Frequently Asked Questions

GSBM (Ganesan School of Business Management) is a boutique business school in Chennai offering a full-time, two-year MBA programme with limited seats focused on industry-connected learning and employability.

The campus is located on Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It also has Chennai city campus for industry interface activities at No. 213, Poonamallee High Road, Behind Doshi Towers / Near KMC Hospital, Kilpauk, Chennai – 600010

It is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

The MBA degree is awarded by VMRF-DU. However, a twining degree arrangement with a foreign University is in the pipeline.

It is a degree from a UGC-recognised deemed university, and the AICTE-approved programme is valid for government employment, PhD admission and higher studies in India.

GSBM as a constituent unit of university which is a NAAC accredited institution. Accreditation is GSBM's parent university's.

GSBM, rechristened a 25-year-old department of Management, which was established in the year 2009 and is managed by a trust/society name and independently managed now.

GSBM offers an industry-connected curriculum, flexible NEP 2020-style specialisation choices, mentoring by experienced practitioners and structured placement support. Employable skill certifications. 100% of curriculum is taught from practice orientation by senior industry professionals and augmented by in-house faculty from academic perspective. Practice, Practice and practice and advance learning.

The MBA is a two-year, full-time, English medium instructions, on-campus programme divided into four semesters.

Classes for the incoming batch begin in July each year. The 2027–2029 batch is expected to begin in July 2027.

The programme has confirmed sanctioned intake of just120 students per batch.

The first-year builds foundations in management, economics, accounting, marketing, finance, people management, operations and analytics. The second year focuses on specialisation electives, a capstone project and career preparation.

We have used Lancaster model & WEF guidelines for selection of courses for required skill building.

The programme follows a credit-based system with a total of 105 credits across four semesters, including core courses, electives, a summer internship and a final project. It exceeds the UGC, AICTE & NEP baseline for a degree.

In line with the National Education Policy 2020, students may build their own specialisation by combining electives from different streams. They may also pursue an emerging-area or passion-based specialisation, subject to academic approval. The specialization is mentored and provide huge flexibility in learning with usual assessments.

Credits earned are recorded in the student's Academic Bank of Credits (APAAR/ABC) account, as applicable to the degree-awarding body.

Students may earn industry certifications in areas such as analytics tools, digital marketing and financial modelling alongside the degree. Costs are included in fees for few certifications. Based on structure they may be part of credits.

Yes, Students typically choose a major and a minor specialisation in the second year or even they can have bespoke general specialization pooling courses across specialization beside under NEP 2020 option to craft their own specialization from space to ocean economic management.

Any exit or re-entry option follows the regulations of the degree-awarding body. Students should consult the academic office before planning a break. We do encourage but guide students from any ill thought-out exit plans and the value associated with their plan.

GSBM offers specialisations in Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management Business Analytics, SCM & Operations, and Healthcare and self-designed specialization.

Students choose their specialisation at the end of the first year, after exposure to all core functions and career counselling. Each semester has core courses and when they arrive at fourth semester, they would be focussing on integrating part of program with internships, capstone project, capstone courses, job skill polishing etc.

Yes. Under the NEP 2020-aligned framework, a student may combine electives across streams or propose an emerging-area specialisation. The proposal is reviewed by a faculty committee for academic soundness and mentored by a senior faculty till assessment.

An elective runs when a minimum of 15 students opt for it. If an elective does not run, students are offered a suitable alternative. Or GSBM unique model of mentoring till assessment of any specialization irrespective of crowd will be followed to make such students standout from mass selection of specialization. It was tested and it has worked more like private home tutoring with its benefits of deep learning.

A change may be requested within 6 weeks before the start of assessment of the third semester. Students deserve all they wish. No unwanted rules, fines, punishments or depriving what they want to study if they can manage time and study for assessments.

No single specialisation is best for everyone. Students are advised to choose based on aptitude, interest and long-term career goals, supported by GSBM's career counselling and psychometric guidance. All functional specializations are part of every business activity in varying proportions. GSBM baseline focus is generalist to take up changing roles in business management.

A candidate with a bachelor's degree, of at least three years, from a recognised university, with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved categories), is eligible.

Yes. Final-year students may apply provisionally. Admission is confirmed only on submission of the final marksheet meeting the minimum aggregate by last date prescribed by AICTE by notification, usually 2nd week in the month of September of each year.

No. Graduates of any discipline, including engineering, commerce, science, arts and management, Agri, healthcare etc. is eligible.

No. Work experience is not required for regular MBA. Where present, it may be considered favourably during selection. Few seats are reserved for working professionals and for them a minimum of 1 year is desirable.

GSBM accepts scores of TANCET, CAT and MAT, and conducts its own GSBM admission test. Other reputed XAT, CMAT, ATMA and GMAT are also accepted.

The cut-off varies each year with the applicant pool. GSBM considers the entrance score together with academic record and interview performance. Selection list will take cut-off based on demand and supply and anyone may qualify at any score based on others score.

Yes, candidates without a national or state test score may take the GSBM admission test. It will be administered on its GSBM portal or in person on campus test. Direct admission for working professionals, however they must take the test to complete the admission process requirement from IQAC.

The test assesses quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, logical reasoning and general business awareness like any other national tests. Duration will be 120 Minutes. MCQ type. Admitted students can get their overall consolidated score from academic, test, interview and work experience and any state and national achievements etc.

No upper age limit applies.

Relaxation in eligibility and seat reservation follow the applicable Government of Tamil Nadu and governing-body norms. Deserving candidates may meet admission manager (phone :9841283764) for private one on one discussion.

Selection is based on a composite of entrance score, academic record, interview performance and, where applicable, work experience, achievements.

The application fee is ₹1000, payable online. It is non-refundable.

Applications for the 2027–2029 batch are open. The last date to apply is April 27, 2027. Early applicants may receive earlier interview slots. If all seats are filled, admission may close early. It will be displayed on web portal.

Candidates who cannot travel to Chennai may request an online interview.

The interview assesses clarity of career goals, communication, reasoning, awareness of business and current affairs, and fit with the programme. Candidates are encouraged to be genuine rather than rehearsed. Attitude towards higher education seriousness is also assessed. As some students take admission and fail in attendance requirement.

• Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets
• Degree marksheets (all semesters) and degree or provisional certificate
• Transfer certificate and migration certificate (where applicable)
• Entrance exam scorecard, other than GSBM test
• Community certificate (for reserved categories)
• Work experience letter (if any)
• Government photo ID (Aadhaar or passport) and passport-size photographs

No. In line with UGC norms, original certificates are verified and returned; the institution does not retain them. UGC notice on refund and non-retention of certificates

GSBM does not accept capitation fees or donations for admission. All admissions are merit-based through the published process and on first come first basis.

NRI and international applicants may apply. They must hold a degree recognised as equivalent by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and valid visa documents. GSBM international office will facilitate them with required Bonafide documents required by FPRO, GOI.

The total tuition fee for the two-year programme is ₹6,50,000. Deserving candidates get DR A S Ganesan merit scholarship of up to Rs.200000. Watchout for merit scholarship test on web portal.

• Tuition fee (2 years) As per refund policy
• Examination and university fees extra
• Books, course kit and learning resources
• Certifications and industry visits
• No Caution / security deposit
• Hostel and mess (optional, per year). As per hostel policy. Contact manager admission (phone :9841283764) for details

GSBM publishes all fees upfront; no undisclosed charges are collected during the programme.

Yes. The fee is payable in 3 instalments. All fees should be completed before start of 4th semester. Bank loans see Q50.

GSBM offers merit-based scholarships based on entrance score and academic record. Need-based support may be considered for students from economically weaker backgrounds. See web portal for more details.

Eligible students may apply for Government of India and Government of Tamil Nadu post-matric scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal or the state portal. GSBM assists with required Bonafide documentation.

Yes. Students may apply for education loans from nationalised and private banks, including through the Government's Vidya Lakshmi portal. GSBM provides the fee structure and Bonafide certificate required by banks.

Refunds follow the UGC fee refund policy:

A processing fee of up to ₹1,000 may be deducted. Caution deposits are refunded in full. UGC refund policy as notified by institutions, GSBM do not collect caution deposit. Hostel may have and seek clarification.

Approved refunds are credited to the payer's bank account within 15 working days of the written request.

The faculty combines full-time academics with doctoral qualifications and industry professionals with leadership experience. Expert master classes and workshops are conducted by the best in the industry and involve experts from abroad for select interactions.

The student–faculty ratio is 1:10, exceeds AICTE/UGC norms.

Teaching blends case studies, live projects, simulations, role-plays, industry guest sessions, workshops, master classes, and field visits, so that students apply concepts rather than memorise them.

Assessment is continuous (CA). It combines internal assessments (assignments, quizzes, presentations, projects) with end-semester examinations (SE) in a ratio of 70:30 (CA: SE)

GSBM has developed a culture of 100% attendance. A good number of students have achieved this goal. A minimum of 75% attendance in each course is required to appear for end-semester examinations to account for any emergencies.

Each student is assigned a faculty mentor who supports academic progress, career planning and personal development throughout the programme. A mentor is also assigned for student designed specialization and may also get industry mentor based on area and availability at GSBM cost.

Yes. Bridge courses in quantitative methods, accounting and spreadsheets are offered at the start, followed by remedial sessions and faculty office hours as needed.

Yes. A mandatory summer internship of 8–10 weeks is undertaken between the second and third semesters and carries academic credit. In case of special request from industry for completion of any valuable project extension is provided on case-to-case basis.

Yes. The Career Development Cell sources internship opportunities from its industry network and guides students in applying. Students may also secure internships independently with approval.

No institution can ethically guarantee a job. GSBM provides 100% placement support: every eligible student receives training, access to recruiters and interview opportunities. Final selection depends on the recruiter and the student's performance and or preference. It is not company that may reject a student, but students too reject some companies and roles. GSBM do not force either. Demand and supply and preference guide the process. A policy exists on students’ behaviour about acceptance and rejection of offers in shortest time possible giving opportunity to other students and not wasting valuable recruiters time. Essential for image and brand.

Preparation includes aptitude training, resume building, mock interviews with real HR recruiters, group discussion practice, LinkedIn profile development and soft-skills workshops from the first semester onwards. Separate training for pooled recruitment by reputed companies at other campuses is provided to stand out among their peers.

100% Placement

Recruiters include from across sectors GSBM do not publish names and logos of recruiters without their consent, as they are copyrighted. Few with consent is given below. ITC, Teamlease, Six Sigma Soft Solutions Pvt Ltd, E-Con Systems India Pvt Limited etc.

Yes. Aspiring entrepreneurs receive mentoring, access to incubation guidance and the option of an entrepreneurship-based final project. Within GSBM eco system we have a successful Ganesan Incubation & Entrepreneurship Centre (GIEC). Funding, expert support, sounding boards, interaction with different types of investors is available. Incubation period of 2 years is FREE of rent, electricity, water and support services.

Graduates who are not placed, or who wish to change jobs, may continue to access career services. Placement cell does get enquiries for experienced graduates.

The campus has airconditioned classrooms with digital teaching aids, a library with print and online databases (EBSCO, CMIE, PROWESS, EMERALD etc.), a computer lab, several auditoriums, Wi-Fi, 3 cafeterias, canteen and sports facilities including international standard cricket ground, Football, basketball court, tennis and all indoor games.

Separate hostel accommodation for women is available on campus. For men nearby, with mess facilities and wardens. For fees and capacity enquire from Manager (phone :9841283764) Admissions.

Yes, College transport serves selected routes across Chennai. Contact Manager (phone :9841283764) admissions for routes and charges.

Students run clubs in areas such as finance, marketing, HR, analytics, entrepreneurship, culture, sports and, and organise management fests, competitions and conclaves. Social media club/committee, placement club/committee, Sustainability for social service etc.

The campus has security staff, CCTV surveillance, controlled entry and a women's safety committee. Hostels have resident wardens and fixed entry timings.

GSBM campus is incident free and there is no compromise in this area.

Yes. 100%. GSBM follows the UGC anti-ragging regulations and has an Anti-Ragging Committee and Squad. Students and parents submit an anti-ragging undertaking at admission. Complaints may also be made to the national helpline 1800-180-5522 or antiragging.in. The culture is one of respect, bonhomie, camaraderie, collaboration, oneness of purpose. Outlined in GSBM values.

Yes. Students have confidential access to a qualified counselling psychologist for stress, adjustment, academic pressure and personal concerns. Seeking support is encouraged and does not affect academic records.

On campus duty doctor with MBBS qualification and First aid is available on campus, 24X7 and the institution has arrangements with nearby hospitals for emergencies.

GSBM provides reasonable accommodation for students with disabilities, including accessible classrooms and examination support, in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Parents are important stakeholders. Parents receive semester results and attendance updates and are invited to parent–mentor meetings each semester. Concerns about attendance or performance are communicated early. SMS attendance intimation is in place.

Parents may contact the student's faculty mentor or the Programme Office at Prof. Bharatnivas, Phone: 7639261272. Matters not resolved at that level may be escalated to the Prof. Balaganapthy, Director. Phone: 7358619997

Yes. GSBM has a Student Grievance Redressal Committee and an Ombudsperson as required under the UGC (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2023, and an Internal Complaints Committee under the POSH Act.

Our moderate fee has ROI period of less than a year. The value of an MBA depends on the quality of the programme, the student's commitment and the career path chosen. Families are encouraged to compare total cost with verified median salaries and long-term growth, not only the highest package advertised by any institution.

Yes. Parents and applicants are welcome to visit, meet faculty and see facilities on any working day, preferably by appointment by contacting Manager admission (phone :9841283764) to dedicate a counsellor for coordination. GSBM always welcome parents for inauguration and convocation to be part of their ward’s journey.

An MBA suits graduates who have a clear interest in management careers. Those unsure of their direction may benefit from one or two years of work experience first. GSBM welcomes both fresh graduates and experienced candidates.

An MBA is a degree awarded by a university. A PGDM is a diploma awarded by an AICTE-approved autonomous institute; it is treated as equivalent to an MBA when the institute holds AIU equivalence. Both are respected when the institution is recognised. GSBM has plans to move to PGDM to provide maximum flexibility to students in learning contemporary syllabus and in line with 70% continuous internal assessment. When PGDM 100% will be continuous assessment within parameters of UGC, AICTE. NEP, NBA and other international accreditations like AACSB.

• Approval and recognition on official portals (AICTE, UGC)
• Accreditation and its validity
• Full fee structure, including non-tuition charges
• Verified placement data (median salary and percentage placed)
• Faculty qualifications and industry links
• Refund policy and grievance mechanism
• Feedback from current students and alumni

GSBM has unique and differentiator approach. We do not like to mention for public consumption that may be replicated/imitated by other competing management schools. As usual the aspirants are provided with support to strengthen basic spreadsheet and numerical skills, read business news regularly, and reflect on their strengths and career interests. GSBM shares a pre-programme reading list with admitted students.