Great Lakes PGPM Admission Process
PGPM

Admission Process

Admission Process

 

At Great Lakes, we seek experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds with demonstrated track record of real world performance in business management and ability to lead as we aim to build a community of empathetic business leaders. As a top ranked business management school we continue to innovate business education to add value, not only to our candidates but also to our corporate stakeholders and society as a whole. This is reflected both in selection process and pedagogy of our One Year MBA Program. The admission process is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the candidates on multiple dimensions encompassing personal and professional track record, academic performance, management aptitude and demonstrated competencies.

Eligibility
  • Valid CAT*/GMATx/XAT+ scores. For PGPM admission process 2027-28, Great Lakes Institute of Management will accept scores of GMAT taken after 1st January 2024, CAT taken in 2025/2026, or XAT taken in 2026/2027.
  • A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized institution with minimum 50% across 10th, 12th & UG.
  • Candidates with 2+ years of work experience are considered.
  • Candidates with 2-3 years of work experience by 30th April 2027 are encouraged to apply for the One Year Flagship PGPM. They are also eligible to apply for the Two year PGDM.
  • In case an eligible candidate would like to apply for both the programs, they may do so by filling the application forms for both PGPM and PGDM separately. Candidates will be evaluated based on the respective program’s admission criteria. The admissions panel may also recommend the candidates for a specific program based on the assessment and program fit.
  • Freshers and candidates with experience lesser than 24 months strictly may apply to the Great Lakes PGDM Program
  • Candidates with family business experience, or belonging to business families and planning to join the business after their MBA, can enroll for the PGPM - Family Business & Entrepreneurship program

*Great Lakes uses CAT scores only for screening applications for admissions and IIMs have no role in the conduct of Great Lakes academic programs.

+Great Lakes is not an associate institute of XLRI and uses XAT scores only for screening applicants for admission. XLRI has no role to play in the conduct of any of Great Lakes programs.

xAll editions of GMAT - Classic, Focus and Online will be accepted.

#Great Lakes uses NMAT scores only for screening applications for admissions and NMIMS has no role in the conduct of Great Lakes academic programs.

Admission Process for Great Lakes programs are carried out only through the online application available on www.greatlakes.edu.in. Great Lakes Institute of Management has not authorized any third party to initiate applications on its behalf.

Great Lakes Institute of Management does not admit students under Management Quota or any other form of reservation. Any third party organization or individual offering management quota seats for Great Lakes programs would be fraudulent and applicants are requested not to approach such organizations or individuals.

Key Dates
Eligibility Criteria All GMAT Takers [GMAT 2024 , GMAT 2025, GMAT 2026 ]
All CAT 2025 & 2026 takers
All XAT 2026 & 2027 takers
Application Deadline To be announced
Personal Interview (PI) Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai
Eligibility Criteria All GMAT Takers [GMAT 2024 , GMAT 2025, GMAT 2026 ]
All CAT 2025 & 2026 takers
All XAT 2026 & 2027 takers
Application Deadline To be announced
Personal Interview (PI) Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata
All NMAT 2025 & NMAT 2026 takers
Eligibility Criteria All GMAT Takers [GMAT 2024 , GMAT 2025, GMAT 2026 ]
All CAT 2025 & 2026 takers
All XAT 2026 & 2027 takers
Application Deadline To be announced
Personal Interview (PI) 21st & 22nd February, 2026 - Delhi
22nd February, 2026 - Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata
All NMAT 2025 & NMAT 2026 takers
Eligibility Criteria All GMAT Takers [GMAT 2024 , GMAT 2025, GMAT 2026 ]
All CAT 2025 & 2026 takers
All XAT 2026 & 2027 takers
Application Deadline To be announced
Personal Interview (PI) Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai

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Profile-based Early Interview Process:

Great Lakes will conduct early interviews for PGPM Admission Process 2026 wherein applicants who have registered for MBA entrance exams - GMAT/CAT/XAT/NMAT but are yet to get the results would be shortlisted and interviewed along with candidates with scores basis the strength of their profiles.These profile based early interview candidates would be considered for final offer post submissions of scores once the test results are declared and submitted.

The profile based early interview process has been introduced to enable students with a strong demonstrated track record to apply early and subsequently get their result early. Given that the one year PGPM program starts early and the results are only available by end of February, the early Interview process aims to give students additional time to prepare for the start of the program.

Eg. Students taking CAT 2025 and shortlisted for the early interview process are likely to get their CAT scores in Jan 1st/2nd week and can get the final result by the end of January. They get the results 3 months before the start of the program as compared to 2 months after Cycle 2 results.

Following factors would be evaluated for the Profile-based Early Interviews:

  • Academics
  • Work Experience
  • Awards & Achievements

The final offer would consider other inputs as well, including Interview evaluation, Essays, Diversity and merit within the interviewed candidates.

Eligibility
What we look for?

Academic Abilities

Standardized test scores(GMAT/CAT/XAT/NMAT), School, College and University scores

Leadership Potential

Proven leadership capacity at Work, College or School level

Integrity and Ethical Values

Virtues that form the foundation for any leader

Diversity of Experience

How can you contribute to the Great Lakes community during and after the MBA program

 

Application Guidelines

  • Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria can apply to Great Lakes Institute of Management by completing an online form
  • Candidates can choose to apply by any of the following methods:
  • Visit the website www.greatlakes.edu.in and fill in the online application form after making a payment of INR 2,200. Candidates have the option of either applying to Great Lakes, Chennai and Great Lakes, Gurgaon campuses separately or for both the campuses through the common application form by selecting the appropriate option in the registration form
  • The eventual application process is online for all candidates
  • Candidates have to provide the official email-id of the recommender.
Admissions Journey
  • Online Application
  • Initial Screening & PI invite
  • AWT & Personal Interview
  • Final Shortlisting
  • Initial Fee Payment
  • Admission Offer Acceptance
  • Admission Offer Roll Out
  • Course Registration
  • Orientation
  • Course Commencement
 

Essay

The application essay is an integral part of our PGPM admission process applications and help us understand you better; who you are, what motivates you, what are your career aspirations and how you will fit in to the Great Lakes community.

As a part of the application process we have mandatory 1 essay:

  • What are your personal qualities which you think make you suitable to be a part of the Class of 2026-27?

This essay delves into what you would bring to the class as an individual. The PGPM Program at Great Lakes receives large number of applications from promising candidates every year and while selecting the candidates, it is important for us to understand how you will add value to the class and enrich the experience of your peers. You can utilize this essay to highlight qualities about you that have not been captured in the form, quantify them with real examples from your professional, academic and personal life and make your case to prove that you are a right fit candidate for the program.

Evaluation Process

Applicants are evaluated based on GMAT/CAT/XAT/NMAT scores, past academic performance, essays, work experience and performance in the 2 interview rounds. The selection process builds in a criterion that facilitates evaluating each applicant on:

a) Academic Abilities: The program at Great Lakes is highly demanding and intense; candidates with consistent academic background and an ability to sustain pressure make the shortlist

b) Standardized Test Scores: To eliminate inconsistencies between colleges and universities at the Undergraduate level, Great Lakes considers GMAT, CAT, XAT or NMAT scores in the overall assessment

c) Video Interview and Personal Interview: The AI-proctored video interview before the final PI will test a candidate for their thought process and communication skills. Shortlisted candidates from this round will go to the final PI process which aims to determine the suitability of the candidate for the program and as a future management professional. Candidates are assessed on a number of parameters including general and business awareness, clarity of goals, attitude, people skills, communication skills, personal and extra-curricular/professional initiatives, etc.

d) Rank Holders: The program gives a clear advantage / brownie points to College / University rank holders.

e) Integrity and Ethical Values: Great Lakes emphasize on integrity and values including originality. 

f) Diversity of Background: At Great Lakes, diversity in background facilitates peer learning which provides a diverse and comprehensive learning experience. We will actively try to bring an academic diversity into the PGPM classroom.

The above conditions / clauses / terms can be reviewed by the Institute from time to time. Hence, the prospective candidate is encouraged to visit the Great Lakes website at www.greatlakes.edu.in for regular updates.

 

Scholarships

Diversity & Merit Scholarships

Great Lakes is offering diversity and merit scholarships to one year PGPM students to encourage diversity of perspectives and commitment to excellence. A total of 40 diversity and merit based scholarships worth Rs.5 lakhs each will be awarded for the incoming PGPM cohort and minimum of 30% of the scholarships would be for female students. Candidates will be shortlisted based on their application form, essays and interview assessment and there is no separate application process. Selected candidates will be intimated on the award of scholarship through email post confirmation of their admission acceptance and enrolment to the program at least one month before program commencement.

Dr. Bala V Balachandran Merit Scholarship

The Dr. Bala V Balachandran Merit Scholarship has been instituted in memory of Dr. Bala V Balachandran (1937-2021), Founder, Great Lakes Institute of Management. The scholarship seeks to recognize candidates with exceptional potential and demonstrated track record and encourage their pursuit of excellence at Great Lakes. The Dr. Bala V Balachandran Merit Scholarships constitute full Tuition Fee waiver (view tuition PGPM fee component) and access to mentorship from CXOs as well as high achieving alumni giving them an invaluable learning experience and networking opportunities.

CLICK HERE to know more about the Legacy of Dr. Bala V Balachandran.

FAQs

Step 1: Fill Out the Online Application

Complete the application form with your personal, academic, professional, and entrance exam details (CAT, GMAT, XAT, or NMAT).

Step 2: Write the Application Essay

Share your career goals, aspirations, and what makes you a strong fit for the program.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

Submit the application fee of Rs 2,200 to complete your application.

Step 4: Choose Your Campus Preference

A single application allows you to apply for the Chennai and/or Gurgaon campus.

Step 5: Submit and Wait for Shortlisting

Review your application, submit it online, and await communication from the Admissions Team regarding the next steps.

The PGPM is designed for ambitious working professionals looking to accelerate their careers through a one-year MBA.

Academic Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
  • Minimum 60% marks in:
    • Class 10
    • Class 12
    • Undergraduate degree

Work Experience

  • Minimum 2 years of full-time work experience as of 30th April 2026.
  • Candidates with 2–3 years of experience are particularly well-suited for the program.

Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Early to mid-career professionals seeking faster career growth.
  • Individuals looking to build managerial and leadership capabilities through an intensive one-year MBA experience.

Candidates interested in applying to the One Year MBA Program at Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, must have valid entrance examination scores for CAT, XAT, GMAT, and NMAT.

  • CAT
  • GMAT
  • XAT
  • NMAT

In cases where multiple attempts have been made, the candidate can submit all the results. While evaluating the results, the best available results are considered. These tests measure the analytical, quantitative, and program aptitude of the students.

Great Lakes does not have a minimum cut-off for the CAT, GMAT, XAT, or NMAT for the PGPM program. Great Lakes takes a holistic approach for the admissions process. While evaluating the entrance exams, other factors such as academic consistency, work experience, leadership skills, essays, and interviews are also considered. This approach helps the admission committee to evaluate the potential that the candidate can bring to the class.

For the 2026-27 session, for admission to the PGPM course, Great Lakes accepts the

following test scores:

  • GMAT: Scores taken after 01 January 2023
  • CAT: Scores taken in 2024 or 2025
  • XAT: Scores taken in 2025 or 2026
  • NMAT: Scores taken in 2024 and onwards

The applicants can submit their application even before they receive their results from upcoming tests such as CAT 2025, XAT 2026, etc., and then submit their test scores once they receive their results.

After submitting the application form for the PGPM course, applicants cannot edit their application. Hence, it is recommended that applicants go through all the sections carefully before submitting their application form. If applicants feel they have to edit their application, they can contact the admissions team at Great Lakes.

During the course of filling out the application form for the PGPM course at Great Lakes, applicants have to provide information and submit documents related to:

  • Academic documents: Academic records related to secondary and higher secondary education, as well as undergraduate studies
  • Test scores: CAT, GMAT, XAT, and NMAT
  • Work experience
  • Resume
  • Application essays
  • Recommender: Official Email ID

Shortlisted candidates may also be asked to submit additional documents at later stages of the admission process.

The preparation for the admission process into the Great Lakes One-Year MBA (PGPM) should cover the following areas:

  • Achievement of a high score in CAT, GMAT, XAT, or NMAT exams
  • Demonstration of professional success and leadership qualities
  • Development of an excellent application essay that presents career goals and strengths
  • Preparation for the AI proctored video interview and the subsequent Personal Interview

The admission committee will look for the following criteria in the application:

  • Career goals
  • Business acumen
  • Communication skills
  • Leadership qualities

The shortlisted candidates are asked to appear for in person Personal Interview (PI) round. Personal interviews are conducted in metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, or Mumbai, depending on the admission cycle and interview schedule.

The Admission decisions are typically communicated after the completion of the interview rounds and final evaluation of the candidate’s profile.

Yes. Students seeking admission to the PGPM program at the Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, can apply for education loans with various leading financial institutions. Many banks offer MBA education loans to students seeking admission to top MBA colleges in India. The Institute can assist students with the available loan facilities and the documents to be submitted for the purpose.

Yes. International students/NRI students are also eligible to apply for the Great Lakes One-Year MBA (PGPM) program. The applicants should meet the eligibility criteria for the program, including the minimum academic qualifications, valid entrance exam scores such as the GMAT, or other entrance exams, along with the other documents to be submitted with the application form.

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