IIM Bangalore MBA: Aiming to study MBA at IIM Bangalore? CAT score NOT needed for THIS course |
EPGP Programme from IIM Bangalore: A bird’s eye view
The Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP) is a rigorous one-year, full-time residential MBA programme designed for seasoned professionals with 5 to 12 years of industry experience. Offering a comprehensive foundation in core management principles, this programme mirrors the academic intensity and breadth of a traditional two-year MBA. The course includes financial reporting and analysis, managerial economics, marketing management, corporate finance, business law, and operations management among others. Eligibility criteria for the EPGP course states that candidates must have a minimum of 50% in their undergraduate studies, along with a valid GMAT or GRE score. CAT score is not required at all. The fee structure of the course ranges from INR 30 to 34 lakhs for the entire duration of the programme.
EPGP course at IIM Bangalore: A look at the admission process
The EPGP admission process begins with the submission of an online application form, available on the IIM Bangalore website. A non-refundable application fee is required to complete the submission. Only fully completed applications that meet the specified academic and other eligibility criteria will proceed to the next stage. Candidates who are shortlisted will be invited for an interview.
Following the interviews, 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 interview. Admission offers contingent on seat availability, are extended based on this composite score, provided the candidate meets the minimum required threshold set by the admissions committee.
Admission tests for EPGP courses
IIMB accepts GMAT and GRE scores for its EPGP programme. It also mentions 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. Though 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, The University of Melbourne in Australia, The University of Manchester in Europe, and the National University of Singapore.
The GMAT, a computer-adaptive test with 80 questions, spans three hours and seven minutes, excluding a 30-minute check-in period. The exam 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, with scores remaining valid for five years.
GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is an internationally recognized entrance test frequently 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.
Starting from September 2023, the GRE exam has a total duration of approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes and consists of five sections. The Analytical Writing section includes a single task, “Analyse an Issue,” which is allocated 30 minutes. The Verbal Reasoning portion is divided into two sections, with Section 1 featuring 12 questions to be completed in 18 minutes and Section 2 comprising 15 questions with a 23-minute time limit. The Quantitative Reasoning sections also include two parts: Section 1, with 12 questions to be answered in 21 minutes, and Section 2, which contains 15 questions with a 26-minute timeframe.
How to prepare for GMAT and GRE exams in 2025?
Having the right preparation strategy is the first step toward achieving success in any exam. Here we have curated a list of expert-backed preparation tips to assist you in your GMAT or GRE preparations.
- Know the Format: Familiarize yourself with each test’s structure GMAT’s Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal sections, and GRE’s Analytical Writing, Verbal, and Quantitative sections.
- Set a Study Schedule: Create and adhere to a study plan that balances preparation across all sections. Consistent practice is essential.
- Use Official Materials: Rely on GMAC’s GMAT prep guides and ETS’s GRE materials for authentic practice questions and test formats.
- Practice Regularly: Take practice tests to get used to the exam’s timing and pressure. Analyze your results to focus on areas needing improvement.
- Apply Test-Taking Strategies: Learn strategies like time management and process of elimination to enhance your performance.
- Maintain Health: Ensure good sleep, nutrition, and exercise to keep your mind sharp and ready for test day.
