The Common Admission Test (CAT) is widely recognized as the gateway to top MBA programs in India, including the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). While cracking the CAT with high scores is crucial for most IIM programs, there are some exceptions. The Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP) offered by IIM Bangalore is one such program that does not require CAT scores for admission. This program is an excellent opportunity for experienced professionals and entrepreneurs who want to deepen their understanding of management fundamentals and gain a strong foothold in the industry.
## EPGP Programme from IIM Bangalore: A Bird’s Eye View
The EPGP is a rigorous, full-time, residential MBA program lasting one year. It is designed specifically for seasoned professionals with 5 to 12 years of industry experience. The program offers a comprehensive foundation in core management principles and mirrors the intensity and breadth of a traditional two-year MBA. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including:
* Financial reporting and analysis
* Managerial economics
* Marketing management
* Corporate finance
* Business law
* Operations management
## Eligibility for the EPGP Course
To be eligible for the EPGP, candidates must meet the following requirements:
* A minimum of 50% in their undergraduate studies.
* A valid GMAT or GRE score. (CAT scores are not required).
The fee structure for the program ranges from INR 30 to 34 lakhs for the entire duration.
## The EPGP Admission Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The admission process for the EPGP begins with an online application submission on the IIM Bangalore website. A non-refundable application fee is required to complete the submission. Only completed applications that meet the eligibility criteria are reviewed. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview.
## Evaluation and Admission Offers
Following the interviews, applicants are evaluated based on a composite score that takes into account factors like:
* Academic performance
* GMAT or GRE scores
* Quality of work experience
* Performance in the writing ability test
* Performance in the interview
Admission offers, contingent on seat availability, are extended based on the composite score, provided the candidate meets the minimum threshold set by the admissions committee.
## Admission Tests: GMAT and GRE
IIM Bangalore accepts GMAT and GRE scores for the EPGP program. Online scores are not accepted.
### The GMAT
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized test that assesses a candidate’s quantitative and verbal reasoning skills. It is widely accepted by business schools worldwide, including prestigious institutions like Stanford University, Harvard University, MIT, McGill University, The University of Melbourne, The University of Manchester, and the National University of Singapore. The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test with 80 questions and takes approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes to complete, excluding a 30-minute check-in period. It is divided into four sections:
*
Analytical Writing Assessment:
A single 30-minute essay task.*
Integrated Reasoning:
A 30-minute section with 12 questions assessing your ability to analyze data and draw conclusions.*
Quantitative Reasoning:
Two 25-minute sections, each with 31 questions assessing your mathematical skills.*
Verbal Reasoning:
Two 25-minute sections, each with 36 questions testing your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction skills.### The GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is another internationally recognized entrance test for graduate programs, particularly in the United States. It evaluates a candidate’s skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
Starting September 2023, the GRE exam has a total duration of approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes and consists of five sections:
*
Analytical Writing:
One 30-minute section with a single task, “Analyse an Issue”.*
Verbal Reasoning:
Two sections with 12 questions (18 minutes) and 15 questions (23 minutes) respectively.*
Quantitative Reasoning:
Two sections with 12 questions (21 minutes) and 15 questions (26 minutes) respectively.## How to Prepare for GMAT and GRE Exams in 2025
Having a solid preparation strategy is key to success in any exam. Here are some expert-backed tips to help you prepare for the GMAT or GRE:
*
Know the Format:
Thoroughly understand the structure of each test: 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 stick 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 identify areas needing improvement.*
Apply Test-Taking Strategies:
Learn strategies like time management and process of elimination to boost your performance.*
