In India; currently, organisations are seeking individuals who can provide solutions to problems or forecast the future and articulate those thoughts (rather than simply holding a degree).  This is how PGDM programs fit into the picture.

A PGDM Program at MGI, a two-year course, gives you job skills via classwork and hands-on experience.

Most PGDM courses in India are approved by the AICTE.

Schools like the Mulshi Institute of Business Management offer PGDM programs that build leadership, decision-making, analysis, and communication skills, with a focus on real-world business experience.

If you’re planning to apply for a PGDM in 2026, it’s helpful to understand the requirements, dates, selection process, and costs. Knowing these details can help you prepare.

This guide covers PGDM applications in India 2026.

What is a PGDM Program?

 

A PGDM is a two-year management program for graduates. It’s offered by schools that have AICTE approval but are on their own. Unlike regular MBA programs linked to universities, PGDM schools can change their courses to match what industries want.

Students often learn about the latest business trends, digital changes, data analysis, new business creation, and world markets.

Most PGDM courses include:

• Learning from case studies to understand real business situations

• Internships for real work experience

• Talks and workshops with people from companies

• Building leadership and communication skills

• Special areas to study, such as marketing, money, HR, how things are made & business dat

A practical education is delivered through real-world experience (i.e., internships). Many organizations view PGDM graduates as "ready" to successfully transition into the workforce upon graduation.

PGDM Admission Process For 2026

 

As each institution has its own admission timeline and therefore the importance of tracking all deadlines associated with the admissions process cannot be stressed enough.

The applications for the PGDM 2026-2028 at Mumbai Institute Of Business Management will take place starting September 2025 till January 2026.

The complete timeline for submission of an application with timelines for application fees is below:

Admission Stage	Dates	Application Fee
Applications Open	20 September 2025	—
Early Bird Application Window	20 Sept – 31 Oct 2025	₹500
Regular Application Phase 1	1 Nov – 8 Dec 2025	₹700
Regular Application Phase 2	9 Dec – 31 Dec 2025	₹1000
Final Application Phase	1 Jan – 20 Jan 2026	₹1800
Application Deadline	20 January 2026	—
Group Discussion & Personal Interview	From 6 February 2026	—
PGDM Programme Commencement	15 June 2026	—

PGDM Eligibility Criteria

 

Students applying for PGDM programs must meet certain academic skills and pass entrance tests.

 

You need a Bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognized university.

 

At most schools:

• If you’re not in a reserved group, you need at least 50% in your degree.

• If you are in a reserved group, you need at least 45%.

• As long as you’re in your last year of your degree; you can still apply if everything gets completed before the deadline.

 

Also, besides having your degree you will have to also take management entry tests (CAT/XAT/MAT/CMAT) which assess your reasoning/mathematical/language/analytical skills.

Step-by-Step PGDM Admission Process

 

The PGDM admission process has many steps that check your school performance and who you are.

 

Application Submission

• First, fill out the application form. You can apply in different ways.

• The easiest way is to register online through the Mulshi Institute of Business Management website. Fill in your details and pay the fee with a card, online banking, or bank transfer. You’ll get a confirmation after paying.

• You may also download the application form from the website, complete it, upload your photograph, and then post along with a Demand Draft (DD) to the admissions office in Pune. Once the admissions office receives your application form they will process your application and provide you with updates. 

• Or, you can get the form at the school by paying the fee there.

 

Shortlisting Criteria

 

After you apply, the school makes a short list of candidates

You might get chosen based on

• A good score on the entrance exam. For example, a score of 70 or higher in CAT or 65 or higher in XAT, plus at least 50% in your degree, could get you directly shortlisted.

• You may be eligible for admission into PGDM program if your academic record includes 75% in the Class 10 Board Examination, 75% in the Class 12 Board Examination and 60% in your undergraduate degree in addition to your performance on either CAT or XAT.

• If you do not qualify based on these criteria, you might consider taking the MIBM Written Competency Test.

Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD-PI)

 

GD is a discussion among various participants who are interested in business and how to run their business effectively as well as discussing current social issues and other current events. All participants should express their opinions but should also allow others to express their opinion and contribute to the overall GD.

The area of the Personal Interview (PI) is focused on your attributes as an individual and your aspirations as well as your verbal communication ability.

The interviewers check:

• How well you speak and think clearly

• How confident and good at leading you are

• How well you work with others

• How you solve problems

• Your attitude and honesty

• If you’re chosen for this round, you’ll be notified by SMS/email.

Selection Criteria and Weightage

Final decisions are made after looking at many things.

Schools usually judge you based on your entrance exam, school record, and how you did in the GD-PI.

At Mulshi Institute of Business Management, the selection has four parts.

Your overall grade consists of: 

• Written Test = 25%, 

• School Records = 25%, 

• Group Discussion and Personal Interview =40% (which demonstrates communication skills as well as leadership potential). 

• Work Experience = 10%.

 

PGDM Fee Structure

 

The overall two-year PGDM program fees at MGI is approx ₹11.29 lakh.

You need to pay the fees in stages during the program.

When you join, you pay ₹1,10,000. The rest is paid in four parts over the two years.

Besides tuition, you might pay placement fees, alumni fees, and a security deposit, depending on the school's rules.

Estimated Living Expenses

 

When students make their financial plans, they should think about living costs.

• Shared housing will probably cost around ₹80,000 each year.

• Food will be about ₹48,000 per year. Depends on how you spend.

• Pay ₹20,000 as a security deposit for dorm room.

• Budget would be arourn ₹1.48 Lakhs excluding tuition.

Scholarships for Exceptional Students

 

Mulshi Institute of Business Management provides scholarships to recognize academic excellence.

The institution provides a ₹1.5 lakh scholarship to each of the top 20 students who achieve a specified academic performance level.

You typically need:

• About 80 in CAT or XAT

• 85% in Class 10 and Class 12

• At least 70% in your degree

• A CGPA of 4.5 in the first part of the PGDM program

 

Education Loan Options

Many students use Education loans for PGDM to pay for their management education.

• Students in West Bengal can use the Student Credit Card Scheme from the state government. It offers loans up to ₹10 lakh at about 4% interest, with up to 15 years to repay. If you pay interest on time, you get 1% off the interest rate.

• The Vidya Lakshmi Portal also lets you apply for loans from many banks with one application. It was created by National Securities Depository Limited e-Governance Infrastructure to make loans easier to get.

Know More About PGDM Program Placements

Career Opportunities After PGDM

A PGDM program can lead to many management jobs.

Graduates often work in marketing, finance, consulting, how things are made, business growth, and product management.

Companies that employ students from universities such as Mulshi Institute of Business Management generally provide annual salaries ranging from ₹8,00,000 - ₹21,00,000+. Fees, grades & demand are factors that determine salary ranges for graduates.

So, PGDM programs can help students who want a lasting career in business.

Conclusion
 

To sum up, pick a management program that helps your future career since a poor choice can hurt your long-term goals. Knowing what to expect in the application means you can prepare better & boost your chances of getting in.

Mulshi Institute of Business Management want to produce students who can do well in the new business era. If you're organized, have good grade & know what you want in a career, you can get the most out of PGDM programs in India.

FAQs

 

1.  What are the prerequisites for applying to a PGDM program in 2026?

You must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Most colleges seek applicants who possess at least 50% overall marks if they belong to the General category or 45% if they are from a Reserved category. You must also perform well in a management admission test such as either the CAT, XAT, MAT or CMAT.

 

2. What is the application timeline for the 2026 Class of PGDM?

September 20, 2025 through January 20, 2026 are the application periods for Mulshi Institute of Business Management's PGDM program for the 2026-28 class. You have a greater opportunity of obtaining an early decision with a lower fee by submitting your application as soon as it becomes available.

 

3. What is the 2026 selection process for PGDM candidates?

Generally, the selection process for candidates is based on entrance examination scores, application materials, group discussion, and personal interview. In addition, evaluators will review your communication abilities, academic performance, leadership capabilities, and personality type when considering your application.

 

4. How much does it cost for me to get a PGDM at Mulshi Institute of Business Management?

A PGDM currently costs approximately ₹11.29 lakh for the two-year program. Tuition fees cover placement fees as well as alumni association fees. In addition, students should expect to pay their tuition fees during the course of the program by making regular payments.

 

5.  Can students get loans to pay for the PGDM program?

The majority of students can obtain loans for their PGDM program. Students can go to the Vidya Lakshmi Portal to apply for various banks' loans or through the West Bengal Student Credit Card Scheme that provides loans up to ₹10 lakh at competitive rates of interest.