IIM Bangalore (IIMB) EPGP Admission Preparation
IIMB EPGP Admission Journey – What Awaits You?
IIMB's Executive Postgraduate Programme (EPGP) is a one-year full-time residential MBA program designed for professionals with 5 to 15 years of working experience, aiming to strengthen their leadership abilities and advance to senior management roles. From the moment you begin your application to the day you graduate, IIMB ensures a dynamic and enriching experience.
IIMB EPGP Application Process: Stage I
The application process at IIMB is structured to assess multiple dimensions of a candidate’s profile, including academic performance, work experience, leadership potential, and alignment with the program’s values.
The admission process begins with completing the online application and verifying the required documents. Here are more details on the process:
Eligibility Criteria
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Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized university. (Applicants with CA/ICWA/CS after Class XII are also valid).
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A valid GMAT/GRE is mandatory (taken within the last 5 years).
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Minimum of 5 to a maximum of 15 years of working experience.
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TOEFL/IELTS is NOT required for Indian applicants. (Mandatory for international applicants whose education was not in English.
Application Components
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Start by filling out the online application form.
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Submit your GMAT or GRE score.
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2 mandatory recommendation letters (online) by previous/present employers or academic teachers. (Submitted by referees).
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The referee must submit the references using the reference link and passcode sent to their email.
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An SOP describing your professional journey, aspirations, and why you want to pursue the EPGP program.
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Upload the documents and the fee payment.
Document Verification
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10th and 12th board certificates and a bachelor’s degree.
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Professional degree transcripts (CA/CS/ICWA) (if applicable).
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SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS certificate (if applicable).
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Relevant disability certificates (UDID cared for people with disability).
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Work experience letters, first and last payslips.
IIMB EPGP Application Process (Interview): Stage II
Once your application is submitted, the IIMB team will assess it based on eligibility criteria, work experience, and academic credentials. Shortlisted candidates will then proceed to the second stage, which consists of a personal interview (PI) and a written ability test (WAT).
Format & Goal
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An offline interview will be conducted in Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. (Online interview for students outside India on the date of the interview).
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The interview round will consist of questions related to your professional and academic experience, personal interests, SOP, and general knowledge.
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Written Ability Test (WAT) will happen on the same day (Time given: Approx 30 minutes).
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In WAT, candidates write a short essay (250–400 words) in 20–30 minutes (It helps to evaluate candidates' understanding of the topic, answer structure, and written communication.)
Panel Composition
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The interview panel typically consists of 2–3 members, including IIMB faculty, alumni, or industry professionals.
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The goal of this round (PI and WAT) is to assess your leadership potential, academic abilities, professional experience, career aspirations, and cultural fit with IIMB.
Evaluation Parameters
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Strong academic records and positive GMAT/ GRE scores in each section.
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The quality and depth of your professional experience.
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Leadership qualities and Interpersonal skills.
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Critical thinking and the ability to handle pressure
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Relevance of your Statement of Purpose to IIMB values.
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Ability to answer well in the written ability test (WAT).
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Knowledge of national and international current affairs.
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Communication Skills
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Gender diversity
Final Selection
The final decision is based on how you perform in Stage I and Stage II. The GMAT / GRE score is assessed in combination with your academic profile, SOP, working experience, achievements, WAT test, and personal interview performance.
Get Access To The IIMB WAT Preparation Starter Kit
How To Perform Well In IIMB EPGP Application And Interview?
The one-year Executive Post Graduate Programme (EPGP) at IIM Bangalore attracts professionals who already have strong careers but want to accelerate further. Every applicant comes with impressive experience and achievements. The real differentiators are:
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How well can you communicate your story?
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Why does your journey make sense?
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Why now is the right time? and
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Why is IIMB the right place for you?
The IIMB application and interview are about clarity, depth, and authenticity. Check out some expert tips to perform your best in Stage I and Stage II.
How To Make A Strong Application?
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Mention both academic and non-academic achievements, social work experience, and publications in your application.
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Instead of generic aspirations in your SOP, link your short-term goals directly to EPGP’s offerings—like electives, leadership labs, or global exposure.
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IIMB values candidates who have evolved over time. Show how each stage of your career prepared you for leadership roles and why now is the right time for an MBA.
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Interviewers spot the exaggerations or inconsistencies between SOP and academics and professional experience. So, be true in your application.
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Seek help from an expert mentor of the alumni. A mentor can refine your SOP, writing skills, and narrative to ensure consistency and clarity.
Tips To Prepare For IIMB EPGP Interview
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Stay consistent with your answers in the interview. Make sure it matches your SOP.
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In WAT, combine analytical ability with ethical judgment while answering.
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When asked about leadership, failures, or ethics, back your answers with concrete incidents from your career.
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Maintain a calm posture, a clear voice, and composed expressions to convey confidence and maturity.
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Practice with mock interviews to rehearse for unpredictable questions and refine your presentation under pressure.
Important Dates For IIMB EPGP 2025–26 Admissions
Round | Application Opens | Application Deadline | PI / WAT Dates | Offer / Final Result Announcement | Acceptance Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 16 June 2025 | 7 August 2025 | 23–24 August 2025 | 16 September 2025 | 26 September 2025 |
2 | 9 August 2025 | 9 October 2025 | 25–26 October 2025 | 17 November 2025 | 27 November 2025 |
3 | 11 October 2025 | 1 December 2025 | 13–14 December 2025 | 5 January 2026 | 15 January 2026 |
How To Write Your IIMB Essays, Resume, And Recommendations?
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Read the question with a calm mind and understand it before writing.
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The basic topics include business trends, policy debates, or abstract ideas.
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Create a structure that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.
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Include examples from your professional or personal experience.
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Focus on a logical flow, crisp sentences, and impactful insights. Avoid filler content.
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You will have around 30 minutes, so practice timed essays beforehand.
What To Expect From Your Preppie Mock Interview?
An expert consultant or a senior alumni will take your interview.
The interview questions will be tailored to your profile and essay.
Get 10+ feedback points to improve for the actual interview.
IIMB EPGP Interview Questions And How To Prepare
The IIMB interviewers will assess your leadership potential, academic readiness, and cultural fit. Here are the types of questions you can expect:
Most Common Questions Asked In
IIMB EPGP Interviews
- 01
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Personal background (Strengths, weaknesses, hobbies)
Academic and Professional (projects, work achievements)
Current Affairs and Opinion-Based Questions (science, economy, policy, and more)
Behavioral Questions (leadership or personal challenges)
Types Of IIMB Interview Questions You Should Know
The IIMB interview is one of the most challenging in Indian business schools. With around 80-85 seats available and hundreds of candidates competing for them, the interview process is highly competitive. The interview questions cover not just academic, professional, and personal areas, but also:
IIMB EPGP Interview Preparation: Comprehensive Package
IIMB EPGP Application Mentorship Comprehensive Package
Indian B-Schools |
|---|
1 school : INR 30,000 |
2 schools : INR 50,000 |
3rd school onwards : INR 10,000 per
additional school |
Success Stories from Our IIMB Aspirants
Prateek Mahajan
IIMB Admit
Class of 2026
I had originally approached Preppie for IIMA interview training but as luck would have it I was waitlisted at IIMA but converted IIMB. Kudos to Team Preppie for immense support
Neethu Mathews
IIMB Admit
Class of 2026
Application guidance and interview training from my mentor, Kshitij provided the much needed direction to my application strategy and get an admit despite a lower than average GMAT score
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