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PGDM Admissions Process
Admission Process
Key Dates
Great Lakes is introducing two rounds of interviews for PGDM to enable and optimize early processing of applications and sending out offers to candidates. The details are below:
| Eligibility Criteria | GMAT 2024 onwards |
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| Application Deadline | TBD | |||||
| Personal Interview (PI) | Online Mode | |||||
| Eligibility Criteria |
GMAT 2024 onwards |
|||||
| Application Deadline | TBD | |||||
| Personal Interview (PI) | Online Mode | |||||
| Eligibility Criteria | GMAT 2024 onwards CAT 2025 and CAT 2026 XAT 2026 and XAT 2027 |
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| Application Deadline | TBD | |||||
| Personal Interview (PI) | Online Mode | |||||
| Eligibility Criteria | GMAT 2024 onwards CAT 2025 and CAT 2026 XAT 2026 and XAT 2027 |
|||||
| Application Deadline | TBD | |||||
| Personal Interview (PI) | Online Mode | |||||
Eligibility Criteria - Admissions PGDM 2027 Intake
- All applicants are required to appear for GMAT, CAT* or XAT+ before applying to Great Lakes Institute of Management.
- For PGDM 2027 Intake, Great Lakes Institute of Management will accept scores of GMAT taken on or after 1st January 2024, CAT taken in 2025/2026, XAT taken in 2026/2027 onwards.
- All applicants should possess a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized institution, with minimum 50% across 10th, 12th & UG..
- Freshers and candidates with strictly less than 36 months of work experience as on 30th May 2027 ONLY are eligible to apply.
- 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
- 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
- There will be a special preference for College / University rank holders in terms of an extra weightage gained as part of the selection process. The onus of proof of rank is vested in the applicant.
*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 but uses XAT scores only for screening applicants for admission & XLRI has no role to play in the conduct of any of Great Lakes Management programs
xAll editions of GMAT - Classic, Focus and Online will be accepted.
Admissions to 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.
Admission Process
- Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria can apply to Great Lakes Institute of Management by completing an online form.
- To apply, candidates must fill in the online application form on www.greatlakes.edu.in after making a payment of INR 2,200 online. 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.
All your queries regarding admission process can be sent to us at admissions@greatlakes.edu.in.
Evaluation Process
Applicants are evaluated based on GMAT/CAT/XAT scores, past academic performance, work experience and performance in the AI proctored Interview and personal interview. 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 or CAT or XAT scores in the overall assessment
c) Personal Interview: The Personal Interview is conducted online and aims to assess the candidate’s suitability for the program and their potential as a future management professional. Candidates are evaluated on parameters including general and business awareness, clarity of goals, attitude, people skills, communication skills, and personal, extracurricular, and professional initiatives.
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 transforms ‘uncut stones’ into ‘diamonds’. We will actively try to bring an academic diversity into the PGDM 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.
All your queries regarding admission process can be sent to us at admissions@greatlakes.edu.in.
Profile-based Early Interview Process:
Great Lakes will conduct Early interviews for PGDM Admissions 2027 wherein applicants who have registered for eligible GMAT/CAT/XAT exams 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.
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. The Early Interview process aims to give students additional time to prepare for the start of the program.
Following factors would be evaluated for the Profile-based Early Interviews:
- Academics
- Extracurricular Participation
- Awards & Achievements
The final offer would consider other inputs as well, including Interview evaluation, Diversity and merit within the interviewed candidates.
For any queries regarding the Profile-based early interview, write to admissions@greatlakes.edu.in
FAQs
The PGDM admission process is designed to assess a candidate's academic background, potential, and overall fit for the program.
Step 1: Submit the Online Application
Complete the application form and provide your academic, personal, and entrance exam details.
Step 2: Application Screening
Applications are reviewed based on academic performance, entrance exam scores, and overall profile.
Step 3: Personal Interview
Candidates who clear the AI interview are invited for a personal interview with the admissions panel.
Step 4: Final Selection
The Admissions Committee evaluates the complete profile and releases offer letters to selected candidates.
Step 5: Offer Acceptance & Fee Payment
Selected candidates confirm their admission by accepting the offer and paying the initial fee.
Step 6: Document Verification & Enrollment
After document verification, students complete registration, orientation, and begin their PGDM journey.
To complete your PGDM application, you will need to provide:
- Academic details and marksheets
- Entrance exam scores (CAT, XAT, or GMAT)
- Personal and professional information
Applicants should ensure that all information and supporting documents are accurate and up to date before submitting the application.
Great Lakes accepts scores from the following entrance exams:
- CAT
- XAT
- GMAT
Candidates can apply using a valid score from any one of these exams as part of their PGDM application. Best score will be considered in case multiple scores are submitted.
There is no minimum work experience requirement. Freshers and candidates with less than 36 months of work experience as of 30th May 2027 are eligible to apply.
The PGDM admissions process follows a holistic, profile-based evaluation approach.
Candidates are assessed on multiple aspects, including:
- Academic performance
- Entrance exam scores
- Overall profile and achievements
- Personal Interview performance
The Admissions Committee evaluates each application comprehensively to identify candidates with strong potential for academic success, leadership, and career growth.
The PGDM is ideal for fresh graduates and early-career professionals looking to build management skills, switch domains, or fast-track their careers into managerial roles
- Academic Eligibility
- Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized institution
- Minimum 50% throughout academics
- Work Experience
- Freshers can apply
Candidates with less than 36 months of work experience are eligible The program is designed for individuals who aspire to become business-ready managers and future leaders.
