IIM Bangalore MBA: Do you want to pursue MBA from IIM Bangalore? CAT score is not required for this course.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is widely recognised as the main gateway to top MBA programmes in India, including the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Known for its high difficulty, clearing the CAT with excellent marks is crucial for admission. Interestingly, many MBA courses offered by IIMs do not require CAT scores for admission. One of these is the Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP) offered by IIM Bangalore. This is a great opportunity for budding entrepreneurs and working professionals to get a strong foothold in the industry and gain a deep understanding of the fundamentals of management. Here are essential details about the curriculum and entrance exams to pursue the EPGP course from this premier institute.

IIM Bangalore’s EPGP Program: A Detailed Approach

The Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP) is a rigorous one-year, full-time residential MBA program designed for experienced professionals with 5 to 12 years of industry experience. Providing a broad foundation in core management principles, the program mirrors the academic intensity and breadth of a traditional two-year MBA. The course covers financial reporting and analysis, managerial economics, marketing management, corporate finance, business law and operations management, etc. The eligibility criteria for the EPGP course states that candidates must have a minimum of 50% marks in their undergraduate studies, as well as a valid GMAT or GRE score. There is no requirement for a CAT score at all. The fee structure of the course ranges from INR 30 to 34 lakhs for the entire duration of the program.

EPGP Courses at IIM Bangalore: A Look at the Admission Process

The EPGP admission process begins with the submission of the online application form available on the IIM Bangalore website. A non-refundable application fee is required to submit the application form. Only completely filled applications that meet the specified academic and other eligibility criteria will proceed to the next stage. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
After the interview, applicants are evaluated and given a composite score based on various factors such as academic performance, Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or Graduate Management Admission Test (GRE) scores, quality of work experience, and their performance in both the writing ability test and the interview. Admission offers are extended based on this composite score, subject to seat availability, provided the candidate meets the minimum required threshold set by the admissions committee.

Entrance Exam for EPGP Courses

IIMB accepts GMAT and GRE scores for its EPGP programme. It is also mentioned that online GMAT or GRE scores will not be accepted by the institute.
GMAT
The GMAT is a standardized test that assesses a candidate’s quantitative and verbal reasoning skills, often required for admission to graduate business schools. Many business schools use GMAT scores to evaluate an applicant’s readiness for the rigorous demands of an MBA program and to determine scholarship and financial aid eligibility. Although not mandatory for all programs, the GMAT is widely accepted worldwide, especially among international students. Prestigious international business schools that recognize GMAT scores include Stanford University, Harvard University and MIT in the USA, McGill University in Canada, Melbourne University in Australia, Manchester University in Europe and the National University of Singapore.
The GMAT, a computer-adaptive test with 80 questions, takes three hours and seven minutes, excluding a 30-minute check-in period. The test is divided into four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Each section is timed and scored independently. The total score based on performance in the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections is later converted into a final score. Test takers receive their official results within 20 days, scores are valid for five years.
The GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is an internationally recognized entrance exam often required for admission to graduate programs, particularly in the United States. It evaluates a candidate’s skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
The total duration of the GRE test starting in September 2023 is approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes and consists of five sections. The Analytical Writing section consists of a single task, “Analyze an issue”, for which 30 minutes are allotted. The Verbal Reasoning part is divided into two sections, with Section 1 consisting of 12 questions to be completed in 18 minutes and Section 2 consisting of 15 questions with a time limit of 23 minutes. The Quantitative Reasoning section also consists of two parts: Section 1, consisting of 12 questions to be answered in 21 minutes, and Section 2, consisting of 15 questions with a time limit of 26 minutes.

How to prepare for GMAT and GRE exam in 2025?

Adopting the right preparation strategy is the first step to succeeding in any exam. Here we have compiled a list of expert-backed preparation tips to help you prepare for GMAT or GRE.