Great Lakes Institute of Management (GLIM) Chennai is a private management institute established in 2004 by Dr. Bala V. Balachandran. It is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and holds triple international accreditation: AACSB, AMBA, and NBA.
As per NIRF Management 2025, GLIM Chennai is ranked #37 (Score: 58.05), up from rank 52 in 2024.
The institute operates on the East Coast Road (ECR), south of Chennai. Its campus is recognised as Asia’s first LEED Platinum Rated campus. GLIM Chennai has a network of 16,000+ alumni across 30+ countries.
- PGPM (1 year, residential), the flagship programme for working professionals with 2+ years of experience
- Specialisation tracks include Business Analytics and Family Business and Entrepreneurship
- Total fee: INR 23.5 Lakhs (accommodation and meals included)
- PGDM (2 years, residential), designed for freshers and early-career candidates with under 36 months of experience
- Specialisations in Finance, Marketing, Operations, Strategy, and Human Resources
- Total fee: INR 22.5 Lakhs
- Executive PGPM (15 months, hybrid), designed for mid-career professionals. Fee: INR 13.4 Lakhs
- PGPM Flex (weekend-intensive residential), designed for working professionals. Fee: INR 9.85 Lakhs
- Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing, a short-term programme. Fee: INR 2 Lakhs per year
GLIM Chennai offers 40 merit and diversity scholarships of INR 5 Lakhs each per batch, with at least 30% reserved for women. The Dr. Bala V. Balachandran Merit Scholarship awards a full tuition waiver to the top-ranked candidate.
PGPM Class of 2026 recorded a highest package of INR 43 LPA and an average CTC of INR 18.1 LPA. PGDM Class of 2026 reported a highest package of INR 40 LPA and an average CTC of INR 15 LPA.
GLIM Chennai Admission Dates 2027
GLIM Chennai admissions for the 2027 intake are anchored by CAT 2026 (exam 29 November 2026) and XAT 2027 (exam 3 January 2027). GMAT scores from January 2024 onwards and NMAT 2026 scores are also accepted. GLIM’s own application portal for both PGPM 2027-28 and PGDM 2027-29 opens in December 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| XAT 2027 Registration Closes | 6 December 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam | 29 November 2026 |
| XAT 2027 Exam | 3 January 2027 |
| GLIM Application Portal Opens (PGPM and PGDM) | December 2026 (Tentative) |
| GLIM PGPM 2027-28 Application Cycles | December 2026 to March 2027 (Tentative) |
| PGDM 2027-29 Application Cycle Opens | December 2026 (Tentative) |
The PGDM 2026-28 batch admissions concluded by March 2026. Aspirants targeting PGDM should prepare for CAT 2026 and XAT 2027 ahead of the December 2026 portal opening. The table below shows the entrance exams accepted for each programme family.
| Programme | Accepted Exams | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| PGPM | CAT, XAT, GMAT, NMAT | 1 year |
| PGDM | CAT, XAT, GMAT, NMAT | 2 years |
| Executive PGPM | GMAT, GRE | 15 months |
| PGPM Flex | GMAT, GRE (or equivalent) | Variable (weekend-intensive) |
GLIM Chennai Courses and Fees
GLIM Chennai offers five management programmes spanning full-time, executive, flexible, and certificate formats. Total fees range from INR 9.85 Lakhs (PGPM Flex) to INR 23.5 Lakhs (PGPM). The 1-year PGPM and 2-year PGDM are the two residential flagship programmes.
| Programme | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGPM | 1 year | Graduation (50%) + min. 2 years work experience + CAT/XAT/GMAT/NMAT | INR 23,50,000 |
| PGPM (Family Business and Entrepreneurship) | 1 year | Graduation (50%) + min. 2 years work experience + CAT/XAT/GMAT/NMAT | INR 23,50,000 |
| PGDM | 2 years | Graduation (50%) + less than 36 months work experience + CAT/XAT/GMAT/NMAT | INR 22,50,000 |
| Executive PGPM | 15 months | Graduation + substantial work experience + GMAT/GRE | INR 13,40,000 |
| PGPM Flex | Variable | Working professional with relevant experience | INR 9,85,300 |
| Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing | 1 year | Graduation | INR 2,00,000 per year |
The PGPM fee of INR 23.5 Lakhs is all-inclusive. Single AC accommodation (INR 3.96 Lakhs) and all vegetarian meals are bundled into the programme total. The PGPM (Family Business and Entrepreneurship) carries the same fee and offers a dedicated specialisation track at no additional charge.
GLIM Chennai Admission Process
GLIM Chennai uses a holistic selection model for both PGPM and PGDM. No minimum CAT, XAT, GMAT, or NMAT cutoff is declared. The admissions committee evaluates academic record, work experience, test score, essay, and interview performance together.
PGPM Admission Process
PGPM is exclusively for candidates with professional work experience. Freshers are not eligible.
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised institution with 50% aggregate in Class 10, Class 12, and Graduation
- Minimum 2 years of full-time post-qualification work experience by 30 April 2027
- Valid CAT, XAT, GMAT (from January 2024), or NMAT score
Selection has three stages. Stage 1 is an online profile review of academics, test score, work experience, and essay. Stage 2 is an AI-proctored video interview for shortlisted candidates. Stage 3 is a Personal Interview, held in-person across multiple cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata) or online. Offers are issued on a rolling cycle basis.
PGDM Admission Process
PGDM is designed for freshers and early-career candidates. Candidates with 36 months or more of work experience as of 30 May 2026 are not eligible for PGDM and should apply to PGPM instead.
- Bachelor’s degree with 50% aggregate in Class 10, Class 12, and Graduation
- Freshers eligible
- Candidates with less than 36 months of work experience are also eligible
- Valid CAT, XAT, GMAT (from January 2024), or NMAT score
The three-stage selection process (profile review, video interview, Personal Interview) is the same as PGPM. PGDM runs 4 application cycles per intake year. Applying in early cycles is recommended for stronger scholarship consideration.
Executive PGPM and PGPM Flex
The Executive PGPM targets mid-career professionals with substantial corporate experience. GMAT and GRE are the primary admission criteria. The PGPM Flex follows a similar professional-track eligibility. Both programmes have separate application tracks on the official GLIM website.
GLIM Chennai Placements
GLIM Chennai final placements for the Class of 2026 reflect strong outcomes across both PGPM and PGDM. PGPM Class of 2026 reported a highest CTC of INR 43 LPA and an average CTC of INR 18.1 LPA, with an average CTC growth of 2.6x over incoming compensation. PGDM Class of 2026 reported a highest CTC of INR 40 LPA and an average CTC of INR 15 LPA.
BFSI dominated the PGDM sector mix at 37% of offers, followed by Business Consulting at 17% and Technology at 12%. For PGPM, Business Consulting was the largest sector. Both batches saw a significant influx of first-time recruiters, with 40+ new organisations joining PGPM placements in 2026.
| Metric | PGPM Class of 2026 | PGDM Class of 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Highest CTC | INR 43 LPA | INR 40 LPA |
| Average CTC | INR 18.1 LPA | INR 15 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Accenture, Infosys Consulting, Deloitte | Deloitte, JP Morgan Chase, ICICI Bank, PwC |
| New Recruiters | 40+ including Alvarez and Marsal, BlackRock, EY Studio+, London Stock Exchange | PwC, Citi, Capgemini, ICICI Securities, Kotak Bank, Michelin, Moody’s |
| Top Sector | Business Consulting (37%) | BFSI (37%) |
The alumni network of 16,000+ professionals across 30+ countries contributes a strong lateral hiring channel. The institute’s AACSB and AMBA accreditations are cited as key factors in attracting global and consulting firms to campus.
GLIM Chennai Rankings
GLIM Chennai holds the 37th rank in Management as per NIRF 2025, up from 52nd in 2024. It is the 2nd highest-ranked management institution in Chennai by NIRF. The institute holds AACSB, AMBA, and NBA accreditation, placing it among a small group of triple-accredited management schools in India.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Management | 37 (Score: 58.05) | 52 |
GLIM Chennai does not currently publish participation data for international rankings such as QS or Financial Times. The NIRF score of 58.05 reflects strong performance in Outreach and Inclusivity (73.36) and Graduation Outcomes (81.85).
GLIM Chennai Scholarships
GLIM Chennai offers two primary scholarship programmes for PGPM and PGDM students. Both are merit-based and awarded at the time of admission. No separate scholarship application is required.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bala V. Balachandran Merit Scholarship | Top-ranked candidate in the PGPM/PGDM intake based on academic merit, work experience, and interview | 100% tuition fee waiver (INR 12,43,000 for PGPM) |
| Merit and Diversity Scholarships | Merit and diversity criteria across the batch, with at least 30% reserved for women candidates | INR 5 Lakhs each, 40 awards per intake (total INR 2 Crores) |
The 40 diversity and merit awards are applied directly to the programme fee at the time of admission. A PGPM candidate receiving one award pays an effective fee of INR 18.5 Lakhs instead of INR 23.5 Lakhs. The Dr. Bala V. Balachandran scholarship reduces the effective PGPM cost to INR 11.07 Lakhs for the recipient.
GLIM Chennai Campus and Infrastructure
GLIM Chennai is located on the East Coast Road (ECR), south of Chennai, in a residential setting away from urban congestion. The campus holds the distinction of being Asia’s first LEED Platinum Rated campus, reflecting a high standard of sustainable design and energy efficiency.
The PGPM programme is fully residential. Single AC accommodation and all vegetarian meals are bundled into the programme fee. Non-vegetarian meal options are available at an additional charge at the mess counter. PGDM residential facilities follow a separate arrangement confirmed at the time of admission.
Key campus features include dedicated research centres in marketing, artificial intelligence, and finance. The institute hosts TEDxGLIMChennai and the NASMEI (North American Society for Marketing Education in India) Conference annually, giving students access to industry and academic networks.
GLIM Chennai vs IMT Ghaziabad vs TAPMI Manipal
Aspirants shortlisting GLIM Chennai alongside other private management institutes most often compare it with IMT Ghaziabad and TAPMI Manipal, given the similar NIRF 2025 tier and comparable programme profiles. GLIM’s unique differentiator is its dual-track structure: a 1-year PGPM for experienced professionals and a 2-year PGDM for freshers, while both IMT and TAPMI focus on 2-year PGDM programmes.
| Parameter | GLIM Chennai | IMT Ghaziabad | TAPMI Manipal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flagship Programme | PGPM (1 yr) + PGDM (2 yr) | PGDM (2 yr) | PGDM (2 yr) |
| NIRF 2025 (Management) | #37 | #30 | #39 |
| Accreditation | AACSB + AMBA + NBA | AACSB + SAQS | AACSB + AMBA |
| Location | Chennai (ECR) | Ghaziabad, NCR | Manipal, Karnataka |
| Campus Distinction | Asia’s first LEED Platinum campus | Large urban campus, NCR access | Manipal university ecosystem |
IMT Ghaziabad leads on NIRF rank and benefits from NCR proximity for placements. GLIM Chennai stands out with triple accreditation and the 1-year PGPM track for working professionals. TAPMI Manipal is closely ranked and offers the advantage of the Manipal university ecosystem for cross-disciplinary exposure. None of the three is a clear winner across all dimensions. The right choice depends on programme format, location preference, and career stage.
GLIM Chennai FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between PGPM and PGDM at GLIM Chennai?
Ans. PGPM is a 1-year programme for candidates with a minimum of 2 years of full-time work experience. PGDM is a 2-year programme open to freshers and candidates with under 36 months of experience. Both accept CAT, XAT, GMAT, and NMAT scores and cost between INR 22.5 Lakhs and INR 23.5 Lakhs.
Ques. What is the NIRF rank of GLIM Chennai?
Ans. GLIM Chennai is ranked #37 in Management by NIRF 2025, with a score of 58.05. This is an improvement from rank 52 in NIRF 2024. GLIM is the 2nd highest-ranked NIRF management institution in Chennai.
Ques. What is the total fee for PGPM at GLIM Chennai?
Ans. The total PGPM fee is INR 23,50,000 for Indian students for the 2026-27 cycle. This covers tuition, programme fee, single AC accommodation, all vegetarian meals, caution deposit, and alumni subscription. NRI students pay INR 36,47,600. There is no separate hostel invoice for PGPM students.
Ques. What is the CAT cutoff for GLIM Chennai admission?
Ans. GLIM Chennai does not declare a minimum CAT percentile cutoff. Admission is based on holistic evaluation of test score, academics, work experience, essay, and Personal Interview performance. A strong CAT score improves the profile but is not the sole criterion for shortlisting.
Ques. What are the average and highest packages at GLIM Chennai?
Ans. For the Class of 2026, PGPM recorded an average CTC of INR 18.1 LPA and a highest CTC of INR 43 LPA. PGDM Class of 2026 reported an average CTC of INR 15 LPA and a highest CTC of INR 40 LPA. Deloitte, JP Morgan Chase, ICICI Bank, and Accenture were among the top recruiters.
Ques. Is GLIM Chennai AACSB accredited?
Ans. Yes. GLIM Chennai holds triple international accreditation: AACSB, AMBA, and NBA. It is among the few management institutes in India to hold all three simultaneously. The institute is also approved by AICTE.
Ques. When do GLIM Chennai PGPM and PGDM applications open for the 2027 batch?
Ans. GLIM Chennai’s application portal for both PGPM 2027-28 and PGDM 2027-29 is expected to open in December 2026. The key entrance exams are CAT 2026 (29 November 2026) and XAT 2027 (3 January 2027). GMAT scores from January 2024 onwards are also valid.
Ques. Does GLIM Chennai offer scholarships?
Ans. Yes. GLIM Chennai offers 40 merit and diversity scholarships of INR 5 Lakhs each per batch, totalling INR 2 Crores. At least 30% are reserved for women candidates. The Dr. Bala V. Balachandran Merit Scholarship provides a 100% tuition fee waiver (INR 12,43,000) to the top-ranked PGPM candidate. No separate application is needed for either award.







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Comments
Found 4 Comments
Great Lakes is recognised as a top management institute for online PGDM. It has been ranked at 5th position by Anayltics India for Online PGDM/MBA. It has also been recognised at 5th among top B Schools (Emerging). There has not been much difference among the syllabi of Offline and Online PGDM.
You can check out the page GLIM Chennai Info and then navigate to “Apply Now” to subscribe to the newsletter or get the notification.
You need to contact directly to the Great Lakes Authority to know if admissions are available without entrance examination.
The one-year PGP management course at GLC Chennai is INR 8,35,000.