
|
IIM |
GMAT Cut-off |
Work Experience (years) |
Fee Structure |
|
IIM Ahmedabad |
700+ |
4 |
INR 25 lacs |
|
IIM Calcutta |
701 |
5 |
INR 27 lacs |
|
IIM Bangalore |
709+ |
5-12 |
INR 21,19,000 |
|
IIM Kozhikode |
700 |
3 |
INR 17,50,000 |
|
IIM Lucknow |
680+ |
5 |
INR 14.16 to 23.80 lacs |
|
IIM Indore |
700+ |
5 |
INR 16,10,000 to 16,50,000 |
The GMAT Exam conducted by GMAC provides aspiring candidates with a number of advantages in admission to MBA courses of IIMs. Candidates are thus always bothered by the question, Which IIMs Accept GMAT Scores, as they want to pursue an MBA from the best institutes of India, IIMs being the major ones. Candidates can also check for all the benefits of GMAT Scores for IIM Admissions:
Flexibility: The GMAT Exam is conducted throughout the year, where candidates can select the exam date of their choice and prepare accordingly. Such flexibility proves to be beneficial for working professionals who lack time for proper preparation.
Global Recognition: GMAT, as an MBA entrance exam, is widely recognised, and the GMAT Scores are not only accepted by colleges in India but also globally. An exam with such recognition enables the aspiring candidates to compete with other aspirants belonging to a diverse pool.
Standardized Evaluation: The GMAT Exam provides for a standardised assessment of a candidate’s skills in a number of areas, including Quantitative Reasoning, Data Insights and Verbal Reasoning.
Validity Period: GMAT is conducted year-round, and the GMAT Scores remain valid up to 5 years. The validity of the GMAT Scores allows the candidates to plan their application timelines without any concerns regarding the expiration of scores.
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