Compare IIEST Shibpur vs IMI Kolkata

The selection based on the MAT/CMAT/CAT/XAT/GMAT entrance exam.

Admissions Test

Common Admission Test (CAT)

Admission to the programme is through the Common Admission Test (CAT) – 2025 to be conducted by the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad at different centres all over the country. CAT 2025 would be held on Sunday, November 30th, 2025 (refer to CAT Bulletin for further details).

Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)

Admission to the programme is also through the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) – 2026 to be conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur in association with XAMI (Xavier Association of Management Institutes). XAT is conducted at all India-level to select the most appropriate students for management education. XAT 2026 would be conducted on Sunday, January 4, 2026 (refer to https://xatonline.in/ for further details).

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

Candidates with Foreign Nationality are also eligible, based on their GMAT scores, provided they have taken the GMAT test not earlier than January 2021 and not later than January 2025.

Candidates will be required to furnish their GMAT scores while applying and provide a self-attested copy of the GMAT score sheet to the Admission Office for verification at the time of personal interview. Candidates appearing for GMAT or no GMAT score while applying can enter numeric `0’ in the GMAT score field and should email their scorecard immediately after the test to admission.imik@imi-k.edu.in. GMAT scores without the above document will not be accepted and the application may be summarily rejected.

Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)

CMAT 2026 exam will be conducted on January 25, 2026. The National Testing Agency will conduct the CMAT exam 2026 in two shifts for admission to MBA/PGDM colleges approved by AICTE. The CMAT exam a national level test conducted annually.

The candidates with the following qualifications shall be eligible to apply for the MBA Program:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Science, Humanities, Arts, Commerce, Business Administration with a
  minimum of 60% marks (CGPA = 6.5 on 10 point or equivalent) for UR/OBC (NCL)/EWS and 55% marks (CGPA
  = 6.0 on a 10-point scale) for SC/ST/PWD candidates in the Honours/Major subject with a valid
  MAT/CMAT/CAT/XAT/GMAT score.
• Students appearing for their final year graduation examination (and fulfilling the eligibility conditions stated
  above) may also apply. However, if selected, they will be provisionally admitted and the admission will be
  cancelled if they fail to produce the result of their final examinations satisfying the eligibility criterion of the
  course on or before 30th September, 2022 (Subject to change due to the pandemic situation).

50% marks or equivalent CGPA in graduation from any AIU approved academic institution. Those graduating in 2026 may also apply.

Categories of Applicants

Self Sponsored Candidates:

The bulk of the applicants to IMI Kolkata are self-sponsored candidates. They are either fresh graduates or have worked for a few years and joined IMI Kolkata after quitting their jobs. The Institute’s placement cell provides them with placement assistance on the best effort basis.

Company sponsored candidates:

IMI Kolkata accepts applications from candidates sponsored by companies. These candidates will also be assessed as per the selection process followed at IMI Kolkata.

Candidates being sponsored by their respective companies must submit a letter from the sponsoring organisation to this effect and undertake to pay all fees and dues from time to time, during the entire duration of the programme. This letter/undertaking will be required to be submitted at the Personal Interview stage.

Candidates who are sponsored by their organisation will not be eligible to receive any placement assistance from the Institute’s placement cell.

Foreign Nationals:

IMI Kolkata accepts applications from candidates with Foreign Nationality. These candidates will also be assessed as per the selection process followed at IMI New Delhi.

Candidates with Foreign Nationality are required to hold valid foreign passports and will not be eligible to receive any placement assistance from the Institute’s placement cell.