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Kerala MBA Admission Process 2025

Poulomi Dey's profile picture

Updated on Jun 12, 2025

Poulomi Dey

Admissions to MBA programs in Kerala are primarily conducted through KMAT, which is organised by the Commissioner of Entrance Examinations, Government of Kerala. Besides KMAT, many other top business schools and universities in Kerala also accept scores from national-level entrance examinations such as CAT, MAT, XAT, and CMAT for their MBA course. The selection process includes an entrance examination, followed by a GD/PI. The aspirants must possess a bachelor's degree and secure at least 50% marks in the same.

 

The MBA course in Kerala is a two-year PG program that helps to acquire knowledge and skills in management. The PG program covers subjects like finance, marketing, human resource management, operations, and business analytics. The students are exposed to real business situations during their study through internships, field visits, seminars, and business simulations. The MBA in Kerala offers diverse career opportunities in banks, consulting, IT, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship and equips graduates with the skills and confidence to take on leadership positions in the corporate world.

 

Table of Contents

  1. Kerala MBA Eligibility Criteria
  2. Kerala MBA Entrance Exam 2025
  3. Kerala MBA Admission Process
  4. Top Colleges for MBA in Kerala
  5. Frequently Asked Questions

 

Kerala MBA Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for admission to an MBA course in Kerala, candidates must meet certain criteria laid down by the exam authorities and the concerned universities. The MBA eligibility in Kerala ensures that applicants have an appropriate academic background and qualifications to meet the rigorous management program. The following are the eligibility criteria for the Kerala MBA admission:

  • The candidate must be a citizen of India and a resident of Kerala.
  • A bachelor's degree (3 years minimum) in any stream from a recognised university is mandatory.
  • General category students must have secured 50% aggregate marks ( 45% for SC/ST candidates).
  • Final year candidates of the undergraduate program can also apply.
  • There is no age restriction to appear for the KMAT Kerala.
  • Candidates are eligible for Kerala MBA admission with valid scores in KMAT Kerala/ CAT/ CMAT/ XAT, etc.

 

Kerala MBA Entrance Exam 2025

The main MBA entrance exam in Kerala at the state level for MBA admissions is thus the KMAT Kerala, which is conducted twice a year in February and May. Along with KMAT Kerala, most of the top MBA colleges in Kerala, IIM Kozhikode, NIT Calicut, and Cochin University of Science and Technology accept national-level scores of CAT and MAT for admission.

Exam Name

Application Dates

Exam Date

Application Fee

CAT 2025

Aug 2025 – Sep 2025 (expected)

Nov 30, 2025 (expected)

INR 2,400 (Gen)

 

INR 1,200 (SC/ST/PwD)

XAT 2026

July 2025 – Nov 2025

Jan 2026

INR 2,100 (all categories)

CMAT 2026

Feb – Mar 2026

May 2026

INR 2,000 (Gen)

 

INR 1,000 (SC/ ST/ PwD)

MAT 2025

4 Sessions: Jan, May, Sep, Dec

Multiple windows

INR 2,100 (all categories)

GMAT 2025

Throughout the year

Throughout the year

USD 275 (For Test Centre)

 

USD 300 (For Online GMAT)

 

State Level Exam

Exam Name

Application Dates

Exam Date

Application Fee

KMAT Kerala 2026

Session 1: Feb 2026

Session 1: Feb 2026

INR 1,000 (Gen/OBC), INR 750 (SC/ST)

Session 2: Apr – May 2026

Session 2: May 2026

 

Kerala MBA Admission Process

The Kerala MBA admission process is similar for most of the institutions. Candidates seeking admission under the state quota must appear for the KMAT examination. However, other candidates can appear for the national level entrance exam like CAT, MAT, CMAT, etc, for MBA admission in Kerala. Candidates can follow the steps below to get admission at NIT Calicut:

  1. Visit the official NIT Calicut website to fill out the Online Form for the MBA program.
  2. Pay the application fee online (INR 1,000 for General/ OBC/ EWS/ PwD; INR 500 for SC/ ST).
  3. Candidates must upload scanned copies of documents required (Academic certificates, CAT scorecard, work experience certificate, if any).
  4. The shortlisted candidates will be called for a group discussion and a Personal Interview based on CAT scores.
  5. The final merit list will be proceeds, weighing CAT scores, GD, PI performance, and academic record.
  6. For paying the admission fee and document verification based on the final admission.

 

Documents Required

Candidates must carry the following documents for MBA admission in Kerala:

  • Class 10 & 12 Mark Sheet and Passing Certificate
  • KMAT/CAT/CMAT 2025 Admit Card and Scorecard
  • UG Degree Mark Sheet and Provisional Certificate
  • Proof of Date of Birth
  • Nationality Certificate (such as a Passport or certificate from the District Magistrate)
  • Aadhar Card or other government-issued ID
  • Domicile Certificate of Kerala (if applicable)
  • Transfer Certificate from the last attended institution
  • Caste Certificate (if applicable)
  • Tribe Validity Certificate (if applicable)
  • Income Certificate (if applicable)
  • Medical Certificate (for persons with physical disabilities, if applicable)
  • Work Experience Certificate (if applicable)

 

Top Colleges for MBA in Kerala

A few top MBA colleges in Kerala are mentioned below:

College

Course Offered

NIRF Ranking 2024

Total Course Fee

IIM Kozhikode

PGP BL

3 (Management)

INR 21,00,000

Cochin University of Science and Technology

MBA

51 (Overall)

INR 1,39,000

NIT Calicut

MBA

54 (Overall)

INR 4,30,000

Kochi Business School

MBA

-

INR 3,70,000

LEAD College of Management, Palakkad

MBA

-

INR 8,00,000

SCMS School of Technology and Management, Kochi

MBA

-

INR 7,10,000

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam

MBA

-

INR 16,40,000

Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship, Kochi

PGDM

-

INR 9,90,000

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best MBA program in Kerala?

IIM Kozhikode is the prime choice for an MBA in Kerala, having a great faculty, placement record, and a place in rankings. Another institute that counts with this status is NIT Calicut, which provides quality management education and industrial exposure. The best MBA for you would depend on your career objectives, interests in specialisation, and preferred environment of the campus.

Can I pursue an MBA without an exam in Kerala?

Yes, you can pursue an MBA in Kerala without an entrance exam, since various private colleges and institutes offer direct MBA admission on the basis of academic performance and other criteria. However, most renowned and government colleges would still consider entrance test scores, of which KMAT Kerala, CAT, or CMAT are most relevant for admission. Should you choose to go for direct admission, do confirm the specific eligibility and selection process of the college in question, for recognition and criteria may vary.

What are the scores required for passing in KMAT Kerala for an MBA?

Most colleges in Kerala of repute require an entrance test score, such as KMAT, CAT, or CMAT, for the MBA programs; a few private institutes may grant direct admission. In the case of the KMAT Kerala MBA entrance, the qualifying marks are 10% (72 marks out of 720) for general candidates and 7.5% (54 marks out of 720) for SEBC and SC/ST categories. Accordingly, admission is based on the performance in the entrance exam, group discussion and personal interview.

What is the best type of MBA exam for Kerala?

The entrance exams recognised and preferred for MBA admission in Kerala are KMAT Kerala, CAT, and CMAT. These exams are accepted by almost every top management institute in the state and form the basis for securing a seat in the leading colleges.

Is it a good decision to do an MBA in Kerala?

The good thing about pursuing an MBA in Kerala is that there are a few top-ranked institutes with very affordable fees and well-placed opportunities. It provides a very good academic environment supported by exposure to different industries and a very lively campus life. Graduates from the leading MBA course in Kerala tend to land jobs with well-known companies nationally and internationally.

How Long is an MBA in Kerala?

The full-time post-graduate MBA program, which is popular in Kerala, is for two years, divided into four semesters. This usual arrangement allows students to access holistic management knowledge, taking up internships and other specialisation areas of interest. Some universities also offer part-time or executive MBA options that differ in length.

 

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