If you’re planning to apply for a one-year MBA in India for the 2027 intake (Class of 2028), it’s time to start preparing. Most leading business schools begin accepting applications from July onwards, and Round 1 deadlines for several top programs fall between July and September. While some institutes have officially announced their deadlines, others are based on historical admission patterns and are tentative estimates. This guide provides a month-by-month overview to help you plan your GMAT/Executive Assessment, essays, recommendation letters, and interview preparation.
Note: Dates marked as “Confirmed” have been officially announced by the respective institutes. Dates marked as “Tentative” are based on previous admission cycles and may change when official notifications are released.
July 2026 – The Admission Season Begins
The one-year MBA application cycle officially kicks off in July, with the first deadlines announced by several leading institutes.
Confirmed Deadlines
- IIM Kozhikode – PGP-BL (Round 1): 15 July 2026
- SPJIMR – PGPM (Round 2): 31 July 2026
August 2026 – Round 1 Applications Gather Momentum
August is one of the busiest months for applicants targeting the top IIMs.
Confirmed Deadlines
- IIM Bangalore – EPGP (Round 1): 17 August 2026
Tentative Deadlines
- IIM Calcutta – MBAEx (Round 1): Around 23 August 2026
- IIM Kozhikode – PGP-BL (Round 2): Around 31 August 2026
September 2026 – The Most Important Month
September features the Round 1 deadlines for India’s most competitive one-year MBA programs.
Confirmed Deadlines
- IIM Ahmedabad – PGPX (Round 1): 2 September 2026
- ISB PGP (Round 1): 20 September 2026
- SPJIMR – PGPM (Round 3): 15 September 2026
October 2026 – Round 2 Applications Begin
As interviews for Round 1 commence, several institutes open or close their Round 2 applications.
Tentative Deadlines
- IIM Lucknow – IPMX (Round 1): Around 17–18 October 2026
- IIM Calcutta – MBAEx (Round 2): Around 18 October 2026
- IIM Udaipur – MBA DEM / MBA GSCM (Round 1): Around 20 October 2026
- IIM Indore – EPGP (Round 1): 31 October 2026
November 2026 – Final Round for Several Programs
November is one of the busiest months, with multiple Round 2 and final-round deadlines.
Confirmed Deadlines
- IIM Bangalore – EPGP (Round 2 – Final): 25 November 2026
- IIM Ahmedabad – PGPX (Round 2 – Final): 23 November 2026
- IIM Kozhikode – PGP-BL (Round 3): 20 November 2026
Tentative Deadlines
- IIM Shillong – PGPEX (Round 1): Around 16 November 2026
- IIM Udaipur – MBA DEM / MBA GSCM (Round 2): Around 20 November 2026
- IIM Calcutta – MBAEx (Round 3): Around 26 November 2026
December 2026 – The Largest Application Round
December includes ISB’s largest application round along with several other important deadlines.
Confirmed Deadlines
- ISB PGP (Round 2): 6 December 2026
Tentative Deadlines
- XLRI – PGDM (General Management): XAT 2027 registrations typically close in the first week of December
- IIM Lucknow – IPMX (Round 2): Around 17–20 December 2026
January 2027 – The Final Opportunity
January marks the final application window for most one-year MBA programs.
Confirmed Deadlines
- ISB PGP (Round 3 – Final): 17 January 2027
Tentative Deadlines
- IIM Indore – EPGP (Round 2 – Final): Around 10–15 January 2027
- IIM Lucknow – IPMX (Round 3 – Final): End of January 2027
- IIM Shillong – PGPEX (Round 2 – Final): Late January 2027
- IIM Udaipur – MBA DEM / MBA GSCM (Rounds 3 & 4): Throughout January 2027
Final Thoughts
If you’re targeting a one-year MBA in India, don’t wait until the deadlines are announced. The strongest applicants typically begin preparing 4–6 months in advance, allowing enough time to prepare for the GMAT Focus or Executive Assessment, build a compelling application strategy, draft and refine essays, secure strong recommendation letters, and prepare thoroughly for interviews.
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