Admission to the International Institute of Management Studies (IIMS), Pune is entrance based for its flagship two-year PGDM, which is treated as equivalent to an MBA. Candidates need a valid score in a national management test such as CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, MH-CET, ATMA or GMAT, followed by a Group Discussion and Personal Interview. The institute also runs a Fellow Programme in Management for research aspirants, admitted through a Research Aptitude Test and interview. Students generally describe the admission process as structured and supportive, with the team guiding applicants from the test stage through the interview rounds. Many reviewers note that strong academics and good communication in the interview help more than just the test score, since selection uses defined weightages.
- The flagship PGDM is admitted through national entrance test scores plus GD and PI.
- Accepted exams include CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, MH-CET, ATMA and GMAT.
- Final-year graduates may apply provisionally with proof of qualifying marks.
- The Fellow Programme uses a Research Aptitude Test and a Personal Interview.
- Applications for the PGDM 2026 batch close around the end of May 2026.
Table of Contents
- Admission Process and Timeline
- Top Degrees and Key Dates
- IIMS Pune PGDM Admission 2026
- IIMS Pune Fellow Programme in Management Admission 2026
- IIMS Pune Admission FAQs
Admission Process and Timeline
For the PGDM, candidates apply online through the official IIMS Pune portal with a valid national entrance test score. Shortlisted applicants are then called for a Group Discussion and Personal Interview, and final selection uses defined weightages across the test score, academics and interview performance. Applications for the 2026 to 2028 PGDM batch close around the end of May 2026, with the foundation and induction programme beginning in June 2026. The Fellow Programme runs on its own schedule, with applications expected between January and March 2026, the Research Aptitude Test around March to April, and interviews soon after.
Top Degrees and Key Dates
| Degree Name | Important Dates | Exam Accepted / Admission Process |
|---|---|---|
| PGDM | Applications close end of May 2026 Induction from June 2026 | CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, MH-CET, ATMA or GMAT score plus GD and PI |
| Fellow Programme in Management | Applications January to March 2026 Final admission June 2026 | Research Aptitude Test plus Personal Interview |
IIMS Pune PGDM Admission 2026
Admission Process
PGDM admission is entrance based. Apply online through the official IIMS Pune portal with a valid score from CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, MH-CET, ATMA or GMAT. Shortlisted candidates attend a Group Discussion and Personal Interview, and the final merit is prepared using set weightages across the test score, past academics and interview. The two-year PGDM is approved by AICTE and offers specialisations in Marketing, Finance, Human Resource, Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must hold a Bachelor degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50 percent marks from a recognised university, along with a valid score in one of the accepted national entrance tests. Final-year students may apply provisionally and must show proof of the required marks at admission. A consistent academic record of around 60 percent is given preference.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | End of May 2026 |
| Group Discussion and Interview | As scheduled after shortlisting |
| Foundation and Induction Begins | June 2026 |
| Academic Session Begins | June to July 2026 |
Additional Details
- Specialisations: Marketing, Finance, Human Resource, Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics.
- Selection Criteria: entrance test score, academics and Group Discussion plus Personal Interview, by set weightages.
- Accepted exams: CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, MH-CET, ATMA and GMAT.
IIMS Pune Fellow Programme in Management Admission 2026
Admission Process
The Fellow Programme in Management is a research-focused doctoral level programme. Apply online through the official IIMS Pune portal with post-graduation marksheets and a research proposal or statement of purpose. Candidates then appear for the Research Aptitude Test conducted by the institute, followed by a Personal Interview. An Executive part-time route is also available for working professionals.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must hold a Master degree in any discipline or an equivalent professional qualification such as CA, ICWA or CS, with a minimum of 55 percent aggregate marks. For the Executive part-time route, a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience after post-graduation is required. A strong academic background and research aptitude are preferred.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | January to March 2026 |
| Research Aptitude Test | March to April 2026 |
| Personal Interview | April to May 2026 |
| Final Admission | June 2026 |
Additional Details
- Total Fees: INR 3,87,000 for the full programme, payable in annual instalments.
- Selection Criteria: Research Aptitude Test and Personal Interview.
- Routes: full-time and Executive part-time for working professionals.
IIMS Pune Admission FAQs
Ques. Which dates should I be aware of while taking admission at IIMS Pune?
Ans. For the flagship PGDM, applications for the 2026 batch close around the end of May 2026, with the induction programme starting in June. If you are applying to the Fellow Programme, the application window runs from January to March 2026, with the Research Aptitude Test around March to April and final admission in June.
Ques. Is IIMS Pune admission tough to crack?
Ans. Admission is moderately competitive. The PGDM accepts several national tests, so you have flexibility in which score to use, but you still need to clear the Group Discussion and Personal Interview. Strong academics and clear communication in the interview matter as much as the test score, since selection uses set weightages.
Ques. Which entrance exams does IIMS Pune accept for the PGDM?
Ans. The PGDM accepts scores from CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, MH-CET, ATMA and GMAT. You only need a valid score in any one of these. After shortlisting, you go through a Group Discussion and Personal Interview before the final merit list is prepared.
Ques. Does IIMS Pune offer an MBA degree?
Ans. IIMS Pune offers a two-year PGDM that is approved by AICTE and is treated as equivalent to an MBA. It comes with specialisations in Marketing, Finance, Human Resource, Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics, so you can pick a focus area that suits your career goals.
Ques. Can final-year students apply for the PGDM at IIMS Pune?
Ans. Yes, final-year graduation students can apply provisionally. You must produce proof of your qualifying degree with the minimum 50 percent marks at the time of admission. A consistent academic record of around 60 percent is given preference during shortlisting.
Ques. What is one thing I should know before taking admission at IIMS Pune?
Ans. Prepare well for the Group Discussion and Personal Interview, not just the entrance test. Selection uses defined weightages, so your communication, clarity of goals and academic consistency all count. Applying early also helps, since the PGDM batch closes around the end of May.
Ques. What is the Fellow Programme in Management at IIMS Pune?
Ans. It is a research-focused doctoral level programme for candidates who want to build a career in research or academics. Admission needs a Master degree or a professional qualification like CA, ICWA or CS with 55 percent marks, plus a Research Aptitude Test and Personal Interview. An Executive part-time route is available for working professionals.
Ques. How do I apply for admission at IIMS Pune?
Ans. Apply online through the official IIMS Pune portal. For the PGDM, register with your valid entrance test score and academic documents, then attend the Group Discussion and Personal Interview. For the Fellow Programme, submit your post-graduation marksheets along with a research proposal or statement of purpose.


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