Compare TAPMI Manipal vs IIM Sambalpur

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 admission process of IIM-Sambalpur consists of:

• CAT Examination
• Shortlisting candidates for Personal Appearance (PA) process.
• Conducting the PA process composed of Written Analysis (WA) and Personal Interview
  (PI)
• Preparing the Final Selection List (FSL) based on CAT score, PA score, and profile score
  including Work Experience (WE) score as assessed during the PA process, a score for Past
  Academic Performance (PAP) and any other criterion included.

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

• 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 Persons With Disability (PWD) categories], awarded by any University or educational institution as incorporated by an Act of the Parliament or State legislature in India 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.
• Candidates appearing for the final year of Bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification examination and those who have completed degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply. However, it may be noted that such candidates, if selected, will be allowed to join the programme provisionally, only if they submit a certificate from the Principal/Registrar of their University/Institution (issued on or before the date as stipulated by the respective IIM) stating that they have completed all the requirements for obtaining the Bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification on the date of the issue of the certificate.
• SC/ST/PWD candidates should have a minimum of 45%. For General and NC-OBC candidates, the minimum is 50%.