TAPMI opens MBA 2026–28 admission window — apply by 29 December 2025

T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), a premier B-School under MAHE, has officially opened its application window for the MBA 2026–28 batch. This is your chance to apply for seven full-time MBA programmes, including specialized tracks in AI & Data Science and Banking & Financial Services. The final application deadline is December 29, 2025. TAPMI accepts scores from CAT, XAT, GMAT, and NMAT. Ensure you meet the minimum eligibility of a Bachelor's degree with 50% marks and submit your application well before the cutoff date to compete for a seat in this highly sought-after, experiential learning environment.

For aspiring business leaders seeking a globally recognized, experiential management education, the T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal, presents a golden opportunity. TAPMI, a constituent unit of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), has commenced the application process for its flagship MBA programs for the 2026–28 academic session. The admission portal is currently active, inviting ambitious candidates to apply for an impressive portfolio of seven full-time, residential MBA specializations.

​This comprehensive admission window provides aspirants with a definitive pathway to one of India’s top-tier B-schools. However, time is of the essence: the final deadline to submit the online application form is December 29, 2025. Candidates are strongly urged to complete their application process well in advance to avoid last-minute technical rush and to secure their candidacy for the upcoming selection rounds.

​The Seven Pillars of TAPMI’s MBA Programs

​TAPMI is renowned for its unique 'Leadership through Action' pedagogy, which integrates classroom rigor with real-world exposure, notably featuring a world-class, state-of-the-art Finance Lab. The institute offers a diverse set of MBA programs designed to cater to the evolving needs of the global industry. By applying, candidates can choose from seven distinct full-time, two-year residential programs across its Manipal and Bengaluru campuses.

• ​Core MBA (General Management): The flagship program designed to build holistic management capabilities across all functional areas.
• ​MBA (Banking and Financial Services - BKFS): A specialized program utilizing the Bloomberg Finance Lab to provide deep expertise in financial markets and risk management.
• ​MBA (Human Resource Management - HRM): Focuses on strategic HR, organizational development, and industrial relations.
• ​MBA (Marketing): Provides an intensive understanding of consumer behavior, digital marketing, and brand management.
• ​MBA (International Business - IB): A program concentrating on global trade, cross-cultural management, and international finance.
• ​MBA (Artificial Intelligence and Data Science - AI & DS): (Manipal Campus) A cutting-edge program for those aspiring to lead in the age of Big Data and machine learning.
• ​MBA (Technology Management):(Bengaluru Campus) Focused on managing technology resources, IT strategy, and digital transformation.

​ Eligibility and Accepted Entrance Exams for MBA 2026–28

​The shortlisting process at TAPMI is profile-based and holistic, giving significant weight to academic performance, work experience, and achievements beyond the classroom, alongside the competitive entrance exam scores. Understanding the prerequisites is the first step towards a successful application.

• ​Academic Requirements: 
  • ​Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in any discipline from a recognized University.
  • ​A minimum of 50% marks (aggregate) in the undergraduate degree is mandatory.
  • ​Students currently in the final year of graduation (expected to graduate in 2026) are eligible to apply, provided they meet the 50% criteria upon completion.
• ​Accepted Entrance Exam Scores: TAPMI accepts scores from four major national and international management entrance examinations. Candidates must ensure they have a valid score from one of the following: 
  • ​Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025
  • ​Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026
  • ​Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) (Scores accepted from January 1, 2021, to January 31, 2026)
  • ​NMAT by GMAC™ (Only applicable for sectoral programs like BKFS, HRM, AI & DS, and Technology Management).
• ​Score Consideration: TAPMI will consider the highest score provided by the candidate across all the accepted entrance examinations, giving applicants a competitive edge.

​ Application Process and Key Selection Stages

​The application for TAPMI's MBA 2026–28 batch must be submitted exclusively through the official MAHE/TAPMI online portal. The journey from application to final admission is divided into multiple rigorous stages designed to assess the candidate's potential for leadership and academic excellence.

• ​Final Application Deadline:December 29, 2025. Candidates should aim to complete all steps, including payment, before this date.
• ​Online Application Steps: 
  • ​Registration: Create an account on the TAPMI admission portal using a valid email ID.
  • ​Form Filling: Complete the detailed application form with personal, academic, and professional information.
  • ​Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of photographs, signature, academic transcripts, and valid entrance exam scorecards.
  • ​Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable application fee (varies based on the number of programs applied for) online.
• ​Two-Stage Selection Process:
  • ​Stage I: Shortlisting – Based on the candidate's overall profile, including entrance test scores (35% weightage), academic performance (15% weightage), work experience, and extra-curricular achievements.
  • ​Stage II: Final Selection Rounds – Shortlisted candidates will be invited for the final assessment rounds, which are tentatively scheduled between February and March 2026. These rounds typically include: 
    • ​Written Ability Test (WAT)
    • ​Group Discussion (GD)
    • ​Personal Interview (PI)
  • ​The final merit list is prepared by assigning a substantial weightage (45%) to the performance in the GD/WAT/PI rounds, emphasizing soft skills and leadership potential.

​Conclusion

​The opportunity to join the esteemed TAPMI MBA 2026–28 batch is a significant step towards a rewarding and high-impact career in management. With the final application deadline set for December 29, 2025, aspirants must utilize the remaining time to perfect their applications, upload all necessary documents, and apply for the most suitable of the seven full-time MBA programmes. Don't delay your application; ensure your profile is submitted today to enter the competitive race for one of the most transformative management programs in India.

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