Frequently asked questions (FAQs) | PGDM

SPJIMR’s Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) is a two-year, full-time residential programme deemed equivalent to an MBA. It is for candidates who do not have any work experience and for those with up to 5 years of work experience.  Every year the PGDM admission process begins in September. The shortlisted candidates are usually called for an interview in January and February. The final results are announced in March.

SPJIMR PGDM frequently asked questions about admission and program information.

  • What are the eligibility criteria for the PGDM programme?

    Indian applicants

    To be eligible, applicants must: 

    • Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification (10+2+3) from a recognised university.
    • Have secured a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA at graduation.
    • Final-year undergraduate students may also apply.

    The programme accepts CAT and GMAT scores.

    For further details on eligibility and the selection process, click here.

    International applicants

    To be eligible, applicants must:

    • Hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA from an institute deemed to be a university in their country of residence.
    • Have completed a minimum of three years of education after higher secondary schooling (10+2) or its equivalent.
    • Hold a qualification recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) or other relevant authorities.
    • Final-year undergraduate students may also apply.

    The programme accepts CAT and GMAT scores.

    For further details on eligibility and the selection process, click here.

  • What is the programme fee?

    Indian participants

    The programme fee is ₹24,86,000*.

    This includes tuition fees and basic hostel accommodation.

    *The fee is indicative and subject to revision.

    Please note: The Global Fast Track (GFT) and International Exchange components are optional. The fees mentioned above do not include expenses related to these components.

    International participants

    The programme fee is ₹34,77,500*.

    This includes tuition fees and basic hostel accommodation.

    *The fee is indicative and subject to revision.

    Please note: The Global Fast Track (GFT) and International Exchange components are optional. The fees mentioned above do not include expenses related to these components.

    For the latest updates, click here.

  • Is the programme residential?

    Yes. The Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) is a 2-year, full-time residential programme. All participants are required to reside on campus.

  • Is work experience required to apply?

    No. Work experience is not mandatory for admission to the programme.

  • What is the total intake for the programme?

    The approved intake for the programme is 240 participants.

    In addition, 36 extra seats are available for:

    • PIO/OCI candidates
    • Children of Indian workers in Gulf countries
    • Foreign nationals

    The maximum total intake is 276 participants.

    NRI applications are considered at par with Indian applications.

  • Which entrance examination scores are accepted?

    The programme accepts scores from:

    • CAT
    • GMAT

  • Do I need to indicate a specialisation while applying?

    Yes. Applicants are required to indicate two preferred areas of specialisation.

    The available specialisations are:

    1. Marketing
    2. Finance
    3. Operations and Supply Chain
    4. Information Management and Analytics

    Selecting a preferred specialisation helps:

    • Develop an early academic and career focus
    • Align admissions with participant interests and recruiter requirements
    • Broaden opportunities across recruiting organisations
    • Encourage collaboration among participants with diverse specialisation interests

  • Can I apply for more than one specialisation?

    Yes. Applications may indicate a first preference and an optional second preference.

  • How does selecting two specialisations benefit me?

    If you are not shortlisted for your first preference, your application may be considered for your second preference.

    The outcome of one preference does not influence the evaluation of the other.

  • Can I change my specialisation after joining the programme?

    The first-year curriculum builds a strong foundation across all areas of management and develops a holistic perspective of general management.

    In the second year, participants pursue courses aligned with their chosen area of specialisation and career goals.

    Participants may request a change of specialisation at the end of the first year, subject to:

    • Academic performance
    • Merit
    • Faculty panel review and approval

  • Is registration on the Study in India (SII) portal mandatory for international applicants?

    Yes.

    As per the Ministry of Education guidelines, all international applicants enrolling in long-term or short-term programmes in India must register on the Study in India (SII) portal.

    Registration link: https://www.studyinindia.gov.in/admission/registrations

    This registration is required for student visa processing and related formalities.

    Applicants should obtain their SII Registration ID before completing the application form.

  • When does the programme commence?

    The programme commences in June each year.

  • When does the application process begin?

    The online application process generally opens in mid-September.

    To begin your application, click here.

  • When is the application deadline?

    Applications can generally be submitted until the end of November.

    Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues caused by high website traffic.

  • Do I need to send my GMAT score report to SPJIMR?

    Yes.

    Official GMAT scores must be submitted through GMAC.

    You can send scores using:

    • PGDM Programme code: 6DQ-MJ-98, or
    • S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research – Post Graduate Diploma in Management

    Accepted test dates:

    Tests taken in the last three years (including the year in which you are applying)

    For example, for applicants filling the application form in 2026, GMAT tests taken between January 1, 2024, and December 10, 2026, will be accepted.

    *Please note the acceptable dates are subject to change. For the latest updates, click here.

  • Are the CAT entrance test scores of the past three years accepted?

    No. CAT entrance test scores for exams taken in the same year as submitting the application form are accepted. For example, a candidate applying for the 2027- 29 PGDM admission intake can submit an application form between September and November 2026, and also provide the CAT score for the CAT exam conducted in November 2026.

  • Can I submit my application before receiving my CAT or GMAT scores?

    Yes.

    You may submit your application before your CAT or GMAT scores are declared. However, you must enter your examination registration number correctly while completing the application.

    Once results are announced, applicants will have the opportunity to update their scores in the application portal.

  • Which GMAT scores are accepted?

    The programme accepts GMAT scores from in-person examinations conducted at authorised test centres.

  • How do I pay the application fee?

    The application processing fee is ₹2,000*.

    The fee is subject to revision.

    Payment can be made online through the admission portal using:

    • Net Banking
    • Debit Card
    • Credit Card

  • The application fee has been deducted, but I did not receive a transaction ID. What should I do?

    If your payment was successful but no transaction ID was generated, please email admissions.pgdm@spjimr.org with the following details:

    • Applicant username
    • Date of payment
    • Name of the bank
    • Approximate time of payment
    • Copy of the bank statement showing the successful transaction

  • Who should I contact regarding my application status?

    For all admissions-related queries, please email admissions.pgdm@spjimr.org.

    You may also log in to your application dashboard and raise a query through the ’Ask Queries’ section.

  • When do I need to submit supporting documents?

    Supporting documents are required during the verification process before the interview stage.

    Further document verification takes place after selection and before the course begins.

    Applicants should be prepared to provide documents for:

    • Academic qualifications
    • Work experience
    • Achievement
    • Extra-curricular activities mentioned in the application

  • Do I need to submit a separate application for a profile-based shortlist?

    No.

    A single application is used for both the PGDM and PGDM (BM) programmes.

    Shortlisted applicants will be invited for only one interview, either through:

    • A profile-based shortlist, or
    • A profile-cum-score-based shortlist

  • What entrance test scores are required for shortlisting?

    Indian applicants

    Applicants must meet both:

    • The minimum overall cut-off, and
    • The sectional cut-off in at least one of the accepted entrance examinations (CAT or GMAT).

    For detailed eligibility criteria, click here.

    International applicants

    Applicants must meet both:

    • The minimum overall cut-off, and
    • The sectional cut-off in at least one of the accepted entrance examinations (CAT or GMAT).

    Please refer to the PGDM eligibility document for details here.

  • What is the selection process?

    The detailed selection process is outlined in the programme eligibility document.

    Please refer to the PGDM eligibility document for details here.

  • Can I reschedule my interview after selecting a slot?

    No.

    Shortlisted applicants may choose their preferred interview slot. However, once a slot has been confirmed, it cannot be changed or rescheduled.

  • When are interviews conducted?

    Profile-based and profile-cum-score-based interviews are usually conducted during January and February.

  • What if I am overseas at the time of the interview?

    Only international applicants will be interviewed through an online platform designated by the institute.

  • How can I apply for an education loan?

    Several banks provide education loans based on the admission offer issued by SPJIMR.

    For the latest information, please email admissions.pgdm@spjimr.org.

  • Are scholarships available?

    Yes.

    SPJIMR offers financial assistance based on:

    • Financial need
    • Academic performance
    • Conduct.

    Eligible participants are required to complete and submit the required application form to the PGDM office.

    Financial assistance is considered after the programme commences and is subject to evaluation and approval by the designated review panel. To know more, click here.

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