Business schools evaluate candidates based on a combination of factors to ensure a diverse and talented student cohort. Common admission criteria include:

• Academic Background: A bachelor's degree from a recognized institution is typically required. Some schools may specify a minimum GPA or academic performance.

• Work Experience: Many MBA programs prefer candidates with relevant work experience. The number of years and the quality of work may vary by school and program type (full-time, part-time, executive).

• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants usually need to submit letters of recommendation from professional or academic references who can vouch for their skills, accomplishments, and potential.

• Statement of Purpose/Personal Essays: Candidates are often required to write essays that demonstrate their motivations, goals, and fit for the program.

• Interview: Some schools conduct interviews to assess candidates' interpersonal skills, career goals, and alignment with the program

Standardized tests provide a standardized measure of a candidate's academic abilities and analytical skills. The most common tests required for MBA admissions are:​

1. CAT (Common Admission Test): CAT is a prominent entrance exam for admission to various Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools in India. It assesses candidates in areas such as quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, data interpretation, and logical reasoning.

2. MAT (Management Aptitude Test): MAT is a standardized test conducted in India for admission to MBA programs in various B-schools. It assesses candidates' mathematical skills, language comprehension, data analysis, and critical reasoning.

3. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test): XAT is another popular entrance exam for admission to B-schools in India, including Xavier-affiliated institutions. It assesses candidates' aptitude in verbal and logical ability, decision making, quantitative ability, and general awareness.

4. NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test): NMAT is used for admissions to the MBA programs at NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) and other associated institutes. It assesses candidates' skills in language, quantitative aptitude, and logical reasoning.

5. CMAT (Common Management Admission Test): CMAT is a national-level entrance exam in India conducted for admission to management programs in various AICTE-approved B-schools. It assesses candidates' quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, language comprehension, and general awareness.

6. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test): SNAP is the entrance exam for admission to MBA programs offered by Symbiosis International (Deemed University) and its affiliated institutes. It evaluates candidates' aptitude in quantitative, analytical, and verbal skills.

7. KIITJEE (KIITEE Management): KIITEE Management is the entrance exam conducted by KIIT School of Management (KSOM) for admission to its MBA programs. It assesses candidates' verbal ability, quantitative aptitude, and logical reasoning.

8. TISSNET (Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test): TISSNET is the entrance exam for admission to various postgraduate programs, including MA in Human Resource Management and Labor Relations (HRM & LR) offered by Tata Institute of Social Sciences. It evaluates candidates' social awareness, logical reasoning, and English proficiency.

9. IBSAT (ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test): IBSAT is the entrance exam conducted by ICFAI Foundation for admission to MBA and PGDM programs offered by various ICFAI Business Schools. It assesses candidates' verbal ability, reading comprehension, quantitative aptitude, and data interpretation skills.

For non-native English speakers, proof of English language proficiency is often required. The most widely accepted tests are TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System).

Some MBA programs may require prerequisite coursework in subjects like mathematics, economics, or statistics. Additionally, specific qualifications such as industry certifications or technical skills might be advantageous for certain specialized programs.

Applicants need to complete an online application form provided by the business school. This typically includes personal information, academic history, work experience, essays, and other required documents.

Schools often charge application fees to cover administrative costs associated with reviewing applications. Fee waivers might be available for candidates meeting certain criteria.

MBA programs have application deadlines for each intake. These deadlines can vary based on whether the program offers multiple rounds of admissions or rolling admissions.

Some schools require applicants to participate in interviews, which can be conducted in-person, over the phone, or via video conferencing. Interviews provide an opportunity for candidates to showcase their interpersonal skills and elaborate on their application.

Admissions committees review applications and assess candidates based on the established criteria. Successful candidates receive admission offers, while others may be placed on waitlists or receive rejection notifications.

Candidates who receive admission offers need to confirm their acceptance by the specified deadline and pay any necessary enrollment deposits.