Compare IMI Kolkata vs School of Business, UPES Dehradun

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.

Applicants fulfilling minimum eligibility requirements shall be required to appear in a RET (Research Entrance Test) and interview at UPES Campus, Dehradun.

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.

• Candidates for admission to the PhD program shall have a Master's degree or a professional degree declared equivalent to the Master’s degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade 'B' in the UGC 7-point scale
• A relaxation of 5% of marks, from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent relaxation of grade, may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer) / Differently abled and other categories of candidates as per extant UGC Regulations from time to time; or for those who had obtained their Master's degree prior to 19th September 1991. The eligibility marks of 55% (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed)
• It is desirable that the applicants, who possess minimum prescribed qualifications for admission to Ph.D. program, should have an excellent academic/professional track record in the relevant discipline