Chennai or Gurgaon — the numbers are different
Two campuses, two fee lists, two sets of placement figures. And ₹22,50,000 means the Chennai PGDM at one and the Gurgaon PGPM at the other.
| What | Chennai | Gurgaon |
|---|---|---|
| PGPM total fee | ₹23,50,000 (single AC room; labelled both 2026-27 and 2027-28) | ₹22,50,000 (2026-27, twin AC) |
| PGDM total fee | ₹22,50,000 (2026-28) | ₹19,82,000 (2026-28) |
| PGPM average / highest | ₹18.1 L / ₹43 L (Class of 2026, also labelled Class of 2025) | ₹16.2 L / ₹34.5 L (Class of 2026) |
| PGDM average / highest, Class of 2026 | ₹15 L / ₹40 L | ₹12.1 L / ₹24 L |
| Room | Single AC for PGPM; twin for PGDM, triple possible in year one | Twin AC on both programmes |
| Disputes go to | Chennai courts only | Gurgaon courts only |
- Chennai’s PGDM eligibility counts the 36-month rule to 30 May 2027; Gurgaon has not yet announced its 2027-29 deadlines.
- Full breakdown: Great Lakes Gurgaon admission 2027.
The three programmes
Your months of work experience decide the programme before anything else does.
| Programme | Length | Who can apply | Total fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGPM | 1 year, residential | 2+ years of work experience; 2–3 years by 30 April 2027 is encouraged. | ₹23,50,000 |
| PGDM | 2 years, residential | Freshers, and anyone with under 36 months as on 30 May 2027. Nobody above that. | ₹22,50,000 (2026-28) |
| PGPM-FBE | 1 year, residential | People in a family business, or running a start-up registered in India. | ₹23,50,000 |
- The PGPM 2026-27 class has 210+ students, with an average age of 25, 3.2 years of average experience and 28% women. The PGDM Class of 2026 had 340+.
- PGPM is AACSB- and AMBA-accredited and AICTE-approved. PGDM carries NBA accreditation and AIU recognition as an MBA-equivalent programme.
- 2 to 3 years: both PGPM and PGDM are open to you.
- They need separate forms and separate ₹2,200 fees.
- Under 24 months: PGDM only.
Fees: PGPM and PGDM
PGPM costs ₹23,50,000 and PGDM ₹22,50,000 for 2026-28. Both totals already include the compulsory room.
PGPM
₹23,50,000 for Indian students, USD 41,450 for international students.
| Head | Indian (INR) | International (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | ₹12,43,000 | 21,050 |
| Program Fee | ₹6,96,000 | 12,300 |
| Sub-total | ₹19,39,000 | 33,350 |
| Accommodation (Single AC) | ₹3,96,000 | 7,700 |
| Caution Deposit (refundable) | ₹10,000 | 300 |
| Alumni Subscription | ₹5,000 | 100 |
| Total | ₹23,50,000 | 41,450 |
- ₹23,50,000 is labelled both 2026-27 and 2027-28, so confirm which batch it applies to.
- The ₹10,000 deposit comes back, so your real cost is ₹23,40,000.
- A laptop is compulsory. It is not in this table.
- No scholarship amount is published.
PGDM, 2026-28
₹22,50,000 covers both years of the 2026-28 batch.
| Head | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | ₹10,25,000 |
| Program Fee | ₹5,78,000 |
| Sub-total | ₹16,03,000 |
| Accommodation (Twin AC) | ₹6,32,000 |
| Caution Deposit (refundable) | ₹10,000 |
| Alumni Subscription | ₹5,000 |
| Total | ₹22,50,000 |
- ₹1,00,000 less than PGPM in total — but it takes a second year.
- So the real gap is twelve more months of lost salary, not ₹1 lakh.
- In year one you may get a triple-sharing AC room instead.
- Charges are lower for a triple room, and the difference is refunded pro rata.
Hostel, mess and the nine conditions
The room costs ₹3,96,000 on PGPM and ₹6,32,000 on PGDM, and nine conditions decide what it buys.
| # | Condition |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tuition covers reading material, case studies, text books and online resources |
| 2 | The programme is approved by AICTE |
| 3 | You must bring your own laptop, to the college’s specification |
| 4 | The programme is residential, so hostel is compulsory |
| 5 | PGPM: single rooms go by order of acceptance, otherwise twin sharing with a partial refund. PGDM: twin sharing, with triple AC possible in year one at lower charges, refunded pro rata |
| 6 | Housing and catering may be outsourced. You pay the service provider, through the college |
| 7 | Vegetarian meals are included. Non-vegetarian food is optional and costs extra |
| 8 | Refunds follow AICTE norms |
| 9 | Any dispute goes to Chennai courts only |
- Accept early if you want a single room.
- No mess rate or instalment plan is published beyond the ₹10,000 deposit.
- Ask admissions in writing for the payment split.
Who can apply — all three programmes
One table for all three. The work-experience row is the one that rules people out.
| Requirement | PGPM | PGDM | PGPM-FBE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work experience | 2+ years | Freshers to under 36 months as on 30 May 2027 | Must be in a family business or own a registered start-up |
| Tests taken | CAT, GMAT, XAT, NMAT | CAT, GMAT, XAT | CAT, GMAT, XAT, NMAT, or GREAT, the Great Lakes Aptitude Test |
| Score must be from | GMAT on/after 1 Jan 2024 · CAT 2025 or 2026 · XAT 2026 or 2027 · NMAT 2025 onwards | Same, but NMAT is not accepted | Same, with NMAT counted as your last 3 attempts |
| Marks | Bachelor’s in any subject, and 50% in 10th, 12th and UG — all three, not the best of three | ||
| Extra weightage | — | College or university rank holders, if you can prove it | Best score across attempts is counted |
| Essays | 1 mandatory | — | 2 — one mandatory, one optional |
| Quota | None. No management quota, no reservation of any kind | ||
- No cutoff percentile is published anywhere.
- You are judged on test score, past marks, work experience, essay and two interviews.
- Work out your months as on 30 May 2027 before you pay.
- A 2023 GMAT will not qualify for this intake.
Cycles, interviews and how to apply
Four cycles, ₹2,200 a form. PGPM interviews are face to face; PGDM interviews are online.
| Item | PGPM | PGDM |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle 1 scores accepted | GMAT 2024, 2025, 2026 · CAT 2025 & 2026 · XAT 2026 & 2027 · NMAT 2025 onwards | GMAT 2024 onwards · CAT 2025 and 2026 · XAT 2026 and 2027 |
| Apply before your score arrives? | Yes — profile-based early interviews while GMAT, CAT, XAT or NMAT results are pending (section still labelled 2026) | Yes — submit with scores pending and be shortlisted on your profile |
| Deadline | To be announced | To be announced, all four cycles |
| Interview | In person — Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai | Online |
| Rounds | Two, with an AI-proctored video interview before the final one | |
| Fee and form | ₹2,200. Apply to each campus separately, or to both on one form — you pick that at registration | |
| Recommender | Official email ID needed. The letter is collected only from finally selected students | |
- No third party is authorised to apply on your behalf, and there is no management quota.
PGPM placements, Class of 2026
Average ₹18.1 lakh, highest ₹43 lakh. The middle of the batch sat in the ₹14–17 lakh band.
| Bracket | Average CTC | Salary band |
|---|---|---|
| Top 10% | ₹27 LPA | 25+ LPA — 8% of the batch |
| Top 25% | ₹24 LPA | 20–25 LPA — 18% |
| Top 50% | ₹21 LPA | 17–20 LPA — 23% |
| Top 75% | ₹19 LPA | 14–17 LPA — 35% |
| Batch average | ₹18.1 LPA | 11–14 LPA — 16% |
| Highest | ₹43 LPA (a multinational consulting firm) | Bands add up to 100% |
| Function | Share | Industry · share |
|---|---|---|
| Business Consulting | 37% | Tech Consulting · 32% |
| Strategy Consulting | 9% | Business Consulting · 14% |
| Operations | 9% | Technology & Product · 13% |
| Tech Consulting · Analytics · Marketing/Sales | 8% each | IT/ITES · 10% |
| General Management | 6% | Strategy Consulting · 7% |
| Product Management | 4% | Analytics Consulting 5% · Healthcare 4% |
| Others | 11% | Others · 15% |
- Two batch years are published for these figures: the Class of 2026, and the Class of 2025 for the ₹18.1 lakh average. Ask admissions which batch they describe.
- 40+ new organisations recruited, including Alvarez & Marsal, Apollo Homecare, BlackRock, EY Studio+, Fractal Analytics, London Stock Exchange and TVS Supply Chain.
- Only 8% of the batch crossed 25 LPA. ₹43 lakh is a single offer.
PGDM placements, Class of 2026
Class of 2026 averaged ₹15 lakh with a ₹40 lakh high — and half the class landed at 12–15 LPA.
| Bracket | Average CTC | Salary band · share of class |
|---|---|---|
| Top 10% | ₹22 LPA | Above 21 LPA · 6% |
| Top 25% | ₹20 LPA | 18–21 LPA · 11% |
| Top 50% | ₹17 LPA | 15–18 LPA · 22% |
| Top 75% | ₹16 LPA | 12–15 LPA · 50% |
| Batch average | ₹15 LPA | Below 12 LPA · 11% |
| Highest | ₹40 LPA (a multinational BFSI firm) | Bands add up to 100% |
| Industry | Share | Function · share |
|---|---|---|
| Banking & Financial Services | 37% | Finance · 29% |
| Business Consulting | 17% | Sales & Marketing · 20% |
| Technology & Product | 12% | General Management · 12% |
| Tech Consulting | 7% | Business Consulting · 11% |
| IT / ITES | 6% | Analytics · 10% |
| Manufacturing · Automobile | 5% · 3% | Others · 18% |
| Others | 13% | — |
| Measure | Class of 2025 | Offer split |
|---|---|---|
| Average CTC | ₹15 lakh p.a. | Sector: BFSI/NBFC 27% |
| Highest CTC | ₹39.3 lakh p.a. (a multinational FinTech firm) | IT/ITeS 22% |
| Pre-placement offers | 63 students, after their internships | Consulting 16% · Financial Services 9% |
| Role split | — | Finance 33% · Sales & Marketing 32% |
- Read the 50% before the ₹40 lakh. Half the Class of 2026 landed at 12–15 LPA, and 11% below 12 LPA.
- The average held at ₹15 lakh from 2025 to 2026 while the highest rose to ₹40 lakh.
- 55+ regular recruiters and 30+ new ones took part, including PwC, Citi, Capgemini, ICICI Securities, Kotak Bank, Lenskart, Michelin, Moody’s and Wipro.
- Neither programme publishes a median — only averages, brackets and bands.
Mistakes that cost applicants
Seven avoidable errors, each of which costs applicants a seat, a deposit or a year.
| Mistake | What happens |
|---|---|
| Using the Gurgaon fee for Chennai | ₹2.68 lakh out on PGDM, ₹1 lakh on PGPM |
| Assuming a 2023 GMAT counts | It is outside the window for the 2027 intake |
| Counting 36 months from the day you apply | PGDM measures it as on 30 May 2027 |
| Applying to PGDM on an NMAT score | NMAT counts for PGPM and FBE only; PGDM takes CAT, GMAT or XAT |
| Expecting a single room on PGDM | PGDM rooms are twin sharing, with triple possible in year one |
| Accepting late, then wanting a single room | PGPM single rooms go by order of acceptance |
| Talking to anyone selling a management-quota seat | No such seat exists; the offer is fraudulent |
Contact & address
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Dr. Bala V. Balachandar Campus, East Coast Road, Manamai Village, Thirukazhukundram Taluk, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu 603102 · Phone +91-44-27489000 · City office: Prince Infocity II, 1st Floor, 283/3 Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR), Kandanchavadi, Chennai 600096
Frequently asked questions
What is the total fee for Great Lakes Chennai PGPM?
₹23,50,000 for Indian students (labelled both 2026-27 and 2027-28): ₹12,43,000 tuition, ₹6,96,000 programme fee, ₹3,96,000 single-AC room, a refundable ₹10,000 deposit and ₹5,000 alumni fee. International students are quoted USD 41,450.
What is the total fee for Great Lakes Chennai PGDM?
₹22,50,000 for the 2026-28 batch — ₹10,25,000 tuition, ₹5,78,000 programme fee, ₹6,32,000 twin-sharing AC room, ₹10,000 refundable deposit and ₹5,000 alumni fee. That is the total for both years.
Can a fresher apply to Great Lakes Chennai?
Yes, to the two-year PGDM. It is open only to freshers and anyone with under 36 months of work experience as on 30 May 2027. Freshers and anyone under 24 months are sent to PGDM rather than PGPM, which wants 2+ years.
Which entrance exams does Great Lakes Chennai accept for 2027?
GMAT taken on or after 1 January 2024, CAT taken in 2025 or 2026, and XAT taken in 2026 or 2027. PGPM and PGPM-FBE also take NMAT from 2025 onwards, and FBE alone accepts GREAT, the Great Lakes Aptitude Test.
Is there a cutoff percentile for Great Lakes Chennai?
No. Neither PGPM nor PGDM publishes a qualifying percentile. You are judged on your test score, marks across 10th, 12th and UG, work experience, essay and two interview rounds, one of which is an AI-proctored video interview.
Is hostel compulsory at Great Lakes Chennai?
Yes. Both programmes are residential, so the room charge cannot be removed — ₹3,96,000 on PGPM for a single AC room, ₹6,32,000 on PGDM for twin sharing. Vegetarian meals are included; non-vegetarian food costs extra.
Does Great Lakes have a management quota?
No. Great Lakes admits nobody under a management quota or any other reservation, and any third party offering such a seat is committing fraud. Do not approach them.
What are Great Lakes Chennai’s latest placements?
PGPM Class of 2026 averaged ₹18.1 lakh with a ₹43 lakh high — 8% of the batch above 25 LPA, 35% in the 14–17 LPA band. PGDM Class of 2026 averaged ₹15 lakh with a ₹40 lakh high, and half the class was placed at 12–15 LPA.
📋 Data Accuracy Notice (October 2026)
- Verification: Recheck live fees, cut-offs, dates, vacancies and refund rules on the competent authority or institute website before applying, locking choices or paying.
- Corrections: We keep unknown figures unfilled instead of replacing them with third-party estimates. Report an error to [email protected].
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