Information as of 6 November 2026. Based on the official PGPX portal and published admission data. Dates marked tentative can change, so confirm them on the official IIMA PGPX admissions page.
If you have four or more years of work experience and want a one-year, full-time MBA from one of India’s most recognised business schools, IIM Ahmedabad MBA-PGPX 2027–28 is probably already on your shortlist. The Post Graduate Programme in Management for Executives (PGPX) is IIMA’s flagship one-year programme for working professionals. It is also one of the most competitive executive MBA routes in India.
This guide covers everything you need to apply: eligibility, fees, admission dates and the selection process. It also covers what the admission committee looks for, so you can plan with a clear head instead of guessing.
Quick Overview: IIM Ahmedabad MBA-PGPX 2027–28
The IIMA PGPX is a full-time, residential, one-year MBA designed for experienced professionals. It is not a part-time or weekend course. You step away from your job, move to campus and study alongside a cohort of other experienced professionals. Classes for the 2027–28 batch are expected to begin in April 2027.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | MBA-PGPX (Post Graduate Programme in Management for Executives) |
| Institute | Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) |
| Duration | 1 year, full-time, residential |
| Batch | 2027–28 |
| Work experience | Minimum 4 years of full-time experience after graduation |
| Entrance test | GMAT or GRE (no CAT) |
| Admission rounds | 2 (you can apply in only one) |
| Approx. intake | About 140 seats (as reported by education portals) |
| Total programme fee | ₹35 lakh (single housing) / ₹37.10 lakh (married housing) |
| Classes begin | April 2027 (tentative) |
IIM Ahmedabad MBA-PGPX 2027–28 Eligibility Criteria
The IIM Ahmedabad PGPX eligibility rules are simple, but they are strict. Each condition is measured on a fixed date.
Core eligibility requirements
To be considered for the PGPX 2027–28 batch, you need all of the following:
- A bachelor’s degree in any discipline, or an equivalent qualification, with a minimum of 15 years of formal education.
- Minimum age of 25 years as on 31 March 2027. There is no upper age limit.
- A valid GMAT or GRE score taken at a test centre. Home-based or online scores are not accepted.
- At least four years of full-time work experience after graduation, counted up to 31 March 2027.
| Criterion | Requirement | Cut-off date |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor’s degree, any discipline (15 years of formal education) | At the time of application |
| Age | 25 years minimum, no upper limit | 31 March 2027 |
| Work experience | 4+ years, full-time, post-graduation | 31 March 2027 |
| Test score | Valid GMAT / GRE (test centre) | Within validity window |
GMAT/GRE validity
Your score must fall within the five-year validity window. In the last cycle, the earliest acceptable test date was tied to the application round deadline. Check the exact earliest test date for your round on the portal before you book or reuse a score. The GMAT Focus Edition is accepted.
Does IIM Ahmedabad PGPX accept CAT?
No. Unlike the two-year PGP, the one-year executive MBA at IIMA does not use CAT. Only GMAT and GRE scores are accepted.
Who should apply?
The programme suits professionals who:
- Have 4 to 10 years of experience and want to move into leadership roles.
- Want to switch industry or function, such as engineering to consulting or operations to product.
- Prefer one year of intense study to two years away from the workforce.
IIM Ahmedabad MBA-PGPX 2027–28 Admission Dates
The PGPX admission process runs in two rounds. You may apply in only one of them, and there is no Round 3. Missing Round 2 means waiting for the next cycle.
Current status (6 November 2026)
Round 1 has closed. Round 2 is the only window still open for the 2027–28 batch.
| Event | Round 1 | Round 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Application opens | July 2026 | September 2026 |
| Application deadline | 2 September 2026 | 23 November 2026* |
| Shortlist announced | Mid-September 2026 | Early December 2026 (about 4–5 Dec) |
| Essay and resume submission | Mid-September 2026 | About 4–7 December 2026 |
| Personal interviews | Late Sept – Oct 2026 | Dec 2026 – Jan 2027 (Mumbai & Bangalore: about 8–10 Jan 2027) |
| Final selection list | 16 October 2026 | 22 January 2027 |
| Classes begin | April 2027 (tentative) | April 2027 (tentative) |
*Important: Most sources list 23 November 2026 as the Round 2 deadline, but a few third-party pages show 24 November. Treat 23 November as your working deadline and verify the exact date and time (IST) on the official PGPX portal before you submit.
Why Round 2 timing matters
Round 2 is compact. From the deadline, you get roughly two weeks before shortlisting and essay submission. Interviews follow within weeks. If you have not started your essays, start this week.
IIM Ahmedabad MBA-PGPX 2027–28 Fees
The IIMA PGPX fee structure for the 2027–28 batch depends on the housing type you choose.
Total programme fee
| Housing type | Approx. total fee |
|---|---|
| Single accommodation | ₹35 lakh |
| Married student housing | ₹37.10 lakh |
These are the figures most widely reported for the upcoming batch. Some sources show the 2026–27 batch fee slightly lower, so always check the latest fee notice for your intake.
Application fee
The Round 1 application fee was reported as ₹8,000. For Round 2 in the previous cycle, the portal listed ₹10,000 for applications in that window. Check the current portal for the exact amount that applies to you.
Payment schedule (indicative)
The institute collects fees in stages, starting with commitment fees that hold your seat after an offer. Below is an indicative schedule compiled from published information. The amounts and dates are approximate and tentative.
| Payment | Single housing (approx.) | Married housing (approx.) | Indicative timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| First commitment fee | ₹2,00,000 | ₹2,00,000 | After offer, within a few days |
| Second commitment fee | ₹2,00,000 | ₹2,00,000 | About a week later |
| Balance programme fee (lump sum option) | About ₹16.5 lakh | About ₹18.6 lakh | March 2027 |
| Second instalment (instalment option) | About ₹9.5 lakh | About ₹9.6 lakh | June 2027 |
| Third instalment (instalment option) | About ₹4.79 lakh | About ₹4.79 lakh | September 2027 |
| Refundable caution deposit | About ₹35,000 | About ₹70,000 | March 2027 |
Because Round 2 offers come on 22 January 2027, commitment-fee deadlines for Round 2 candidates will differ from the Round 1 dates. Your offer letter will confirm yours.
Total cost beyond tuition
Budget for expenses beyond the programme fee, including international immersion travel, personal expenses, laptop and books, and your loss of income for the year. Reported all-in costs typically range from ₹38 lakh to ₹42 lakh.
Scholarships and financing
IIM Ahmedabad has reportedly offered merit-based entry scholarships and graduation scholarships tied to academic performance. Policies change by batch, so confirm the current scholarship rules on the official page. Many admitted students also use education loans from banks and NBFCs. Compare interest rates and moratorium terms before you decide.
IIM Ahmedabad MBA-PGPX 2027–28 Selection Process
The PGPX selection process is holistic. Your GMAT or GRE score gets you through the first filter, but it does not decide the outcome.
Stage-by-stage breakdown
| Stage | What happens | What it evaluates |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Online application | You submit your profile, academics, work history and test score, and pay the fee | Basic eligibility and profile strength |
| 2. Shortlisting | The committee reviews your application and score | Academic record, test score, work experience, leadership signals |
| 3. Essays and resume | Shortlisted candidates submit essays and an updated resume | Clarity of goals, self-awareness, communication |
| 4. Personal interview | Face-to-face interview, typically in Ahmedabad, Mumbai or Bangalore | Career growth, maturity, motivation, fit with the programme |
| 5. Final selection | A composite evaluation across all stages | Overall merit and fit |
| 6. Offer and commitment | Selected candidates pay commitment fees to hold the seat | Seat confirmation |
Final selection is based on a composite assessment across all parameters, not on your test score alone.
What your GMAT/GRE score needs to look like
There is no official cut-off. Reported class profiles show a median GMAT Focus score around 652, which is roughly equivalent to the classic GMAT range of about 690 and above. Treat that as a benchmark for competitiveness, not a minimum. A strong profile can balance a lower score, and a high score cannot rescue a weak story.
How to prepare for the personal interview
Interviewers want to see how you think about your career. Prepare answers to these questions:
- Why an MBA now, and why one year instead of two?
- What have you done at work that shows leadership?
- What will you do after the programme, and how does PGPX bridge the gap?
- What can you contribute to a classroom full of experienced peers?
Be specific. Use numbers, outcomes and examples. Avoid generic lines about “wanting to grow.”
How to Apply for IIM Ahmedabad MBA-PGPX 2027–28 (Step by Step)
- Check eligibility against the age, education and experience criteria above.
- Confirm your GMAT/GRE validity for Round 2.
- Register on the PGPX application portal and fill in the application form.
- Pay the application fee and submit before the deadline.
- Wait for the shortlist (expected in early December 2026).
- Submit your essays and resume within the short window after shortlisting.
- Attend the personal interview between December 2026 and January 2027.
- Check results on 22 January 2027 and pay commitment fees if you receive an offer.
PGPX vs Other One-Year Executive MBA Routes: What to Consider
Without naming specific institutions, here is a neutral framework for evaluating any one-year executive MBA:
| Factor | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Brand and network | How strong is the alumni network in your target industry? |
| Cohort quality | What is the average work experience and test score profile? |
| Fees and ROI | Does the total cost (fees plus lost income) justify your expected salary jump? |
| Placement transparency | Does the school publish verified placement reports? |
| Location and lifestyle | Are you willing to relocate for a year? |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting for the last day. Portals slow down near deadlines.
- Using an invalid or online score. Home-based test scores are rejected.
- Writing generic essays. The committee reads thousands of them.
- Ignoring the experience cut-off date. The four years are counted up to 31 March 2027, not up to today.
- Relying on third-party dates alone. Always cross-check with the official portal.
Summary
- IIM Ahmedabad MBA-PGPX 2027–28 is a one-year, full-time, residential executive MBA for professionals with at least four years of experience.
- Eligibility: bachelor’s degree, age 25+ by 31 March 2027, valid test-centre GMAT or GRE, and 4+ years of full-time work experience.
- Dates: Round 1 is closed. Round 2 closes on about 23 November 2026. The final selection list is due on 22 January 2027.
- Fees: about ₹35 lakh for single housing and ₹37.10 lakh for married housing, plus other costs.
- Selection: application, shortlist, essays and resume, personal interview, then composite final selection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the eligibility for IIM Ahmedabad MBA-PGPX 2027–28?
You need a bachelor’s degree with 15 years of formal education, a minimum age of 25 years on 31 March 2027, a valid test-centre GMAT or GRE score and at least four years of full-time work experience after graduation.
2. Is Round 2 of PGPX 2027–28 still open?
Yes, as of 6 November 2026. Round 2 is expected to close on about 23 November 2026. Some sources list 24 November, so confirm the date on the official portal.
3. How much is the IIM Ahmedabad PGPX fee for 2027–28?
The reported total fee is about ₹35 lakh for single housing and ₹37.10 lakh for married student housing. Other costs such as travel and personal expenses are extra.
4. Does IIMA PGPX accept CAT scores?
No. PGPX accepts only GMAT and GRE scores taken at a test centre.
5. What GMAT score do I need for IIMA PGPX?
There is no official cut-off. The reported median GMAT Focus score is around 652, roughly equal to about 690 on the classic GMAT. Your overall profile matters as much as your score.
6. Can I apply in both rounds?
No. You can apply in only one round per admission cycle.
7. When will the final PGPX selection results be announced?
The Round 2 final selection list is scheduled for 22 January 2027.
Conclusion
The IIM Ahmedabad MBA-PGPX 2027–28 admission is competitive, but it rewards candidates who prepare early and tell a clear career story. The eligibility rules are fixed, the fees are significant, and the selection process looks at far more than your test score. With Round 1 closed and Round 2 ending in roughly two weeks, your next steps are to confirm your score validity, finalise your application and begin drafting your essays.
Verify every date and fee on the official IIMA PGPX admissions page before you pay or submit. If you are not ready for this cycle, use the time to improve your GMAT or GRE score and build a stronger profile for the next one.
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