IMI Delhi PGDM program 2026 admission open

International Management Institute (IMI), Delhi, a premier B-School, has opened admissions for its prestigious PGDM programs for the 2026-28 batch. This is a crucial window for all MBA aspirants aiming for a top-tier management career. The application deadline is swiftly approaching: December 12, 2025.

The International Management Institute (IMI), Delhi, one of India’s top-ranked and oldest private B-schools, has commenced its highly anticipated admission process for the two-year Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) program (2026-28 batch). As the competitive MBA landscape heats up, IMI Delhi offers a highly coveted opportunity for aspirants aiming for a world-class management education backed by prestigious accreditations like AMBA and AACSB. With the clock ticking rapidly toward the end of the year, all eyes are now focused on the stringent application timeline.

​The management entrance season is in full swing, and candidates must juggle exam preparation with timely application submissions. The final deadline to complete the IMI Delhi application form is set for December 12, 2025. This date is critical, as it precedes several major entrance exams, including the upcoming XAT 2026. Prospective students are strongly advised to complete their applications well in advance to avoid last-minute technical glitches and ensure their candidacy is considered for the early shortlisting rounds. This comprehensive guide outlines the essential dates, eligibility requirements, and the holistic selection criteria for the IMI Delhi PGDM program.

​Key Admission Dates and Entrance Exam Timelines

​The IMI Delhi admission cycle for 2026 is meticulously structured around the national-level management entrance exams. Given that the application deadline of December 12, 2025, falls before the results of CAT 2025 and the conduct of XAT 2026, candidates must apply based on their expected performance or use a prior GMAT score.

• ​Final Application Deadline for IMI Delhi PGDM: December 12, 2025 
  • ​Note: The application window closes regardless of whether the entrance exam results (like CAT) are declared or not.
• ​Accepted Entrance Exams for 2026 Admission:
  • ​CAT 2025: Conducted on November 30, 2025. Score considered for shortlisting.
  • ​XAT 2026: Conducted on January 4, 2026. Scores of candidates who apply by Dec 12 will be considered when released.
  • ​GMAT: Scores taken after January 2021 and before January 2026 are also valid.
  • ​CMAT: Scores may also be considered for specific rounds or programs, aspirants should confirm this on the official IMI notice.
• ​Subsequent Selection Rounds (Tentative):
  • ​Video Assessment (Pre-PI): Expected in December 2025.
  • ​Personal Interviews (PI): Expected in January/February 2026.
  • ​Final Admission Decision: Expected in February 2026.

​Meeting the application deadline is the first gate. Since IMI Delhi considers multiple exam scores, applying before the deadline allows the institute to process your application and plan your subsequent Individual Assessment Process (IAP), which is crucial for the final selection.

​The IMI Delhi Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

​Successfully submitting your application to IMI Delhi is a straightforward, purely online process. However, aspirants must ensure they meet the minimum eligibility requirements and have all necessary documentation ready before commencing the form filling. The application fee must also be paid online to complete the submission.

• ​Eligibility Check: Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree (minimum three-year duration) or equivalent qualification with at least 50% aggregate marks from a UGC/AIU-recognized university. Final-year degree students are provisionally eligible, provided they furnish proof of completion by September 30, 2026.
• ​Online Application: 
  • ​Visit the official IMI Delhi admissions page (admission.imi.edu/delhi/).
  • ​Create a user account by providing basic personal details.
  • ​Fill out the detailed application form, including academic background (10th, 12th, and Graduation scores), entrance exam details, and work experience (if applicable).
• ​Entrance Exam Declaration: Candidates must compulsorily indicate the entrance exam they have appeared for or plan to appear for (CAT, XAT, or GMAT). Since CAT 2025 will be held on November 30, and XAT 2026 on January 4, 2026, most applicants will declare their intent to appear for these exams.
• ​Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of your passport-sized photograph, signature, academic transcripts, and valid ID proof as specified in the application guidelines.
• ​Fee Submission: Pay the application fee online via credit card, debit card, or net banking to finalize the application. The fee is non-refundable.

​A complete and error-free application not only ensures a smooth candidature but also provides the selection committee with a holistic view of the applicant’s profile, which is key to the overall selection criteria.

​Understanding the Holistic Selection Criteria at IMI Delhi

​Admission to the IMI Delhi PGDM program is not based solely on the entrance exam score. The institute employs a holistic evaluation process designed to select well-rounded future managers, taking into account several qualitative and quantitative parameters. Aspirants must understand these components to focus their post-application efforts effectively.

• ​Entrance Exam Score: This remains the primary filter. High scores in CAT, XAT, or GMAT are essential for receiving the initial shortlist call. IMI Delhi typically looks for a high percentile (historically, around 90+ percentile in CAT and XAT).
• ​Academic Profile and Performance: Consistent performance throughout schooling and graduation is highly valued. Candidates with high marks in 10th, 12th, and graduation often receive higher weightage in the initial screening.
• ​Individual Assessment Process (IAP): Shortlisted candidates are invited for the IAP, which includes a Personal Interview (PI) and typically an Essay Writing/Video Assessment component. This round assesses communication skills, subject knowledge, motivation for an MBA, and personality fit.
• ​Work Experience and Diversity: Quality work experience is a significant advantage. Furthermore, IMI Delhi emphasizes academic and gender diversity, often allocating points to candidates from non-engineering backgrounds and female applicants to foster a richer learning environment.

​A strong application narrative, articulating career goals and justifying the choice of IMI Delhi, will strengthen a candidate's position during the competitive selection rounds in January and February 2026.

​Conclusion

​The IMI Delhi PGDM 2026 admission process is a crucial opportunity for management aspirants to join a top-tier institution. With the December 12, 2025, deadline rapidly approaching, prospective students must prioritize their online application submission on the official IMI website. Ensure you have a valid CAT/XAT/GMAT score and a well-prepared profile, as the final selection hinges on a holistic evaluation of your test performance, academics, and interview skills. Complete your application now and take the decisive step toward realizing your management career aspirations.