What is the admission process for MBA at ISSM Chennai 2026?

ISSM Chennai MBA+PGPM admission 2026 is done at the institute level. Candidates apply online at issm.in with valid scores from CAT, XAT, MAT, TANCET, or the ISSM Talent Reward Exam (TRE). Shortlisted candidates attend Group Discussion and Personal Interview at the Chennai campus. Final selection is based on a combination of exam score, academic record, and GD/PI performance.

Is CAT score mandatory for ISSM Chennai MBA admission?

No. CAT score is not mandatory for ISSM Chennai MBA admission. ISSM accepts CAT, XAT, MAT, TANCET, and its own Talent Reward Exam (TRE) scores. Candidates who have not appeared for any national exam can sit for the TRE at the ISSM Chennai campus by contacting admin@issm.in.

What is the total fee for the MBA+PGPM programme at ISSM Chennai?

The fee for the MBA+PGPM Dual Degree at ISSM Chennai is INR 7,50,000 per year, making the total 2-year programme fee approximately INR 15,00,000. Scholarships of up to INR 1,00,000 are available for eligible students. Contact ISSM at admin@issm.in for the exact current fee breakdown.

What is the eligibility for MBA admission at ISSM Chennai?

Candidates must hold a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university with a minimum 50% aggregate. Final year graduation students may apply provisionally. Work experience is preferred but not mandatory. All nationalities are eligible to apply.

What specialisations are offered in the MBA+PGPM at ISSM Chennai?

ISSM Chennai offers six specialisations in the MBA+PGPM programme: HR, Finance, Marketing, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, International Business, and Systems (IT). Candidates select a specialisation at the time of admission or during the first semester based on ISSMs process.

What is the GD and PI round at ISSM like?

Shortlisted candidates for ISSM Chennai MBA admission attend a Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) at the Chennai campus. The GD assesses communication skills and teamwork. The PI assesses subject knowledge, career goals, and leadership aptitude. Contact ISSM to schedule your GD/PI date after submitting an application.

What is the dual degree advantage of the ISSM MBA+PGPM programme?

The ISSM MBA+PGPM programme awards two credentials. An MBA degree from Alagappa University, a UGC/AICTE-approved university with NAAC A+ grade. And a PGPM from ISSM Business School. The programme also has a Malaysia University collaboration approved by AIU (Association of Indian Universities). This dual credential is ISSMs key differentiator.

Does ISSM Chennai have a hostel facility?

No hostel facility is listed for ISSM Chennai in publicly available information. ISSM is located in Chennai and candidates are expected to arrange their own accommodation. Contact ISSM at +91 97899 31111 for guidance on nearby accommodation options.

Are there scholarships available at ISSM Chennai?

Yes. ISSM Chennai offers merit-based scholarships of up to INR 1,00,000 for eligible students. Students may also apply for the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (for graduates above the 80th percentile) and the Tamil Nadu State scholarship for reserved category students via the state e-Scholarship portal.

Indian School of Science and Management Chennai MBA + PGPM : Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Component	Amount (INR)
Annual Fee (per year)	INR 3,75,000
Total Fees (2 years)	INR 7,50,000

Event	Date
CAT Registration Closes	September 15, 2026
XAT Registration Closes	December 6, 2026
CMAT Registration Closes	November 24, 2026 (Tentative)
CAT Exam	November 29, 2026
CAT Result	December 24, 2026 (Tentative)
XAT Exam	January 3, 2027
CMAT Exam	January 24, 2027 (Tentative)
Class Commencement	July 2027 (Tentative)

Scholarship	Amount	Eligibility
Talent Reward Exam Scholarship	Merit-based (percentage decided by institute)	Score above 96% in ISSM Talent Reward Exam
Government Merit-cum-Means Scholarship	As per scheme	Eligible students per central government norms

ISSM Chennai PGPM MBA FAQs

Ques. What entrance exams are accepted for PGPM MBA admission at ISSM Chennai?

Ans. ISSM Chennai accepts scores from CAT, XAT, TANCET, CMAT, and MAT for admission to the PGPM combined MBA programme. The institute also accepts scores from its own Talent Reward Exam (TRE). Candidates are shortlisted based on a valid score in any one of these exams, after which they are invited to participate in Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds. The final selection is based on cumulative performance across all stages of evaluation.

Ques. What is the total fee for the PGPM MBA programme at ISSM Chennai?

Ans. The total programme fee for the 2-year PGPM combined MBA at ISSM Chennai is INR 7,50,000, payable at INR 3,75,000 per year. There are no separate hostel facilities listed under the programme. Students scoring above 96% in the ISSM Talent Reward Exam are eligible to apply for a merit-based scholarship that may reduce the effective fee. Final scholarship amount and payment schedule are confirmed at the time of admission.

Ques. What is the difference between the PGPM and MBA components of this programme?

Ans. The PGPM (Post Graduate Programme in Management) is a professional management certification awarded by ISSM, while the MBA (Master of Business Administration) is an academic degree awarded in collaboration with Alagappa University. Students enrolled in this combined programme complete both qualifications simultaneously over two years. The PGPM credential enhances industry recognition while the MBA degree provides academic standing for higher studies and government employment purposes.

Ques. What specialisations are available under the PGPM MBA programme at ISSM Chennai?

Ans. ISSM Chennai offers the PGPM MBA programme with specialisation options in Marketing, Finance, and Human Resources. Students typically choose one primary specialisation during the first year and deepen domain expertise in the second year through electives and project work. The curriculum is designed to develop functional expertise aligned with corporate requirements across these management domains. Students interested in operations or strategy may find the elective mix covers these areas as well.

Ques. Is the MBA degree from ISSM Chennai valid for government jobs and higher studies?

Ans. Yes, the MBA degree is awarded by Alagappa University, which is a recognised central university in Tamil Nadu. Degrees from Alagappa University are recognised by the UGC and are valid for government employment, higher studies, and public sector recruitment where an MBA or equivalent postgraduate management degree is required. The programme also carries international recognition from the Malaysia University of Science and Technology, which may be relevant for candidates considering global career pathways after completing the course.