Compare IIM Shillong vs TAPMI Manipal

For admission to the MBA applicants are required to qualify for the CAT. Overseas candidates may however, apply with GMAT scores.

Validity and other conditions are specified below:

• CAT - Current year scores
• GMAT score - no earlier than 24 months prior to last date of application

Overseas candidates including NRIs who seek admission to IIM Shillong (IIMS) Master in Business Administration (MBA) can apply in the prescribed application form furnishing their latest GMAT scores. The scores should not be older than 24 months as on the last date of application. The Institute considers the GMAT scores of the candidates living abroad in lieu of CAT score. The overseas candidates who happen to be in India during the CAT examination, should appear in the CAT  

An Indian citizen living abroad (studying or employed) will qualify as an overseas candidate for the purpose of considering themselves for admission only if the period of stay is not less than 18 months . There is no reservation for overseas candidates and the offer of admission will be made solely on the basis of merit as in the case of other applicants taking CAT.

The Admission Process provided below explains the common process followed across all Programs.

• Each MBA Program may have additional components for selection based on its specific requirements.
• Shortlist and Merit list for each Program is separate and independent of each other.
• Shortlist/Selection in one Program does not guarantee shortlist/selection for the other Program (for candidates who apply to multiple programs).

Stage I: Shortlisting

Applicants will be shortlisted based on valid (best scores) entrance examinations.

• CAT (Common Admission Test) 2025
• XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) 2026
• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) January 1, 2021- January 31, 2026
• NMAT by GMAC™ 2025 scores, whichever is higher.

 (Applicants can submit more than one test score)

Apart from high test score, TAPMI considers the overall profile of candidates. For example, academic profile (10^th, 12^th, Graduation marks), work experience, extra-curricular achievements, achievements in sports, contribution to social activities, entrepreneurial spirit, diversity, leadership potential, integrity and values. The entrance examination cut-off may vary slightly each year across programs, depending upon the profile of applicants and the suitability of the profile to specific program(s). 

Students shall be informed about the shortlist decision on their registered email address.

Stage II: Admission Process (GD-PI)

Stage II of TAPMI admission process consists of Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI).

*TAPMI makes suitable changes every year in the GD/PI process to select bright and deserving candidates. Shortlisted candidates will be informed about changes for 2026-28 admission process, if any.

Final Selection

The final selection of the candidate is based on the following:

 *As per the AICTE APH 2024-27, subject to change. Please refer to the website for details.

 Fast-Track Admits

Fast-Track Admits are an exclusive group of candidates who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and a commitment to excellence as evaluated through their application and their subsequent performance in the GD/PI. This distinguished cohort is granted priority in the TAPMI admissions process, reflecting their readiness to contribute meaningfully to the B-school community and beyond. TAPMI recognizes such individuals and has initiated a process for Fast-Track admits where few selected applicants shall receive the offer letter within 48-72 hours of their interview. 

Admission Process – NRI / NRI Sponsored Eligibility Criteria

 TAPMI also accepts applications from NRI/NRI Sponsored Candidates/Foreign Nationals/ Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) category candidates for specific programs (only). (Please contact Admissions Office for more details):

Person of Indian Origin (PIO): Shall mean the persons who are citizens of other countries (except Pakistan and Bangladesh) who at any time held an Indian passport, or who or either of his/her parents or any of his/her grandparents was a citizen of India by virtue of the provisions of the Constitution of India or Sec2(b) of Citizenship Act 1955.

Foreign Nationals: Shall mean the citizens of all countries other than India, who are not of Indian origin as defined under PIO.

Minimum Eligibility

A Graduate Degree from a recognized University with not less than 50% marks (Final year students may also apply. However, the admission shall be cancelled if they obtain less than 50% in their graduation).

Valid Entrance Exam scores

NRI Candidates: CAT / XAT / GMAT / NMAT / ATMA / CMAT / MAT

PIO / Foreign Nationals: GMAT (compulsory) and IELTS Score of 5.0 (if required).

Stage I: Shortlisting

For NRI / PIO candidates, TAPMI follows profile-based shortlisting. Profile considered for shortlisting consists of valid entrance exam scores, academic profile, work experience (type of company, total experience, etc.), extra-curricular achievements, if any.

Students will be informed of the shortlist decision through email to their registered email id.

Stage II: Admissions Process 

Same as that for Indian Domicile category

 Note:

1. All applications must be submitted online.
2. The above procedure may be changed depending on the developments that may arise.
3. Any disputes regarding the admissions to these programs are subject to the jurisdiction of Udupi only.
4. The application fee is non-refundable.
5. TAPMI uses CAT/XAT/GMAT/NMAT by GMAC™ scores for shortlisting the candidates. IIMs, XLRI and GMAC have no role either in the selection process or in the conduct of the program.
6. There is no “Management Quota” at TAPMI.

The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA [45% in case of the candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Differently Abled (DA) (It may also referred to as Persons with Disability (PWD) category)], awarded by any of the Universities incorporated by an act of the central or state legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India.

A Graduate Degree from a recognized University with not less than 50% marks (Final year students may also apply. However, the admission shall be cancelled if they obtain less than 50% in their graduation).

Foreign Nationals

• Shall mean the citizens of all countries other than India, who are not of Indian origin as defined under PIO.
• A Graduate Degree from a recognized University with not less than 50% marks (Final year students may also apply. However, the admission shall be cancelled if they obtain less than 50% in their graduation).
• Valid Entrance Exam scores