All Answers
Master in Management Student at Georgetown University | Aspiring Business Leader with a Passion for Innovation and Strategy
CGPA varies depending on the institution you want to pursue your MBA from and your overall profile.
For example, top Indian business schools like IIM Ahmedabad require a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in your bachelor's degree for general category applicants, and 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates. In the U.S., while there's no strict minimum CGPA, the average GPA of admitted students at top programs like Stanford and Harvard hovers around 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. I
However, if your CGPA is lower, don't be discouraged. Admissions committees consider the overall strength of your application, including GMAT/GRE scores, work experience, essays, and recommendations. A strong performance in these areas can offset a lower CGPA.
In summary, while a higher CGPA can enhance your MBA application, it's just one part of the admissions puzzle. Focus on building a well-rounded profile to improve your chances of acceptance.
Experienced Human Resources Specialist | Talent Acquisition | Employee Relations | HR Operations Expert
Well it depends on the school you want to pursue your MBA from. Most top business schools don’t ask for a fixed CGPA, but they do look at your overall academic performance. In India, IIMs usually expect you to have at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in your bachelor’s degree if you're from the general category. For SC/ST or PwD students, it’s 45%.
In top international schools like Harvard or Stanford, there’s no minimum CGPA rule. But on average, selected students usually have a GPA of around 3.5 to 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. If you’re coming from a different grading system, schools will convert your scores to understand where you stand.
But don’t worry if your CGPA is low. B-schools also look at your GMAT or GRE score, your work experience, and how strong your essays and recommendations are. So even with an average CGPA, you can still make it—if the rest of your profile is strong.
Top MBA programs do consider your undergraduate CGPA, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Most schools don’t have a minimum CGPA, but applicants who get in often have:
- Above 3.5/4.0 GPA (or 75–80% and above in Indian universities), especially at places like Stanford, MIT, or Columbia.
- For IIMs, a CGPA of 8.0+ on 10 or a First Class with Distinction can improve your chances in the shortlisting stage.
However, schools also consider the rigor of your undergrad program, college reputation, and trend in grades. Someone from IIT with a 7.5 CGPA might be seen more favorably than someone with a 9.0 from a lesser-known college.
Also, if you’ve got strong work experience (3+ years), impactful projects, or a high GMAT/GRE score, you can balance out an average GPA. So, while a higher CGPA helps, it’s not a deal-breaker if the rest of your profile is strong.
Most MBA programs don’t have a strict CGPA cutoff, but they do expect you to show academic readiness.
For top global schools like INSEAD, LBS, and Kellogg, admitted students often have a CGPA between 7.5 to 8.5 out of 10 (around 75%–85%). However, applicants with around 7.0 CGPA (65–70%) have also been accepted if the rest of the profile is strong—especially a 700+ GMAT, solid work experience, and leadership roles.
If your CGPA is average, you can strengthen your academic profile with:
- Quant-heavy courses like statistics, economics, calculus, or financial accounting (either in undergrad or online),
- Certifications like CFA Level 1, Financial Modeling, Google Data Analytics, or Harvard’s CORe (Credential of Readiness).
These show admissions committees that you’re prepared for the academic rigor of an MBA, even if your grades weren’t top-tier.
Confused which Schools to Target?
Connect with our Experts for Personalized School Suggestions
