Choosing the right business school is a big decision, and for many students, securing a seat through the Direct Admission Process for Great Lakes Chennai is an ideal pathway.
Known for its rigorous curriculum, world-class faculty, and excellent placements, Great Lakes Chennai stands among India’s top B-schools. Direct Admission Process for Great Lakes Chennai
This in-depth guide explains everything you need to know about direct admission—from eligibility and fees to placements and cut-offs. Direct Admission Process for Great Lakes Chennai
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Introduction to the Direct Admission Process for Great Lakes Chennai
The Direct Admission Process for Great Lakes Chennai allows students to apply for PGPM and PGDM programs without depending entirely on high exam cut-offs. Direct admission is based on: Direct Admission Process for Great Lakes Chennai
- Academic performance
- Entrance exam scores
- Professional experience
- Personal Interview (PI)
- Overall profile strength
Why Great Lakes Chennai is a Top Choice for MBA Candidates
Great Lakes is known for:
- Strong placement record (domestic + international)
- Highly industry-aligned curriculum
- Leadership Experiential Learning (LEAD program)
- Renowned faculty with global experience
- Vibrant campus and student life
Overview of PGPM & PGDM Programs – Great Lakes Chennai (Short Version)
PGPM (1-Year MBA Equivalent)
Duration: 1 Year
Best For: Working professionals with 2–10 years of experience
Highlights:
- Fast-track MBA-style program
- Strong focus on leadership & analytics
- LEAD Module (Leadership Assessment)
- Best suited for career acceleration and managerial roles
PGDM (2-Year AICTE-Approved MBA)
Duration: 2 Years
Best For: Freshers + early professionals (0–3 years experience)
Highlights:
- Full MBA-equivalent program
- 8–12 week internship
- Specializations: Marketing, Finance, Operations, HR, Analytics
- Strong placement support
PGPM–FBE (Family Business & Entrepreneurship)
Duration: 1 Year
Best For: Family business owners & startup founders
Highlights:
- Entrepreneurship mentoring
- Business model development
- SME-focused training
PGXPM (Executive MBA)
Duration: 20 Months (Weekend/Modular)
Best For: Senior working professionals with 8+ years experience
Highlights:
- Learn while working
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Corporate implementation project
MBA in Business Analytics
Duration: 2 Years
Best For: Students targeting data & analytics careers
Highlights:
- AI, ML, Big Data, Python
- Analytics + Management blend
Comparison Table: All Great Lakes Chennai Programs
| Program | Duration | Best For | Key Feature | Average Experience Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGPM | 1 Year | Working Professionals | Leadership + High ROI | 2–10 Years |
| PGDM | 2 Years | Freshers | Multi-specialization + Internship | 0–3 Years |
| PGPM-FBE | 1 Year | Family Business Owners | Entrepreneurship & Business Scaling | 0–3 Years |
| PGXPM (Executive MBA) | 20 Months | Senior Professionals | Modular + Corporate-Focused | 8+ Years |
| MBA in Business Analytics | 2 Years | Data-driven roles | AI + Analytics Specialization | 0–3 Y |
Eligibility Criteria for Direct Admission
1. Academic Requirements
- Minimum 50% in graduation
- Preference for STEM/business background (not mandatory)
2. Accepted Entrance Exams
Great Lakes accepts:
- CAT
- XAT
- CMAT
- GMAT
3. Profile-Based Admission Criteria
Direct admission also considers:
- Internships
- Certifications
- Leadership roles
- Academic consistency
- Professional experience (for PGPM)
Read: Will TAPMI Manipal Accept Direct Admission via Management Quota
Step-by-Step Direct Admission Process for Great Lakes Chennai
Step 1: Submit Online Application
Visit the Great Lakes official website and fill out the form.
Required Documents
- Class 10 & 12 mark sheets
- Graduation transcripts
- Entrance scorecard
- Photo ID
- Updated resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Step 2: Profile Evaluation
Factors considered:
- Academics
- Entrance score
- Work experience
- Extracurricular achievements
Step 3: Personal Interview (PI)
The PI evaluates:
- Communication skills
- Leadership ability
- Analytical thinking
- Career clarity
- Personality traits
Step 4: Offer Letter Issued
Based on performance, Great Lakes releases:
✔ Admission offer
✔ Waitlist
✔ Rejection
Early applicants often get priority consideration.
Courses Available for Direct Admission
PGPM (1-Year MBA Equivalent)
For working professionals (2–10 years experience).
PGDM (2-Year MBA Equivalent)
For freshers and early-career students.
PGPM–FBE
For family business owners & entrepreneurs.
PGXPM (Executive MBA)
For senior professionals with 8+ years of experience.
MBA in Business Analytics
For students interested in Data + AI + Analytics careers.
Fee Structure for Direct Admission
| Course / Program | Duration | Tuition / Academic Fees | Program / Additional Fees | Accommodation / Hostel Charges | Other Charges (Deposit, Alumni, etc.) | Total Approx. Fee (Full Duration) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGDM (Full-time, 2-yr) | 2 years | ₹ 9,82,000 | ₹ 5,54,000 | ₹ 6,12,000 (Twin AC hostel) | ₹ 10,000 (refundable deposit) + Alumni ₹5,000 | ₹ 21,63,000 |
| PGPM (One-year, for experienced professionals) | 1 year | ₹ 12,43,000 | ₹ 6,96,000 | ₹ 3,96,000 (Single AC hostel) | ₹ 10,000 + Alumni ₹5,000 | ₹ 23,50,000 |
| PGPM – Family Business & Entrepreneurship (FBE) | 1 year | ₹ 11,96,000 | ₹ 6,30,000 | Accommodation & misc included under total (see note) | Caution deposit etc. included | ≈ ₹ 23.5 lakhs (as per typical total pattern) |
| Executive MBA / PGXPM (for senior professionals, work exp 8+ yrs) | ~20-months | ~ ₹ 12.97 L (program fee basis) | — (program fee only) | Hostel / boarding extra as per selected plan (if residency needed) | — |
Management Quota Admission at Great Lakes Chennai
Who Qualifies?
- Students with average exam scores
- Students with strong profiles
- Working professionals
Is Management Quota Legit?
Yes, Great Lakes officially offers a limited number of Management Quota seats.
Placements at Great Lakes Chennai
Great Lakes Chennai is widely known for its strong and consistent campus placements. The institute attracts top consulting, finance, analytics, and technology recruiters every year. Direct Admission Process for Great Lakes Chennai
Placement Highlights
✔ Average CTC: ₹12–14 LPA
Most students secure mid-to-high level managerial roles across consulting, IT, analytics, HR, operations, and finance.
✔ Highest CTC: ₹28–32 LPA
Offered by top global and Indian companies in consulting, analytics, tech strategy, and digital transformation.
✔ Top 25% Average: ₹17–19 LPA
Shows strong performance among top students, reflecting the institute’s academic and industry alignment.
✔ Top Recruiters:
- Deloitte
- EY
- Accenture
- Bain Capability Network
- KPMG
- Infosys
- Cognizant
- HCL Tech
- Amazon
- Tiger Analytics
- HP
- Optum
- ZS Associates
These companies consistently hire for roles in Consulting, Finance, Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, Operations, and Product Management. Direct Admission Process for Great Lakes Chennai
Read: Is It Possible to get Direct Admission Fore school through Management Quota?
Placement Trend (2019–2024)
Shows rising Average CTC and Highest CTC year over year.
2. Sector-wise Placement Pie Chart
Breaks down placements across:
- Consulting
- IT/Tech
- Analytics
- Finance
- Operations
3. Salary Range Distribution
Shows how many students fall into each salary bracket. Direct Admission Process for Great Lakes Chennai
Cut-Off Details for 2025 Admissions
Great Lakes Chennai accepts scores from:
- CAT
- XAT
- CMAT
- GMAT
Cut-offs differ for PGPM (1-year) and PGDM (2-year) programs. Direct Admission Process for Great Lakes Chennai
Great Lakes Chennai – Cut-Off Table (2025 Admissions)
| Program | CAT Cut-Off | XAT Cut-Off | CMAT Cut-Off | GMAT Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGPM (1-Year Program) | 85–90 percentile | 75–80 percentile | 95–97 percentile | 600–650 | For working professionals (2–10 years experience). Higher cut-off due to fast-track nature. |
| PGDM (2-Year Program) | 80–85 percentile | 70–75 percentile | 90–94 percentile | 580–620 | Designed for freshers and early-career applicants. Slightly relaxed cut-off. |
| PGPM–FBE (Entrepreneurship) | 75–80 percentile | 65–70 percentile | 85–90 percentile | 560–600 | Profile-based; strong family business background gets preference. |
| PGXPM (Executive MBA) | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | 550+ | Entrance exam not mandatory; requires 8+ years of work experience. |
| MBA in Business Analytics | 80–85 percentile | 70–75 percentile | 90–94 percentile | 580–620 | Strong math/analytics background preferred. |
Important Dates (2025)
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | November 2024 |
| First Shortlist | January 2025 |
| PI Rounds | Feb–April 2025 |
| Final Results | April 2025 |
| Academic Session | June 2025 |
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Documents Checklist for Great Lakes Chennai Admissions
✔ 1. Academic Mark Sheets
- Class 10 Marksheet
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Graduation (All Semesters + Final Degree Certificate)
✔ 2. ID Proof (Any One)
- Aadhar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Driving License
✔ 3. Updated CV / Resume
- Include academic profile, internships, work experience, achievements.
✔ 4. Entrance Exam Scorecard
- CAT / XAT / CMAT / GMAT scorecard (latest valid attempt)
✔ 5. Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Essays
- Career goals
- Why Great Lakes Chennai?
- Leadership experience
✔ 6. Work Experience Proof (If Applicable)
- Offer letters
- Experience letters
- Salary slips
- Company ID card
FAQs
1. Can I get direct admission without an entrance exam?
No, at least one exam score is required.
2. Does Great Lakes offer scholarships?
Yes—merit-based and need-based.
3. Is work experience required for PGPM?
Recommended, but freshers with exceptional profiles may apply.
4. Is the campus fully residential?
Yes, Great Lakes Chennai is fully residential.
5. What is the interview like?
Conversational, profile-based, and scenario-driven.
6. Is management quota available?
Yes, a limited number of seats are offered.
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